초록 ▼

A process for producing a substantially dry polymer particle powder. A mixture of polymerization reagents is formed from a mixture of at least one monomer source and a solvent selected from the group consisting essentially of water and organic solvents and an initiator source. The mixture of polymer

A process for producing a substantially dry polymer particle powder. A mixture of polymerization reagents is formed from a mixture of at least one monomer source and a solvent selected from the group consisting essentially of water and organic solvents and an initiator source. The mixture of polymerization reagents is sprayed into a heated, controlled atmosphere, forming droplets of the mixture which are allowed to fall through the heated, controlled atmosphere for a sufficient period of time to obtain a desired degree of polymerization. The solvent is continuously evacuated from the atmosphere during the polymerization process.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for continuously producing a water-absorbing polymer comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a mixture of a monomer, a crosslinker and an initiator in water;(b) heating the atmosphere of a reaction chamber to between about 70.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F.,

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method for continuously producing a water-absorbing polymer comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a mixture of a monomer, a crosslinker and an initiator in water;(b) heating the atmosphere of a reaction chamber to between about 70.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F., defined by a vessel by heating at least one structural element exposed to the chamber atmosphere;(c) controlling the pressure of the atmosphere in the reaction chamber at or below ambient pressure;(d) spraying the mixture into the heated atmosphere forming free-falling droplets;(e) allowing the droplets to fall through the heated atmosphere for a period of time sufficient to obtain a desired degree of polymerization of the monomer and crosslinking of the polymerized monomer and to form dry particles of flowable water-absorbing polymer powder; and(f) removing fallen particles of dry water-absorbing polymer powder that collect at the bottom of the reaction chamber while continuously producing polymer.