Technological scheme for the production of isoprene rubber

Description of the technological scheme

         Isoprene and an inert solvent are pumped continuously into the mixer 1, where they are intensively mixed for about 1 minute at a temperature of -5 to 10 ° C in order to avoid the formation of a noticeable amount of polymer. An isoprene solution, called a "charge", a centrifugal pump 2, is continuously sent under a pressure of about 5 kgf / cm2 (0.5 MPa) to a polymerizer battery 3 consisting of several (four to six) polymerizers connected in series with a capacity of 16 m3 each  (on 

The diagram shows only two polymerizers - the first and the last).

In addition to the charge, a solution of the catalytic complex is supplied to the first polymerizer using a dosing pump (not shown in the diagram).

         The polymerization mixture flows from one filled polymerizer to another by gravity due to the pressure drop.

To maintain the required temperature, the polymerizers are cooled by the brine entering the jacket. In order to improve heat transfer and maintain the same temperature of the polymerization mass, as well as to clean the walls from polymer deposits, the polymerizer is equipped with a mixer with scrapers.

The reaction mass from the last polymerizer in the battery comes 

in the mixer 4. To stop the process of isoprene polymerization in the same place

A stopper and an antioxidant solution are supplied.

From the mixer 4, the reaction mass is fed into the washing column 5, 

where it is washed with water with vigorous stirring, then in large 

containers (not shown in the diagram) to obtain a homogeneous composition, after 

which is sent to the first stage of degassing of the degasser 6, in which 

Hot steam removes part of the isoprene and solvent.

         The final degassing is carried out by steam in the second stage of the degasser 6, where the pulp (suspension of rubber crumbs in water) is fed by the pump 8. 

At the same time, an anti-agglomerator is supplied there to obtain non-sticky crumbs.          Isoprene and solvent residues from the degassers 6 enter the condensation and separation. The pulp is transported by the pump 7 to the vibrating screen, water washing, dehydration and drying.