Technology

The Hostalen ACP process is a Slurry Polymerization method with three Reactors in series to produce Bimodal and Multimodal High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

Polymerization occurs in a Dispersing Medium, such as n-Hexane, using a very High-Activity Ziegler-Natta Catalyst.

For HDPE Production the Catalyst, the Dispersing Medium, Monomer and Hydrogen are fed to the First Reactor where the first Polymerisation step occurs.

The Second and Third Polymerization steps occur under different Reaction Conditions with respect to each Reactor. No further Catalyst but only Ethylene, Butene and further Dispersing Medium are fed to the Second and Third Reactor.

Finally, the HDPE Slurry from the Third Reactor is sent to the Decanter and the Polymer is separated from the Dispersing Medium.

The Polymer containing the remaining Hexane is dried in a Fluidized Bed Dryer and Catalyst/Cocatalyst Residuals are removed in the Powder Treatment Vessel.

Source: Hydrocarbon Processing, 18^th Jun 2018, Polyethylene, HDPE Process by LyondellBasell (accessed 14^th Nov 2021).