Unit Processes
Polymerization
Instruct Dr. Muhammad Aslam
or:
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
By the end of this course, the students should be
able to
Describe important unit processes of
industrial applications.
Apply the fundamentals of chemical kinetics,
reaction mechanisms and thermodynamics
for unit processes
Develop a process flow diagram for the
production of various industrial chemicals.
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Group Members
1. Mobeen 010
2. Talha saleem 040
3. Mubasal Tariq 074
4. Mujtaba Hassan 062
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Polymerization
Polymers and Polymeriations;
Polymers are macromolecules buit up by the linking together
of large numbers of much smaller molecules. The process of
linking the repeating units is termed as polymerization.
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Monomers
Monomers;
The small molecules which combime with each other to form polymer
molecules are termed as monomers
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Polymers
How big are the polymers?
Let CHE2-CH2≈ 1inch
This ends up with chain of approximately 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in
diameter and 1/2 mile (805m) long
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Types of Polymers and Polymerization
Classification of Polymers
Polymer Polymerization
structure Mechanism
Condensation Step Chain
Polymer Addition Polymer
Polymerization Polymerization
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Types of Polymers
Classification of polymers depending on their structure
Liner Polymers;
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Types of Polymers
Classification of polymers depending on their structure
Branched Polymers;
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Polymerization of Gasoline
Description
Polymerization in the petroleum industry is the process of converting light olefin
gases including ethylene propylene, and butylene into hydrocarbons of higher
molecular weight and higher octane number that can be used as gasoline blending
stocks.
Polymerization combines two or more identical olefin molecules to form a single
molecule with the same elements in the same proportions as the original
molecules.
Polymerization may be accomplished thermally or in the presence of a catalyst at
lower temperatures.
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Polymerization of Gasoline
The Refinery
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Polymerization of Gasoline
The Explanation of the Process
The olefin feedstock is pretreated to remove sulfur and other undesirable
compounds.
In the catalytic process the feedstock is either passed over a solid
phosphoric acid catalyst or comes in contact with liquid phosphorie acid,
where an exothermic polymeric reaction occurs.
This reaction requires cooling water and the injection of cold feedstock into
the reactor to control
Temperatures between 300° and 450°F.
Pressures from 200 psi to 1,200 psi.
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Polymerization of Gasoline
Principle Reaction
olefin + olefin --> olefin
C=C-C + C=C-C --> C-C-C=C-C
C=C-C-C + C=C-C _-> C-C-C-C-C=C-C
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Process Polymerization Alkylation
Alkylation
• Purpose v/s Polymerization
• Polymerize propene and butenes • Produce a high octane gasoline
to form a high octane gasoline. by reactine light olefines with light
isoparaffins.
• Primarily a mixture of (propylene
• Propene and butane. and butylene) with isobutane.
• Feed
• Lower temperature.
• Operating • Pressure 200-1200 psi
• Conditions • Space Velocity 0.3 gal/lb
• (yield a higher quality)
• Temperature 300-450 F • Strong acid strength.
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Process Polymerization Alkylation
Alkylation v/s Polymerization • (H2S04 and HF)
• Catalyst • Phosphoric acid • The concentrations must be
greater than 88%
• 1). LPG grade propane liquid
• Products • 1). Liquefied petro. gas 1. • 2). Normal butane liquid
• 2). High octane naphtha • 3). C5 + alkylate (want to
• 3). Petrochem feedstock maximize its production)
• GasolineSpecification • MON = 83 • MON = 88-94
• RON = 97 • RON = 94-99
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Safety Measures
A. Prevention and Protection:
Polymerization is a closed process where the potential for a fire exists due to leaks or releases
reaching a source of ignition.
B. Safety:
The potential for an uncontrolled exothermic reaction exists should loss of cooling water occur.
Severe corrosion leading to equipment failure will occur should water make contact with the
phosphoric acid, such as during water washing at shutdowns.
Corrosion may also occur in piping manifolds, reboilers, exchangers, and other locations where
acid may settle out.
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Safety Measures
C. Health:
Because this is a closed system, exposures are expected to be minimal under normal operating
conditions.
There is a potential for exposure to caustic wash (sodium hydroxide), to phosphoric acid used in
the process or washed out during turnarounds, and to catalyst dust.
Safe work practices and/or appropriate personal protective equipment may be needed for
exposures to chemicals and other hazards such as noise and heat, and during process sampling,
inspection, maintenance, and turnaround activities.
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Words of Today
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Thank you
