Pulsing olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactors
A method of preventing or inhibiting fouling in an olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactor is provided. The method involves varying the fluidization velocity inside the reactor over time about a set point.
1 . A method for preventing or inhibiting fouling in an olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactor, comprising:
periodically changing the fluidization velocity inside the reactor during operation.
2 . The method according claim 1 , wherein the changing step comprises changing the volumetric flow rate of a feed stream to the reactor.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the changing step comprises introducing an additional fluid into the reactor.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the changing step comprises decreasing pressure inside the reactor.
5 . A method for preventing or inhibiting fouling in an olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactor, comprising:
periodically changing the fluidization velocity inside the reactor in a sinusoidal manner.
6 . A method for preventing or inhibiting fouling in an olefin polymerization fluidized-bed reactor, comprising:
periodically changing the fluidization velocity inside the reactor in a step-wise manner.
7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluidization velocity is changed every 0.5 to 30 minutes.
8 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluidization velocity is varied between 0.2 and 4 feet/second.
9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluidization velocity is changed from ±1 to ±50% of its previous value.
10 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluidization velocity is changed from ±5 to ±10% of its previous value.