TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PTMEG
PROCESS FEATURES
CONSER is in position to offer technology of production of PolyTetraMethylene EtherGlycol (PTMEG) based on the extensive research performed in the laboratories and pilot units of the SISAS group.
Different types (or grades) of PTMEG may be produced, classified according the average molecular weight of the polymer.
CONSER, co-inventor of the process, has executed the complete basic design of a large PTMEG plant to be erected in Belgium.
The construction of the plant has been stopped due to financial problems of the SISAS group.
REFERENCES
(1) planned
Location POLIDIOL Belgium
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
The PTMEG technology offered by CONSER is based on the following major steps:
Polymerization
The polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a classic example of cationic ring-opening polymerization.
THF is polymerized over a heterogeneous catalyst in presence of acetic anhydride to form polytetramethylene ether diacetate (PTMEA) Non converted THF, recovered from the reactor effluent by stripping, is purified and recycled to the reactor. Minor amount of by products are separated and disposed.
Alcoholysis
The ester PTMEA is converted to PTMEG by reacting with an excess of methanol in presence of a basic catalyst. Methylacetate (MEAC) is formed as by product. The alcoholysis section includes equipment for neutralization of crude product, filtration, recovery of purified methanol and disposal of methanol-MEAC azeotrope.Finishing
The finishing section includes equipment for removal of oligomers from crude PTMEG by vaporization at high vacuum, and for introduction of additives to the finished polymer.
