| Abstract: | A dynamic multicompartment model is proposed for a continuous flow rotating disk reactor for the finishing stage melt polycondensation of poly(ethylene terephthalate). In the multicompartment reactor model, ethylene glycol is removed from both the bulk melt phase and the film phase formed on the rotating disks. The specific interfacial area for the film phase is estimated using the empirical correlation for polymer film thickness, and the mass transfer coefficient is calculated using the penetration theory. The mass transfer enhancement factor is introduced to account for the increased interfacial area due to ethylene glycol bubbles. The effects of reactor design and operating parameters on molecular weight and ethylene glycol removal have been investigated through model simulations. In particular, a detailed analysis is presented on the ethylene glycol removal rate from the two phases. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
