Modeling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) reactors: 5. A continuous prepolymerization process

Abstract

A mathematical model for the continuous prepolymerization of BHET to PET, carried out in a series of stirred tank reactors, has been developed. The influence of process and operational variables on productivity, as well as the side-product formation (which controls the product quality), have been studied in a range as close to industrial practice as possible. The overall conclusions concerning the productivity profile, as well as some side products, appear to be substantiated from the available data in the open literature. The results of the mathematical model have been used to highlight the key process and operational variables that are likely to give the best productivity and product quality in industrial practice.