MODELING AND SIMULATION OF EXTRACTION OF OLIGOMER FROM GRANULAR POLYMERS

A mathematical model has been developed for the extraction of oligomer s from granular polymers with solvent. The model accounts for effectiv e diffusion of the oligomer in the polymer pearls, axial dispersion of the pellets and liquid phase and distribution equilibrium at the inte rface. The results of numerical simulations of the model are consisten t with experimental data. The influence of the physico-chemical parame ters on the oligomer concentration in the pellets is shown in terms of a sensitivity analysis. The model can be used for analysis and design calculation of extraction of oligomers either in batch or continuous processes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.