Polyethylene Fluidized Bed Reactor Fouling Due to Electrostatic Charging

气固流态化反应器中的一个主要问题是颗粒团聚和反应器壁结垢，这是由于固体颗粒在这类系统中剧烈混合而产生的静电电荷的结果。据报道，这一现象在聚合物、石油和天然气等行业产生了重大影响。在聚乙烯气固两相流化床反应器中，高带电粒子的静电粘着会在反应器壁上形成不需要的聚合物薄片，导致频繁的工艺停工清理，造成生产损失，从而造成重大的经济损失。聚乙烯在我们的日常生活中被大量使用，包括包装、粘合剂、玩具、建筑和建筑(如电线/电缆)等。自2006年以来，我在渥太华大学化学和生物工程系建立了两个流态化实验室，包括两个中试工厂，一个是常压和高压流态化系统，并建立了广泛的实验计划，以更好地了解气固流态化床中的反应器壁垢，并结合聚乙烯生产中的具体应用。我的研究团队已经成功地开发了一种新的、独特的在线静电电荷测量技术，该技术已经在两个流态化系统中实现。本研究的重点是对聚乙烯的静电荷电机理进行全面的研究。具体地说，将研究被气动输送到聚乙烯反应器中的催化剂颗粒在电荷产生和反应器结垢程度上的作用。

One major problem in gas-solid fluidized bed reactors is particle agglomeration and reactor wall fouling, which is known to be as a result of generation of electrostatic charges due to vigorous mixing of solid particles in such systems. The significant impact of this phenomenon has been reported in industries such as polymer, and oil and gas. In polyethylene gas-solid fluidized bed reactors, electrostatic adhesion due to highly charged particles results in formation of undesired polymer sheets on the reactor wall, leading to frequent process shut downs for reactor clean up, loss of production; and thus, significant economic losses. Polyethylene is used substantially in our daily lives including packaging, adhesives, toys, building and construction (e.g., wires/cables), etc. Since 2006, I have set up two fluidization laboratories at the University of Ottawa, Chemical and Biological Engineering Department that consist of two pilot plant, one atmospheric and high-pressure, fluidization systems, and have established an extensive experimental program to gain a better understanding of the reactor wall fouling in gas-solid fluidized beds with specific application in polyethylene production. My research team has been successful in developing a new and unique online electrostatic charge measurement technique that has been implemented in both fluidization systems. The focus of the proposed research is to conduct a comprehensive study of electrostatic charging mechanisms of polyethylene. Specifically the role of the catalyst particles that are pneumatically conveyed into the polyethylene reactors on the extent of charge generation and reactor fouling will be studied.