【Frontiers in HaiChuan Chemical Technology】The Beijing Low-Carbon Research Institute of State Energy Group and China University of Petroleum (Beijing) have made significant research advances in the field of solution polymerization devolatilization

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Recently, the **Energy Group Beijing Institute of Low-Carbon Clean Energy and China University of Petroleum (Beijing) have made significant progress in the field of solution polymerization devolatilization technology. The relevant research findings were published in the authoritative journal in the field of international separation and purification, “Separation and Purification Technology”. 　　China’s field of olefin solution polymerization has long faced three major technical challenges: the difficulty in producing α-olefin raw materials, high barriers associated with metallocene catalysts, and high requirements for polymerization processes. Flash evaporation, as a key process step, directly affects the profitability of high-end polyolefin products; however, traditional separation methods for highly viscous materials involve high energy consumption. 　　To address the common industry challenge of degassing in high-temperature and high-viscosity systems used in solution polymerization, the research team proposed a new approach based on \"regulation of non-equilibrium phase transitions during solvent flashing.\" This approach aims to resolve the core conflict between the reduction in droplet size during flashing and the high energy consumption associated with this process. They developed a prediction model for multiphase flow atomization flashing degassing, strategies for regulating non-equilibrium phase transitions, as well as a mechanism for synergistic enhancement through flashing and falling film processes. This enabled a shift from empirical trial-and-error methods to theory-driven approaches, and through the coordinated optimization of key internal components, it was predicted that the degassing efficiency could be improved by approximately 12%. 　　In the future, the team will further advance the technical validation and optimization of key equipment for flash evaporation, and establish a comprehensive system of theoretical and technological approaches, thereby providing technical support for the upgrading and high-quality development of China’s polyolefin industry.