Process for polymerization in a gaseous phase using heterogeneous catalysis and a spherical reactor for carrying out the process

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention relates to a process for polymerizing in an gaseous phase using heterogeneous catalysis and to a spherical reactor for carrying out said process. At least one monomer which is gaseous under the reaction conditions is just in contact with a solid catalyst in an agitated polymerization zone. The polymerization zone is defined by a spherical wall and the agitation is effected by means of a turbine unit having blades driven in rotation. The blades extend alongside the wall on 10 to 60 % of its surface. The particles of the catalyst and the growing polymer powder are driven by centrifugal force onto at least a part of the spherical wall and fall back into the central part of the …