Process for cleaning reactors

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for cleaning reactors. The process utilizes a solvent fed from multiple pressure sources to clean reactors of residual polymers. The reactors are equipped with agitators and stationary nozzles aimed at the agitator blades. The agitator is rotated during cleaning. The process may also utilize heated aqueous base to clean heat exchangers in external loops. In one aspect, a mixture of at least one organic solvent and aqueous base are utilized to clean certain reactors.

1 . A process comprising: 
 feeding a liquid selected from the group consisting of water, a caustic solution, and a mixture of caustic and at least one organic solvent through multiple pressure sources to a reactor having an agitator with blades and stationary pressure sources aimed at the agitator blades; and emptying the reactor; wherein the agitator is rotated while the solution is fed to the reactor.    
     
     
         2 . The process according to  claim 1  wherein, the multiple pressure sources are hoses equipped with nozzles.  
     
     
         3 . The process according to  claim 2  wherein, the hoses are made of 316 stainless steel.  
     
     
         4 . The process according to  claim 3  wherein, the solution is fed to the reactor at a pressure from 100 to 700 bar.  
     
     
         5 . The process according to  claim 1  wherein, the reactor is equipped with a heat exchanger in an external loop and the heat exchanger and external loop are cleaned with an aqueous base at a temperature of from 20° C. to 150° C.  
     
     
         6 . The process according to  claim 5  wherein, the heat exchanger and external loop are cleaned with caustic at a temperature of from 90° C. to 150° C.  
     
     
         7 - 10 . (cancelled).