Description

The Nylon 6 Pilot Plant is a multi step polymerization line designed to convert caprolactam into Nylon 6 at pilot scale. Caprolactam is supplied from storage, preheated, and continuously fed to the polymerization section. The process consists of several stirred, jacketed, pressurized reactors arranged in series. The first reactor operates as a multi-stage CSTR to initiate polymerization and molecular weight build-up. Reaction temperature is progressively increased to approximately 300°C. Heat input and removal are controlled using Dowtherm A circulating through reactor jackets. Pressure in the first reactor is controlled using nitrogen or steam with venting to a condenser. Polymer melt is transferred through heated, jacketed lines with static mixing. The downstream reactors operate under reduced pressure to remove residual monomer and volatiles.  Agitation promotes heat transfer and reaction uniformity in each vessel. Gear pumps provide controlled transfer of the high-viscosity polymer melt. The polymer is filtered through a high-pressure melt filter prior to finishing. Vapors from the reactors are condensed and scrubbed before discharge. The filtered polymer melt is sent to an underwater pelletizer. The plant is fully instrumented and controlled through a distributed control system.