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Brad Shindle Thesis 082817.pdf (7.38 MB)

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Computational Investigations of Polymer Sheet Breakup for Optimization of Devolatilization Processes in Steam Contactors

Shindle, Bradley W
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5018-4077
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1509379799347531

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science in Engineering, University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering.
Polymer devolatilization is a vital process in polymer manufacturing and is significantly impactful on the successful creation of high quality polymers, meeting both rigorous product specifications and regulatory requirements. Polymers resulting from such processes have wide applications ranging from agricultural and biomedical solutions to aerospace components and even to modern day clothing and accessories. Although there are several popular methods used to accomplish the devolatilization process, this research focuses specifically on steam stripping, where superheated steam is used to remove any unwanted substances, such as volatiles and solvents, from the polymer mixture. This polymer mixture, referred to as "cement" and comprised of polymer and a cyclohexane solvent, undergoes mixing with superheated steam in a contactor to evaporate and remove the cyclohexane. Between the heat and the aerodynamic forces caused by the mixing, the liquid polymer experiences sheet breakup. The objective of the current study is to create a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that solves for the initial breakup of the liquid mixture, and then use the resulting diameter distribution to simulate the trajectory and multiphase mass transfer of the cement as it forms into smaller and smaller droplets. A parametric study is conducted in order to determine the effects of contactor geometry changes on the initial sheet breakup and the resulting impacts to the final polymer product quality. The purpose for modifying the geometry is to increase the uniformity of the breakup as well as reduce the amount of cement that sticks to the contactor walls. The use of CFD allows the industry partner for this research to try multiple different optimization solutions without interrupting production and spending large amounts of money on trial-and-error prototypes.
Abhilash Chandy, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Nicholas Garafolo, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Scott Sawyer, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
84 p.
Mechanical Engineering; Polymers
Steam Contactors; CFD; Polymer Devolatilization; ANSYS Fluent; CLSVOF; DPM; Liquid Sheet Breakup

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Shindle, B. W. (2017). Computational Investigations of Polymer Sheet Breakup for Optimization of Devolatilization Processes in Steam Contactors [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1509379799347531

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Shindle, Bradley. Computational Investigations of Polymer Sheet Breakup for Optimization of Devolatilization Processes in Steam Contactors. 2017. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1509379799347531.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Shindle, Bradley. "Computational Investigations of Polymer Sheet Breakup for Optimization of Devolatilization Processes in Steam Contactors." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1509379799347531

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1509379799347531
354
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This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.