This work addresses the influence of a prepolymerization system on the behavior of the fluidized bed reactor used for polyethylene production. Its influence on the polymer's physicochemical characteristics and production was also studied. The results indicate that the use of prepolymerized catalyst particles results in milder temperatures in the fluidized bed reactor, thus avoiding the formation of hot spots, melting of the polymer particle and reactor shutdown. Productivity can be enhanced depending on the operational conditions used in the prepolymerization reactor.
gas-phase polymerization; simulation; polyethylene; fluidized bed reactor; effect of prepolymerization
