abstract |
This invention relates to a process for producing granulated polymer materials from polymer solutions, in which organic solvent of the polymer solution is evaporated in a heat exchanger, optionally with the admixture of steam, or in a holding tube with the admixture of steam, and the paste-like mixture of concentrated solution, solvent vapour and optionally of condensed steam is separated in a separator provided with rotating built-in components for cleaning off the walls. The pre-concentrated polymer solution is further concentrated in the separator by supplying heat by way of heating the separator walls or the rotating built-in components and by the shearing energy of the rotating built-in components. Residual degassing of the solvent is effected before granulation, e.g. in the discharge extruder of the separator which is provided with rotating built-in components, through one or more degassing zones, optionally by the additional admixture of entraining media, such as inert gas or steam, for example. |