Reactive Monomer Applications
- Styrene Polymerization Control
- Styrene Polymerization Inhibitors
- Styrene Corrosion Control
- MMA Esterification Section Antifoulants
- Butadiene Mixed C4 Stabilizers
- Butadiene Popcorn Polymer Inhibitors
- VAM Distillation Section Antifoulants
- Butadiene Fouling Control
- Styrene Compressor Fouling Control
Contact Information
Global Nalco LocationsLocal Sales Offices
Energy Services Contacts
Nalco EAME Headquarters
Nalco Europe Sàrl
A-One Business Park
Z.A. La Pièce 1
Route de l’Etraz
1180 Rolle
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0)21 614 6400
Fortis® Butadiene Popcorn Polymer Inhibitors
The purification section of the butadiene unit is very similar for all extraction processes. Most of the time, there are two towers that, through a straight distillation, separate the butadiene from the light and the heavies components that were not eliminated in the previous extraction step.
Given the high butadiene concentration level, this section experiences a specific fouling issue. Fouling material tends to be brittle, hard butadiene polymeric material. This material is typically made in vapor spaces and is commonly identified as popcorn polymer.
Popcorn Characteristics:
- Highly cross-linked butadiene polymer.
- Formed by a free radical polymerization mechanism.
- Contains unstable free radical sites that can promote further growth.
- Breaks when it reaches “critical mass” due to internal stress.
- Inflammable (auto-ignited)
- Can cause serious damage to equipment internals
To prevent popcorn growth, Nalco can help you identify key best practices and benchmark your unit with other peers via our Best Practice Gap Analysis audit™ approach.
Contact us for a preliminary discussion of any of your butadiene plant limitations.
