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[JOSÉ]

Analysing the material balance for a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plant, I found that Methane is being formed, according to balance data.

A brief description of reaction system
Ethylene is polymerized (or copolymerized with 1-Butene) by slurry process, using a Ziegle-Natta, catalyst based on Ti and Al, and Hexane as solvent. So that Ethylene, Hydrogen, 1-Butene and Hexane are fed to the reactor which is continuously agitated. Reaction temperature is about 80 °C and pressure is 8 kg/cm2 a.

The main reaction is Polyethylene formation by coordination polymerization of Ethylene. As side reactions may take place Ethane formation by Ethylene hydrogenation and 1-Butene formation by Ethylene dimerization.

However, as I mentioned above, Methane formation may be occuring as material balance data suggests. This reaction might take place by Ethylene hydrocracking, but is this possible to occur in this system?

Greetings!