F. A. Freeth provided the impetus for the research within the Alkali Division of Imperial Chemical Industries which led to the discovery of polyethylene by R. O. Gibson and E. W. Fawcett in March 1933. The importance of engineering in the development of the research equipment was recognized from the beginning by the appointment of Dr A. M. J. F. Michels as consultant on high-pressure techniques and apparatus, and by the later appointment of W. R. D. Manning as the research engineer in the team. They were, with others, responsible for the engineering development of the first chemical plant to operate continuously at pressures associated with those generated in large guns.
The paper, which is based on one presented at the Golden Jubilee Conference ‘Polyethylenes 1933–1983’,* reviews the engineering developments of some of the more important components of polyethylene plants during the first fifty years. Commercial confidentiality and lack of space prohibits a discussion of some aspects of design.
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