A process for the solution polymerization of olefins with improved
on-stream time is provided. The solution polymerization process of the
current invention comprises a method for the on-line removal of foulant
material from one or more heat exchangers downstream of a polymerization
reactor. Removal of foulant material is accomplished by deliberately
applying a positive pressure differential across a heat exchanger. In the
process of the current invention, reactor shut down is not required for
the purpose of cleaning foulant material from a heat exchanger.