3.The third step may be regarded primarily as an equilibrium step and a molecular weight of 20.000 to 36.000 is achieved (DP 177-318). The third step involves termination, in which the chain-stopping element, whether an amine or an acid, achieves an equilibrium proportional to the molar percentage of the terminator added to achieve a given molecular weight for the polyamide. Water may serve as an equilibrating balance with the terminator used. Alternatively, water may be used as a sole terminator (139-112). Within this stage, condensation hydrolysis of chains and addition may concurrently occur with termination. In the second and third steps, mass and water removal is the major rate limitation which occurs. Hydrolytic may be represented by the simplified general equations 1-3