OPTIMAL-DESIGN AND OPERATION OF BATCH REACTORS .2. A CASE-STUDY

In this work, the optimal design and operation methodology developed i n part 1 of this study will be illustrated in a batch polymerization r eactor system (polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated b y azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) in toluene). Following the steps of the methodology, first a mathematical model of the process (which acco unts for gel effect and volume shrinkage) is developed and then the pe rformance indices and mode of operation are selected. The optimal load ing conditions and reactor temperature profile (which minimize the pol ydispersity of the final polymer product and maximize the monomer conv ersion constrained to a desired value of the weight-average molecular weight at the end of the batch time) are computed numerically. After d esigning the heating/cooling equipment, its flexibility, controllabili ty, and safety, as well as the feasibility of the computed optimal ope rating conditions, are investigated. A nonlinear temperature controlle r is finally synthesized to enforce the reactor startup conditions and the optimal temperature profile.