On-line optimizing control of polymerization reactors: A review

A new semi-empirical model has been developed to account for the diffusiona l limitations of the rate constants in free-radical polymerization. The mod el does not have the limitations present in earlier models and can be appli ed to semibatch reactors operating nonisothermally. Experimental results on monomer conversion and the average molecular weight are taken on a PC-inte rfaced l-liter SS-Parr(R) reactor to validate the model. A robust algorithm for optimization of a reactor has been studied to explore if it would be s uitable for on-line optimization processes. Also, it has been found that vi scosity and temperature data over short estimation horizons can be used for model-based state estimation. Work is now in progress to implement on-line optimizing control of MMA polymerization on a Viscometer-cum-reactor devel oped in our laboratory.