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Control of a continuous polybutadiene polymerization reactor train
Author(s) -
Kelly S. J.,
Macgregor J. F.,
Hoffman T. W.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450650520
Subject(s) - polybutadiene , mooney viscosity , polymerization , transfer function , control (management) , process engineering , computer science , quality (philosophy) , materials science , engineering , polymer , composite material , artificial intelligence , electrical engineering , copolymer , philosophy , epistemology
An approach to controlling a continuous industrial polymerization reactor train for the production of stereoregular butadiene rubber based on the use of quality control laboratory data is presented. Empirical transfer function and disturbance models are identified directly from data collected from a designed experimental program carried out while the plant remained under operator control. The models are used to design minimum variance type control strategies for the monomer conversion and the Mooney viscosity of the final product. These controllers manipulate the flowrates of the Ziegler‐Natta catalyst components and a chemical transfer agent. The plant testing program, the development of the control strategy, and results from testing the control strategy in the plant are all described.