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Simulation and Control of Particle Size Distribution in a Continuous Emulsion Polymerization Reactor

Barazandegan, Melissa | 2009

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 39993 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Shahrokhi, Mohammad
  7. Abstract:
  8. In this work, a comprehensive dynamic model has been used for vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization in a continuous reactor to predict the evolution of product particle size distribution under isothermal condition. Method of finite-volume has been applied for solving the population balance equations and the results are compared with the results obtained from moment method. Finite-volume method has been selected as a precise technique to predict sustained oscillations, which occurs in continuous emulsion polymerization. After performing sensitivity analysis and verification of system’s controllability, feed rate of surfactant and initiator have been selected as proper manipulated variables to control the reactor. Closed-loop control of continuous reactor has been described using PI and PID controllers and using initiator and surfactant rates as manipulated variables. It was shown that sustained oscillations in the dynamic of reactor can be omitted and controlled by these controllers. Indirect control has been used for obtaining a desired average polymer particle size. Having a relation between free surfactant concentration and polymer average particle size, the set point of free surfactant corresponding to the desired polymer average particle size can be obtained and used for control purposes.

  9. Keywords:
  10. Emulsion Polymerization ; Particles Size Distribution ; Control ; Vinyl Acelate Monomer ; Sensitivity Analysis ; Continuous Reactor ; Sustained Oscillations

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