Optimal control of transient dynamics in a continuous polymerization reactor

In the olefin polymerization industry, various grades of olefin polymers are produced in a continuous gas phase polymerisation reactor. In using a process model for optimal design of process operations, it is necessary to know the relevant kinetic parameters for all the catalysts being used to produce different grades of polymers. One method to estimate the kinetic parameters for a large number of catalyst systems is first to conduct a thorough kinetic study for a base catalyst and then use the information from the base catalyst to estimate the effective kinetic parameters for other similar catalyst systems. In this paper, the design of optimal start-up and grade transition controls is presented. Two process models have been developed to simulate a polymerization plant and design controllers.