Three-level mass-transfer model for the heterogeneous polymerization of olefins

The introduction of a mesoparticle scale can be important in the description of mass‐transfer effects in the heterogeneous polymerization of olefins. Recent studies have shown that a morphological size level on the order of some tenths of the size of the whole particle exists. The use of traditional models that include mass‐transfer effects only at the macro‐ and microscales gives conflicting results when the mass‐transfer resistance at the meso level becomes significant. A new model to account for these effects is shown here. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2158–2167, 2004