Real time control data for styrene acrylonitrile copolymerization system in a batch reactor for the optimization of molecular weight

This work describes an approach towards experimental implementation of real time control studies conducted on a batch polymerization reactor. The information is related to the controlling of molecular weight for styrene acrylonitrile copolymer polymerization system in a batch reactor generated under a varied range of temperatures, reactant concentrations and retention times. The operating conditions of 6 hrs and temperature of 343 K for yielding a molecular weight in the range of 39,900–40,000 gmol−1 is established using simulation studies. A real time control facility consisting of a batch reactor, data acquisition software “LabVIEW” and a PC for monitoring and control is used to implement these operating conditions. The resulting product is analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The data generated can be used by researchers, academicians and industry for generating control strategies, automation and scale up of polymerization reactors.