On-line optimization of free radical bulk polymerization reactors in the presence of equipment failure

摘要

An on-line optimizing control scheme was developed for bulk polymerization of free radical systems. The effects of random errors, as well as on the kind of major disturbance were studied. A model-based, inferential state estimation scheme was incorporated to estimate, on-line, the parameters of the model using experimental data on temperature and viscosity. A major disturbance, such as heating system failure, leads to a deteriorated final product unless an on-line optimal temperature trajectory is recomputed and implemented on the reactor.