Optimization of Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Polymerization Reactions. Effect of Operational Conditions on Molecular Weight

摘要

In this work, the operation of a strongly exothermic semi-batch vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization reaction is optimized. The optimization is based on a detailed process model derived from first principles. The global energy balance of the reactor includes the balance of the jacket allowing the development of optimal strategies that do take into account the limitations of the heat removal capacity of the reactor. Temperature profiles, initiator and monomer feed flow ate profiles are chosen as the control variables. Results show that depending on desired final molecular weight and on the heat removal capac ity of the reactor, significant reductions of the batch time are possible.