On-line multivariable control of continuous solution polymerization reactors.

摘要

In this thesis, the real-time advanced process control of a continuous solution methyl methacrylate polymerization reactor has been undertaken. Multi-loop adaptive and non-adaptive stochastic controllers were designed and implemented on the simulation model of the process and then evaluated experimentally for the control of polymer conversion and reactor temperature. In addition, multivariable controllers for the control of polymer conversion and weight-average molecular weight were also developed and implemented at both the simulation and experimental levels.; A molecular weight correlation was developed to enable on-line determination of weight-average molecular weight using the solution viscosity, temperature and polymer conversion.; A computer algebra system (MapleV) was evaluated as a tool for advanced process control studies. This led to the development of algorithms for the solution of matrix unilateral Diophantine equations, which are an integral part of advanced controller design.; Finally, a practical solution to the problem of controller windup and input saturation in advanced digital controllers was formulated and verified at the simulation and experimental levels.