Dynamic optimization of batch emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate—an orthogonal polynomial initiator policy

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 44; no. 3; pp. 515 - 528
• Main Authors: Jang, Shi-Shang, Yang, Wei-Liang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1989; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; Acetic acid,vinyl ester; Vinyl acetate polymer; Emulsion polymerization; Computer program; Batch mode; Preparation; Latex; Optimization
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/0009-2509(89)85029-8

A minimum end time initiator addition policy for batch emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate under a constant reaction temperature is found using a general nonlinear programming solver and orthogonal collocation techniques. The constraints are restrictions on the reaction rate of the polymerization and the total amount of initiator added. A 5-1 jacketed reactor with a computerized temperature control system was used to carry out several experimental runs. Experimental results show a good agreement with theoretical predictions for this complex system. The results also demonstrate that good temperature control can be achieved for this highly exothermic reaction system under these optimal-control policies. The methodology used to solve this fixed initial value constrained optimal-control problem is a modified version of Biegler (1984, Comput. chem. Engng 8, 243). The modified approach is more promising in cases where state constraints and/or free end time situations exist.