Real time control of mixing in Reaction Injection Moulding

• Published in: Chemical engineering research & design Vol. 105; pp. 31 - 43
• Main Authors: Gomes, Nuno M.O., Fonte, Cláudio P., Sousa, Carlos Costa e, Mateus, Artur J., Bártolo, Paulo J., Dias, Madalena M., Lopes, José Carlos B., Santos, Ricardo J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2016; Elsevier
• Subjects: CFD; Chemical Sciences; Confined Impinging Jets; Mixing; Polymers; Polyurethane; Reactive polymerization; RIM; CFD; Mixing; Reactive polymerization; Polyurethane; RIM; Confined Impinging Jets
• ISSN: 0263-8762; 1744-3563
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2015.10.042

Reaction Injection Moulding, RIM, is a technology for the production reactive in situ polymerization from the mixing of two or more liquid monomers. Although RIM is a widely used process, nowadays there are no means to effectively control mixing. This work assesses a control new variable parameter for mixing in RIM: the differential static pressure between the liquid monomers injectors. This control variable is related to the mechanical properties of injected RIM parts. The dynamics of the control variable is also assessed. A theoretical model is introduced to relate the control variable with the mixing conditions in RIM. •A new control technology for Reaction Injection Moulding is poven.•Polyurethane properties are related with mixing control variable values.•A model is introduced for the control variable setting.•The control variable is tested both from its average and from its dynamics. Reaction Injection Moulding, RIM, is a technology for the production of plastic parts using reactive in situ polymerization from the mixing of two or more liquid monomers. Although RIM is a widely used process, nowadays there are no means to effectively control mixing. This work assesses a new control variable of mixing in RIM: the differential static pressure between the liquid monomers injectors. This control variable is related to the mechanical properties of injected RIM parts. The dynamics of the control variable is also assessed. A model is introduced to relate the control variable with the mixing conditions in RIM.