ABSTRACT
This chapter considers polymerization reactions and develops a fundamental basis for controlling polymerization reactors. It presents a systematic methodology and techniques for multivariable control and their applications to polymerization systems. One of the first considerations in establishing a strategy for controlling polymeriration reactors is to categorize all system inputs and outputs into those which are to be controlled, those which may be adjusted to achieve this control, and those which are beyond the control of the designer. From a control standpoint, the most important variables are those which ultimately affect the end-use properties of a polymer. The purpose of closed-loop control is to bring the controlled variable to its desired value and maintain it at that point. A good control system must drive the process toward these constraints without actually violating them. Economic considerations dictate that to derive optimum benefits, processes must invariably be operated in the vicinity of constraints.
