Mathematical modeling and control of semi-batch type polymerization reactor

• Grant number: 95/00600-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: March 01, 1996
• End date: February 28, 2001
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Claudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento
• Grantee: Claudio Augusto Oller do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated research grant(s): 98/01861-8 - Neural network based approach for optimisation applied to an industrial nulon-66 polymerisation process., AR.EXT; 96/02663-0 - Use of neural networks for modeling of nylon-6,6 polymerization in a twin-screw extruder reactor., AR.EXT

Abstract

The present project is aimed at the application of several methodologies of mathematical modeling, simulation and process control in polymerization process. Interaction between the previsions via mathematical models and experimental process on bench scale should be undertaken, demonstrating the applicability of the methods. The modeling techniques to be employed are: molecular modeling, phenomenological modeling, modeling via neural networks and modeling by Monte Carlo techniques. The experimental equipment currently in existence will be instrumented and the process will be controlled through predictive-adaptive control with estimation via Extended Kalman filter, in such a way as to produce products with characteristics and properties predicted by mathematical modeling. The project will be developed by three research groups from the University of São Paulo in the areas of chemical engineering (mathematical modeling, process control and experimental development), fundamental chemistry (molecular modeling and chemical analyses) and electrical engineering (hardware and process control). (AU)