ISSN:
0001-1541
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
The dynamics of semibatch reactors is often neglected in the literature despite their industrial importance. This article analyzes the stability and dynamic behavior of semibatch polymerization reactors operated according to a flow scheduling strategy designed to impart a steady-state nature to the dynamics of these essentially transient reactors. It can also improve the operation of these reactors, especially the quality of the polymer produced (such as molecular weight distribution and polymer composition). In the proposed strategy of flow rate scheduling, the intensive states of the reactor can be made to reach steady-state values. A comparison of the dynamics of the proposed and classical operating strategies illustrates this possibility. Further dynamic analysis reveals the emergence of phenomena characteristic of continuous operation in a CSTR. Examples are multiplicity of the trajectories, limit cycle oscillations, as well as nonhomogeneous oscillations belonging to a period doubling cascade. Operation in a sequential semibatch mode is discussed, as well as the importance of selecting parameters for the fillup and discharge operation. In this mode of operation either periodic or chaotic behavior is obtained. The effect of both on polymer properties is studied in detail.
Additional Material:
22 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aic.690430117
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