Closed-loop dynamic optimization of a polymer grafting batch reactor

A dynamic real-time optimization (D-RTO) methodology has been developed and applied to a batch reactor where polymer grafting reactions take place. The objective is to determine the on-line reactor temperature profile that minimizes the batch time while meeting terminal constraints on the overall conversion rate and grafting efficiency. The methodology combines a constrained dynamic optimization method and a moving horizon state estimator within a closed-loop control. The results show very good performances in terms of state estimation, constraints fulfillment and computation load.