Modeling and control of a batch condensation polymerization reactor

In this paper we examine the control of a condensation polymerization reactor. The nylon 6,6 system is chosen as a representative polymerization process. A model for a nylon autoclave reactor is presented which captures the important process behavior. The model is subsequently used to evaluate the performance of control scheme based on tracking nominal pressure and temperature trajectories. In particular, the ability of this type of control strategy to compensate for disturbances as well as variations in feed conditions is studied.