| Abstract: | Conversion data obtained over a wide range of operation of a continuous latex reactor for vinyl acetate polymerization were used to estimate the unknown kinetic parameters of a transient CSTR reactor model. Conversion-time histories were adequately fitted by models of two levels of sophistication: a comprehensive model which solves for the age distribution function of polymer particles, and a simplified model that neglects the effect of particle size distribution for the case of continuous particle nucleation. These models were then used for simulation and control studies in an attempt to devise a practical control strategy(11). The existence of sustained oscillations was investigated by examining the behavior of the state variables in the phase-plane. |
