CFD Simulation of Thermal Runaway Scenario in Styrene Polymerization Reaction

Abstract

Polymerization reaction is a strong exothermic reaction that is prone to thermal runaway accidents. To prevent thermal runaway accidents, a styrene thermal polymerization reaction model is established by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The failure of stirring speed, cooling temperature of cooling jacket and cooling flow rate during the reaction process are simulated to explore the impact of runaway scenarios on reaction temperature rise and hot spot distribution. The results show that under the conditions of stirring speed of 160 r/min, cooling temperature of 155 ℃ and cooling flow rate of 3.2 m/s, the average temperature of the reaction system is lower and there are fewer hot spot areas, which reduces the possibility of thermal runaway accidents. The monitoring point position that best represents the average temperature of the entire reaction system is located at or above the top one-third of the liquid level.