Self-Tuning Control of Batch Polymerization Reactor.

Abstract

The optimal temperature control of a batch jacketed free radical polymerization reactor with self-tuning PID and conventional PID control methods are considered. The controller is implemented on a digital computer to track precalculated optimal temperature trajectories obtained for different initiator initiation concentration in a batch styrene polymerization reactor. The performance of the self-tuning controller is compared against that of a PID controller. Self-tuning controller provides good, robust control in despite of the nonlinear dynamics of the polymerization reactor system.