The dynamic behavior of continuous solution polymerization reactors—IV. Dynamic stability and bifurcation analysis of an experimental reactor

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate in a CSTR is analyzed. Preliminary experimental results showing the presence of limit cycles for this class of reactors are presented and a detailed bifurcation analysis of a mathematical model of the laboratory scale reactor is carried out using numerical continuation techniques. The method relies on the continuation of the loci of four types of special points in two parameters. This enables the classification of parameter space into regions where qualitatively different steady-state and dynamic phenomena are observed. These phenomena include S-shaped, isola- and mushroom-type multiplicities, as well as various periodic bifurcations. The combination of steady-state and period bifurcations result in a wide variety of possible structures. A new type of bifurcation diagram, not previously observed, has been found in parameter space. Detailed experimental evidence on the presence of limit cycles for this class of reactors will be presented in subsequent parts of this series.