TRACKING PERFORMANCE OF CONTROL METHODS

Abstract

In this work, the optimal temperature control of a styrene solution polymerization reactor with two different control algorithms is considered. DMC and PFD control mefhods are used to accomplish the optimal temperature control of the polystyrene reactor. Reactor optimal temperature profiles at different initiator initiation concentrations were obtained by applying maximum principle to the mathematical model of the free radical batch polymerization reactor lo produce polystyrene with desired conversion and molecular weight in a minimum lime. The results obtained from the experimental implementation of DMC and PID controller for the control of optimal temperature path of the polymerization reactor were compared.