Modelling and optimisation of polymerisation reactors in gPROMS

ASTEASUAIN, M.; TONELLI, S.M.; BRANDOLIN, A.; BANDONI, J.A.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Elsevier

Año: 2000 vol. 8 p. 559 - 564

1570-7946

A dynamic model of the high pressure polymerisation of ethylene in tubular reactor is introduced and a dynamic optimisation problem is formulated for studying start-up strategies. The optimisation objectives proposed are to maximise outlet conversion and optimise the time necessary for it´s stabilisation while keeping product molecular properties between commerical ranges. Results show the time responses for temperature, number-average molecular weight and conversion along the reactor axial distance for different control variable profiles. Improving in reactor productivity is achieved. The interface gOPT of the gPROMS simulator was used to resolve the optimisation problem and to perform the simulations. © 2000 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.