Generalized minimum variance control of optimal temperature profiles in a polystyrene polymerization reactor

In this paper, the dynamic, optimization and on-line temperature control of the free radical polymerization of styrene in a cooling jacketed batch polymerization reactor were investigated theoretically and experimentally. Time varying optimal temperature trajectories to obtain a product with desired quality in a minimum time are calculated using optimal control theories. The polynomial CARMA model for reactor temperature and heat input to the reactor was used to design the relevant control system. The CARMA model parameters were calculated by applying the Bierman algorithm. A Pseudo Random Binary Sequence (PRBS) signal was given to disturb the system. Generalized minimum variance (GMV) control based on the CARMA model was applied to the polymer reactor. Theoretical and experimental results were in agreement and it was shown that the GMV method controlled the system very well at optimal trajectory.