Dynamic modeling of vinyl chloride suspension polymerization

A dynamic model of vinyl chloride suspension polymerization is studied. Based on heat transfer process from the reactants to the reactor wall and from the inner wall to the coolant in the jacket, the dynamic heat balances for the PVC reactor is found. Since the changes in both the mass of the reactants in the reactor and its specific heat are considered, the model can be used to exactly describe the dynamic characteristic of VCM suspension polymerization. Since VCM suspension polymerization reaction is exothermic, the monomer conversion is on-line estimated by using the model based on the heat balances of the PVC reactor. A comparison between predicted conversion based on the dynamic model and a comprehensive kinetic model is made, the result is satisfactory. The model provides the basis for dynamic behavior analysis, process predictive control and optimization of VCM suspension polymerization.