Single-Point Intrinsic Viscosity and Density Measurements for In-Line MIMO Control Purposes of a Lumped-Distributed Polymeric System.

Simulation and experimental studies are carried out for peroxide-initiated styrene solution polymerization in a lumped-distributed reactor. Weight-average molecular weight (intrinsic viscosity measurements) and conversion (density data) are the output signals, while the manipulated variables are jacket reactor temperature and feed modifier ( tert-dodecylmercaptan) concentration. A simple in-line viscometrical method makes the in-line control of weight-average molecular weight in solution polymerization feasible, using independent conversion measurements from an in-line densitometer. Successful closed-loop servo and regulatory control results are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]