Dynamic simulation of propylene polymerization in continuous flow stirred tank reactors

The dynamic operation of an ideal continuous-flow stirred tank slurry reactor for propylene polymerization has been studied. A simple model is developed, which could be used for optimal computer control using advanced strategies. Step increases in input feed rates of propylene, solvent, and catalyst are used as the stimuli or forcing functions. It is assumed that the volume of the slurry in the reactor is maintained constant during the period. Responses of three output variables are studied, namely, monomer concentration in the liquid, volume-fraction of solids in the exiting slurry, and average mass fraction of catalyst in the exiting macroparticles. It is found that the transients last for about five times the mean residence time of the reactor. Competing effects of changes in the diffusional resistance, number density of catalyst particles, and washout and dilution effects lead to interesting dynamic results