Modelling and estimation of polycondensation processes

grantor: University of TorontoA polyester made from adipic acid, isophithalic acid and 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol was studied in this project. There were two main objectives: the first was to develop a first principles process model in a way that it could provide useful data for the purposes of modelling, state estimation and process control; the second objective was to develop a state estimator that can be used on-line, to predict and update the process model as the reaction proceeds. A first principles model was developed and kinetic parameters were estimated using the experimental, data. The experimental data was also used to empirically correlate variables such as number and weight average molecular weight and viscosity to the outputs of the model. A state estimator (extended Kalman filter, EKF) was developed for the system studied. The EKF uses the process model and available online measurements to provide online optimal estimates of the states and outputs of the model.M.A.Sc