Distributed parameter modelling of the polymerization of olefins in chemical reactors

Comprehensive mathematical models are used to describe the polymerization of olefins in chemical reactors. The existence of different reactor types and the occurrence of complex chemical/physical phenomena requires the use of distributed parameter models for a complete characterization of the system.; A general approach to the modelling of tubular polymerization reactors is developed and implemented. Practical applications for the case of loop and tube industrial reactors are illustrated. Polarization process flowsheets are analyzed with respect to their dynamic and bifurcation behavior. This analysis proves to be an important tool in the design, control and operation of integrated plants. A novel particle population modelling framework using catalyst size and residence time as internal coordinates is established. Polymer property distributions are calculated as a function of reactor residence time distribution and polymer particle size for multi-stage systems at steady-state.