A more efficient simulator of particle size distribution in slurry phase polyolefin systems

The Segregation Approach is used as an alternative to Population Balance Modelling (PBM) to predict particle size distributions in olefin polymerisation reactors. The Segregation Approach affords simpler formulation, more explicit integration of mixing characteristics, particle growth and initial si...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers & chemical engineering 2012-01, Vol.36 (1), p.68-78
Main Authors: McCoy, John T., Rawatlal, Randhir
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applications of mathematics to chemical engineering. Modeling. Simulation. Optimization
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Computer science
control theory
systems
Computer simulation
Control theory. Systems
Differential equations
Exact sciences and technology
Mathematical models
Model-based control
Modelling and identification
Olefin polymerization
Olefins
Organic polymers
Particle size distribution
Physicochemistry of polymers
Polymerization
Population Balance Modelling
Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts
Reactors
Segregation Approach
Segregations
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The Segregation Approach is used as an alternative to Population Balance Modelling (PBM) to predict particle size distributions in olefin polymerisation reactors. The Segregation Approach affords simpler formulation, more explicit integration of mixing characteristics, particle growth and initial size distribution, and easier extension to unsteady-state conditions and complex kinetics. The evolution of a non-uniformly sized feed of catalyst particles in a polymer reactor system is simulated. While the two approaches yield identical predictions of the particle size distribution, in terms of computation time the Segregation model (0.09–1.7 s) far outperforms the PBM (1.8–6.2 s). This is because the sets of differential equations required by the PBM are avoided by the Segregation Approach. Based on this result, the Segregation model is described in the context of developing a model which can be used for the real-time model-based control and grade transition trajectory optimisation of olefin polymerisation processes.
ISSN:0098-1354
1873-4375
DOI:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2011.06.003