Optimal policies for BMA polymerization in nonisothermal batch reactor

In this paper, the optimal policies for bulk polymerization of n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) are determined in a nonisothermal batch reactor. Four objectives are realized for BMA polymerization based on a detailed process model. The objectives are: (i) maximization of monomer conversion in a specified operation time, (ii) minimization of operation time for a specified, final monomer conversion, (iii) maximization of monomer conversion for a specified, final number average polymer molecular weight, and (iv) maximization of monomer conversion for a specified, final weight average polymer molecular weight. For each objective, the optimal temperature policy of heat-exchange fluid inside reactor jacket is determined. The temperature of the heat-exchange fluid is considered as a function of a specified variable. Necessary equations are provided to suitably transform the process model in terms of a specified variable other than time, and to evaluate the elements of Jacobian to help in the accurate solution of the process model. A genetic algorithm-based optimal control method is applied to realize the objectives. The resulting optimal policies of this application reveal considerable improvements in the batch production of poly (BMA). (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.