ON-LINE SENSORS FOR POLYMERIZATION REACTORS

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Abstract
The main goals in operating a polymer reactor are high yield (productivity), high product quality, and safe operation (of course, within some overall economic framework). These goals are very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without efficient and reliable online measurement [characterization, monitoring, sensing) techniques. Although considerable advances have been made in the last twenty years in many aspects of polymer reaction engineering and production technology, sensor technology has remained rather static. It is only recently, mainly in the last five years or so, that we have started seeing more reliable on-line sensors, especially with the parallel advancements in computer and process control technology. The complex nature of polymerization systems is undoubtedly the first good reason for major difficulties in on-line sensor technology. Another good reason is the fact that sensor development is a multidisciplinary task, including statistics mathematical modeling, process knowledge and understanding, reactor design, and modern advanced control, electronics, and instrumentation engineering.