Dynamic Modelling and Simulation of Non Isothermal Reactors

Reactors that operate in industrial plants are non-isothermal and thus, complex
dynamic nature is expected. In order to design controllers with improved control
performance, there is a need to study the dynamic behaviour of non-isothermal
reactors. Dynamic modelling through mathematical modelling (which involves
equations of physical and chemical laws) was conducted in this
research. Polymerization reactors were the focus in this research which largely relied
on the model and data taken from literature.
Polymerization reactor is difficult to control due to its complicated reaction
mechanism. To study its dynamic characteristics, the Melt Index of the produced
polymer is controlled by manipulating the feed rates of hydrogen, FinyH2,in. This step
has yielded the understanding that the quality of the polymer materials must be
regulated to obtain the desired product.
The steady state gain, K is developed from the transfer function model study. Steady
state gain, K increases with the step changes in feed rates of hydrogen. The outcome
of the study on K indicates the polymerization reactor has non-linear behaviour.