Optimal Feedback Control of a Batch Polymerization Reactor

A polymer product is characterized by such properties as number average and weight average molecular weights. This paper describes the closed-loop optimal control of a batch solution polymerization of methylmethacrylate in which the appropriate polymer properties are monitored and necessary feedback corrective action is taken if these properties deviate from the optimal trajectories due to disturbances. The optimal feedback control policies are derived here and their evaluation by simulation of the batch reactor model is presented.