Conversion control in a continuous reactor train: Synthesis and computer simulation

A feedforward control scheme is synthesized for control of final product conversion in a train of continuous stirred-tank reactors. The control is achieved by temperature manipulation in the latter reactors and utilizes a continuous conversion measurement within the train. The control scheme is developed in terms of difference equations which are suitable for implementation on a digital control computer. As a specific example, the styrene-butadiene-rubber process is considered in detail and the control is evaluated by a digital computer simulation.