The Purdue‐Dow Styrene‐Butadiene Polymerization Simulation

A bstract An interactive computer module for the simulation of the Dow Chemical Company styrene‐butadiene polymerization process has been developed at Purdue University for use as a project in the senior laboratory course. After first viewing the process on video, the students must design experiments and choose process parameters such as flow rate, temperature and concentration to determine the characteristic constants of the underlying model. Realism is introduced into the assignment by incorporating budget and time constraints, and also statistical fluctuations in the simulation results. Student results are presented in both a written report and an oral presentation. Academic colleagues at other universities report success in using the Purdue‐Industry modules, not only in laboratory courses, but also in kinetics, reactor design and process control courses.