Polymerization Reactor Modeling in Industry – An Overview of Concepts and Tools

Summary: The description of polymerization reactors by means of fundamental mathematical models is a challenging problem. At the same time, these models offer a very powerful tool for process control, monitoring, optimization, scale‐up, and operator training and often allow for a better understanding of underlying mechanisms. Some approaches and tools used in industry to meet these challenges are illustrated. The scope and complexity of polymerization models developed and applied to industrial processes are shown. In addition to kinetic aspects of the model development some emphasis is given to the thermodynamic description of phase behavior and phase partitioning in polymerization reactors. Also, the important task of a careful and thorough parameter evaluation is briefly discussed as this is a prerequisite of predictive modeling. Finally, some typical model predictions are illustrated with experimental data.