2-POSITION CONTROL OF A BATCH PREPOLYMERIZATION REACTOR

The optimal control policy for the batch polymerization of methyl methacrylate up to 10% monomer reacted was determined, assuming that jacket heat transfer fluid was available at two fixed temperature levels and that the reactor temperature could not exceed an upper bound. At the highest initiator concentration full heating was optimal, while at lower initiator concentrations the optimal policy called for a single switch from full heating to full cooling. At the lowest initiator concentration with high initial temperature, an infinite number of switches would be required. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.