Intelligent manufacturing of polymers

Integrated multivariable process control can have a significant strategic impact on polymer plant operability and economics. Polymer manufacturers face increasing pressures for production cost reductions and more stringent ''polymer quality'' requirements. The main goals in operating a polymer reactor (e.g. high yield, better product quality and safe operation) are very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve without efficient and reliable polymer characterization techniques. Although the weakest link in polymer reactor control is undoubtedly the on-line instrumentation, lack of understanding of the process dynamics, the highly sensitive and nonlinear behavior of polymer reactors and the lack of well structured control strategies all contribute to the impairment of competitiveness. Intelligent manufacturing relates to the harmonious integration of process models, advanced sensors, statistical approaches and advanced process control methods.