On-Line Estimation of Conversion and the Molecular Weight Distribution in Batch Methyl Methacrylate Solution Polymerization

An on-line measurement scheme for the estimation of monomer conversion, initiator conversion, temperature, and the entire molecular weight distribution (MWD) in batch methyl methacrylate solution polymerization has been developed. The measurement scheme is based on an extended Kalman filter, a detailed polymerization model, and uses measurements of monomer conversion from a densitometer, temperature measurements, and MWD measurements from an on-line gel permeation chromatograph (GPC). The use of the measuring devices and the computer interfacing requirements are discussed. Experimental results are presented which illustrate the measurement scheme's ability to estimate bimodal MWD's.