Introduction to Integrated Process Modeling, Advanced Control, and Data Analytics in Optimizing Polyolefin Manufacturing

This chapter begins by introducing the segment-based modeling of polymerization processes developed by Aspen Technology in US Patent 5,687,090 in 1997 by Chau-Chyun Chen and Michael Barrera et al. It explains the component types in polymer process modeling, the concept of moments, and some basic polymer attributes (such as the number-average molecular weight, the weight-average molecular weight, and the polydispersity index). The chapter presents a hands-on workshop on using Aspen Plus (which includes Aspen Polymers) to find the resulting stream attributes after mixing two copolymer streams. It then presents a workshop for a simplified simulation model of a slurry high-density polyethylene process. The chapter also covers some examples of industrial and potential applications of polymer process modeling, advanced control, and data analytics, along with their integrated applications to optimizing polyolefin manufacturing.