Emulsion Polymerization Reactors Operation and Control

This first single source to offer a comprehensive treatment of the operation and control of emulsion polymerization covers both the scientific and technological principles underpinning the process. Combining established knowledge with the latest research findings, this practical book provides rapid access to the theory, practice and fundamental tools, thus demystifying the chemistry involved. With its inclusion of the latest applications, such as the development and use of soft sensors, advanced control methods and expert systems for monitoring and diagnosis of the process, as well as laboratory data and case studies, this treatise is of value to practicing scientists, engineers, researchers and managers.

Vincent Gomes is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering of the University of Sydney. Having obtained his MEng and PhD degrees from McGill University, Canada, he spent most of his academic career in the field of polymers and polymer reaction engineering. Dr. Gomes has authored over 100 scientific publications and has received numerous awards, including the Brodie Medal (IChemE/IEAust) in Chemical Engineering. He has delivered several industrial courses and a number of invited and keynote lectures in his area of expertise.

INTRODUCTION
Process
Products
Properties
Applications
CHEMISTRY AND KINETICS
Review of Free Radical Emulsion Polymerization
Elementary Chemical Reactions
Nucleation Mechanisms
Reaction Kinetics
Kinetic Effects
Multi-monomer Polymerization
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
Reactor Models
Population Balance Equations
Reactor Performance
Computational Fluid Dynamics
SENSORS AND PROCESS MONITORING
Measuring Devices and Sensors
Soft Sensors
Process Monitoring
Quality Prediction
PROCESS CONTROL AND OPTIMAL OPERATION
Data Acquisition and Control Environment
Process Control
Statistical Analysis and Process Diagnosis
Hierarchical Monitoring and Supervisory Control
Knowledge-based Monitoring and Process Diagnostics
Statistically-enhanced Expert System
CASE STUDIES
Homopolymerization
Copolymerization
Terpolymerization