Closed-loop dynamic real-time optimization of a batch graft polymerization reactor

In a recent work (Bousbia-Salah et al, 2018), dynamic real-time optimization (D-RTO) of a batch reactor where polymer grafting reactions take place is experimentally implemented within open-loop control. This paper constitutes the continuation of the work and presents the experimental implementation of closed-loop D-RTO in the same reactor. The objective is to determine and to apply the online reactor temperature profile that minimizes the batch period while meeting terminal constraints on the overall conversion rate and grafting efficiency. The computed and measured optimal profiles of temperature, overall conversion rate and grafting efficiency exhibit a good agreement and show also that the terminal constraints are satisfied.