Modelling and Parameter Estimation of a PO3G Polyether Process
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Authors
Vo, Anh-Duong
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Modelling and Parameter Estimation of a PO3G Polyether Process
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis focuses on developing advanced fundamental models for production of polytrimethylene ether glycol (PO3G) from bio-based 1,3 propanediol. These models describe the time-varying concentrations of monomer, oligomers, end-groups and by-products (i.e., unsaturated ends, water, and propanal) during PO3G production in a batch reactor system with an overhead condenser. A comprehensive dataset from industrial sponsor, E. I. du Pont Canada, is used to support parameter estimation and model validation. Using model predictions and the available data, the current research provides a better understanding about the influences of process operating conditions on PO3G production rate and product properties.
Novel probability factors are developed to permit simplification of model equations when accounting for the complex influence of super-acid catalyst on the polycondensation rate. The model is extended through multiple steps to account for: i) the dynamic behaviour of the condenser, ii) the inhibitory influence of water on polycondensation kinetics, iii) formation, consumption, and evaporation of cyclic oligomers, and iv) the effects of temperature. Model parameters are ranked from most-estimable to least-estimable using orthogonalization-based parameter-ranking techniques, and a mean-squared-error criterion is used to determine which parameters are estimable. Parameter estimation is performed using industrial data obtained from eight batch-reactor runs at temperatures ranging from 160 to 180 ̊C and using super-acid catalyst levels from 0.10 to 0.25 wt%.
The resulting PO3G models and parameter estimates provide good predictions of industrial data and will be useful for selecting operating conditions for commercial PO3G production. The PO3G models (along with the current parameter estimates) can also be used to select the operation settings for future experimental runs, which will produce more reliable parameter estimates and consequently, more accurate model predictions. The author recommends using a sequential Bayesian model-based design of experiment (MBDOE) approach when designing new PO3G experiments. This method is recommended because Monte-Carlo simulations results reveal that new parameter estimates obtained using the designed experiment will be more accurate, on average, compared to parameter estimates obtained using new experiments selected from among the corners of the permissible design space.
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CC0 1.0 Universal
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
CC0 1.0 Universal