Non-Linear Mathematical Modelling of Nylon-6 Polymerization Reactors
Investigations on Nylon-6 polymerization reactors such as VK (Vereinfacht Kontinuierliches Rohr) tube (vertical column) reactors have been explored to a very limited extent owing to their complex internal structure, which leads to uncertain velocity profile of the reactants inside the reactor. However, usually a flat velocity profile (plug flow profile) of reaction mixture is assumed inside the reactor leading to large errors in prediction of final properties of the product. In the current study, a modified simulation model has been developed for the Nylon-6 polymerization using mono acid stabilizers (acetic acid) in an industrial VK tube reactor. The variation of the velocity profile, which may result in axial changes of concentrations of different reactants along the length of the reactor has been accounted for by considering a small value non-linear time dependent decaying function. The model fetched significantly better results than the earlier model with plug flow profile of the reactants.
