5. Conclusion on general methodology

Understanding the operation of a homogeneous polymerization reactor requires both a detailed knowledge of the reaction kinetic scheme and a suitable model to describe the reactor operation. Establishing the reaction's kinetic scheme and choosing a reactor model are the first essential steps in the process. Enthalpy and material balances, carried out according to standard chemical engineering methodology, are the tools needed to assess reactor productivity. The performance achieved in terms of the average structural characteristics of macromolecules can be assessed, as a first approach, using the method of moments. The latter uses the mixing equation, which draws on the results of material and enthalpy balances, and is therefore an extension of chemical reaction engineering.

Numerous kinetic and operating parameters need to be taken into account in order to achieve...