Developing Advanced Models for Free-Radical Polymerization Process using Aspen Polymers

Course Id:  EAP282   |   Duration:  2.00 day(s)   |   CEUs Awarded:  1.4   |   Level:  Intermediate

Course Objective

Learn how to use Aspen Polymers to model Free-radical polymerization processes. Acquire knowledge on polymer thermodynamics and phase equilibria and the modeling approach for polymerization kinetics. Understand the basic steps for developing polymer process models.

Course Overview

After completing this training course you will be able to model polymerization processes using Aspen Polymers. Through a combination of classroom-style instructions and hands-on workshops, you will learn to:

  • Define a complete polymer process flowsheet model, including the polymer characterization, the unit operations, and the physical property models 
  • Specify Free-radical polymerization kinetic schemes, starting from background theoretical information, to their implementation and use in Aspen Polymers
  • Estimate polymer properties and also regress them from experimental data
  • Perform engineering studies and plant data fitting

Benefits

  • Gain an overview of the key modeling issues for polymer processes
  • Acquire basic knowledge about polymer thermodynamics
  • Learn the modeling approach for Free-radical polymerization kinetics
  • Understand the basic steps for quickly and successfully developing polymer process models
  • Know how to use Aspen Polymers in combination with Aspen Plus to develop advanced models of polymerization processes

Audience

  • R&D staff responsible for developing polymer process models
  • Anyone interested in optimizing their polymer processes and improving the plant productivity and product quality  
  • Anyone who wishes to learn about modeling polymer systems

Approach

  • Instruction on basic topics
  • Detailed discussion of technical foundation for simulator features for polymer processes
  • Demonstrations of features
  • Instructor-guided exercises
  • Hands-on workshops that apply learned concepts
  • Detailed course notes

Prerequisites

  • Must have attended “EAP101 Aspen Plus: Process Modeling” training course or have a good working knowledge of using Aspen Plus
  • EAP201 Aspen Plus: Physical Properties for Process Engineers

Subsequent Courses

  • EAP 2121 Process Flowsheet Convergence in Aspen Plus
  • Advanced polymers training is available by arrangement

Class Schedule

Class Agenda

EAP282: Developing Advanced Models for Free-Radical Polymerization Process using Aspen Polymers

Introduction to Aspen Polymers and Polymerization Process Modeling

  • Discuss and review background information about; Aspen Polymers, polymerization processes and process  modeling
Component Characterization
  • Demonstrate how to setup and characterize components for modeling a polymerization process
  • Demonstrate how to view polymer attribute results
  • Workshop: Setup and characterize the components for modeling a styrene free radical solution polymerization process
Property method
  • Identify and explain the Property method in Aspen Polymers
  • Review the criteria for selecting a Property method
  • Workshop: Specify the property method for a styrene free radical solution polymerization process
Overview of Polymer Property Models
  • Identify and explain Polymer Thermo-physical Property Models 
  • Discuss and review the technical details of the model
  • Determine how to verify pure component properties
  • Workshop:  Estimate/fit van Krevelen density parameters for a segment that does not exist in the databank
Polymerization Reaction type
  • Review and discuss the polymerization reaction types available in Aspen Polymers
Free-Radical Polymerization Kinetics
  • Review the built-in reactions in the free radical kinetic model
  • Identify and explain how to setup free radical polymerization kinetics
  • Workshop: Develop familiarity with the free-radical kinetic model features
Reaction Kinetic parameters fitting
  • Learn how to utilize CALCULATOR to define reaction kinetic
  • Learn how to utilize SENSITIVITY to simulate the effect of changes in input variables (chain transfer parameters, temperature, monomer ratio, etc.)  on model outputs
  • Learn how to utilize DESIGN-SPEC to find kinetic parameter to meet model output
  • Workshop: Setup a calculator block to define reaction kinetic, setup a sensitivity analysis to simulate the effect of changing reaction parameter on MWW, and setup a design-spec to find kinetic parameter ratio of (propagation^0.5) to termination to meet MWW target.
Emulsion Polymerization Kinetics (Options)
  • Introduce emulsion polymerization
  • Review the emulsion polymerization kinetic model features
  • Discuss how to setup reactions
  • Workshop: Develop familiarity with emulsion polymerization kinetics
Data Regression (Options)
  • Learn how to use the Data-Fit feature in Aspen Plus to fit polymerization kinetic parameters
  • Workshop: Fit kinetic parameters for the thermal polymerization of styrene

Aspen Technology, Inc. awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for training classes conducted by our organization. One CEU is granted for every 10 hours of class participation.