INVESTIGATION OF AN AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOCLAVE REACTOR IN SCLAIRTECH TECHNOLOGY

This paper investigates the automatic temperature control system of a high-pressure autoclave reactor of the DC-2101 type used in Sclairtech technology. In autoclave reactors, the ethylene homopolymerization process is strongly exothermic; therefore, temperature stability is of critical importance for ensuring product quality and technological safety. Within the scope of the study, the dynamic behavior of the reactor temperature was described using a mathematical model based on heat balance equations, and a computer model was developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Automatic temperature regulation was implemented using a closed-loop control system with a proportional–integral (PI) controller. Simulation results obtained for various PI controller parameter settings enabled analysis of the reactor temperature transient responses and assessment of stability and control performance. The results demonstrate that, with optimal PI controller tuning, the reactor temperature can be maintained smoothly, rapidly, and without oscillations around the specified operating setpoint. The findings provide a scientific and practical basis for the design and industrial application of automatic temperature control systems in high-pressure autoclave reactors.