US Patent 7799877 Polymerization monitoring and control using leading indicators

Methods of monitoring and controlling polymerization reactions are disclosed. The ratio of concentrations of two reactor components are determined in a gas stream of a reactor to obtain a leading indicator function L. The value of L or a function of L, such as a rescaled value or a reciprocal, is compared to a target value, and at least one reactor parameter is adjusted in response to a deviation between L or the function of L and the target value. Monitoring of the leading indicator permits rapid diagnosis of reactor problems, and rapid adjustments of reactor parameters, compared to laboratory analysis of samples of polymer properties.