類神經網路已被研究多年。這些類神經網路的模型主要是嘗試著去模仿人類的神經系統，因為人類的神經系統在語音、聽覺、影像和視覺方面均有很完美的表現，所以也期望這些模型能夠在這些方面有出色的成果。類神經網路的架構就是來自於現今對人類神經系統的認識。現今的類神經網路是由很多非線性的運算單元(神經元Neuron)和位於這些運算單元間的眾多連結所組成，而這些運算單元通常是以平行且分散的方式在作運算，如此就可以同時處理大量的資料，由這樣的設計就可以被用來處理各種需要大量資料運算的應用上。
近年來類神經網路已廣泛的使用在化工程序上，主要原因在於類神經網路擁有學習能力，可以避免建立複雜的數學模式，由提供的資料當中學習輸出的結果。
本研究的目的為針對EVA(Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate)在高壓反應器(Autoclave Reactor)的共聚合反應程序，以類神經網路預測其產品性質的變化情形，並在產品產量增減及品別轉換的情形下，運用類神經網路的預測對其產品性質加以控制。

Research on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has been carried for many years. This type of model seeks to mimic the human brains. The human brains has been excellent in pronunciation, hearing, and imaging, thus the hope is that similar performance can be achieved. The framework of ANN structure stems from the knowledge on the nervous system. Modern ANN is formed by the numerous nonlinear operations (neurons) and links; the neurons carry out parallel and dispersed operations, hence, enable it to handle huge amount of data; with such design, it can be applied to instances where large data processing is required.

Recently, the artificial neural network has been widely applied in chemical processes. The main reason is that the artificial neural network is capable of learning, which can prevent from building complex mathematical models, but learn from the outcome of the given information instead.

The main purpose of this research is to use artificial neural network to predict the important product output variables such as the Melt Index (MI), comonomer wt % in the polymer, and the production rate. Test on the changing of the production rate and grade transition will be made to illustrate the usage of the developed ANN model.

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