The mathematical modelling and the development of a numerical simulator of a pilot-plant batch reactor are presented. In this paper, dynamic simulation and advanced control strategy are given. This work presents the development and characterisation of a multipurpose batch reactor with a variable heating/cooling structure for temperature control. This strategy is based on the use of the thermal flux as the manipulated variable. The controller (the Generalised Predictive Controller) computes at each sampling time the thermal flux to be exchanged with the thermal fluid flowing in the jacket to achieve the desired reactor temperature profile. This information is then used to select the thermal fluid on the basis of the maximal and minimal thermal flux capacities computed on-line for each utility. This methodology allows to overcome the discontinuities due to utility fluid switching frequently encountered during the batch reactor operation.