Stirred Tank Blending Process

Assumptions
Perfect Mixing
Density of the liquid is
constant (that is, it
does not change
appreciably with
composition)
Volume is variable

Degrees of Freedom
8 Entities
,x,x1,x2,w,w1,w2
One parameter
-

That leaves seven unknowns

(VARIABLES)
If x, V are the controlled variables
(OUTPUT)
There are five degrees of
freedom.

- x1,x2,w1 can be disturbances

and w,w2, the manipulated
variable.

Degrees of Freedom
when V and x2 are constants
8 Entities
,x,x1,x2,w,w1,w2
Two parameters V
X2 is constant and w=w1+w2
- That leaves four unknowns
(VARIABLES)
- If x is the controlled variables
(OUTPUT)
- There are three degrees of
freedom.
-

x1, w1 can be disturbances and w2,

the manipulated variable.

Stirred Tank Blending

Governing Equation
If V is assumed
constant
Let V / w

Stirred Tank Blending Problem

Given V = 2m3 and = 900 kg/m3

Assume that the tank was fed with w1=500kg/min with x1=0.4 and
w2=200kg/min with x2=0.75 for a long time. Get the Steady State
Value of x

Case b. w1 suddenly changed to 400. Plot x vs. t.

Case c. w2 suddenly changed to 100 (w1 being 500). Plot x vs. t

Case d. with w2=200, w1 suddenly changed to 400, and x1, to 0.6

plot x vs. t

Solution : Stirred Tank Blending

For all cases w1+w2 = 600

= V / w

=(2m3 * 900kg/m3)/600kg/min

= 3 min

Stirred Tank Blending : Results

Stirred tank blending normalized

plot
The response of the system to
changes in
a. Flowrate w1
b.

Flowrate w2

c.

Simultaneous change in w2
And x1

Electrically Heated Stir Tank

Assumptions
Constant Hold up (V). Inlet
flow = Outlet flow
Perfect Mixing
Density and Heat
Capacity C are constants
Heat losses are negligible
Metal heating element has
significant capacity
Metal heating element has
uniform temperature.

Electrically Heated Stir Tank

Governing Equations

Electrically Heated Stir Tank

Response of an electrically heated stirred

tank to a step change

A dynamic model for CSTR

Assumptions

Perfect Mixing
V is constant
Is constant
The reaction is of first
order, that is,
Rate r = k CA

Reaction rate r has units

of moles per unit
volume.

A dynamic model for multistage (3stage absorption) systems

Note that the individual equations are linear differential

equations.
They are Coupled as well, that is, x2 appears in the
expression for dx1/dt and both x1 and x3 appear in the
expression for dx2/dt.

Distributed Parameter Systems

In the models we considered thus far, we examined variables that were a

function of time. In the simple double pipe exchanger, that is not the case as
temperature varies with position. For rigorous characterization, we will have
to employ partial differential equations. Alternately, we can opt for a
DISTRIBUTED PARAMETER (as against LUMPED parameter) model,
dividing the length in a number of zones, in each of which, T can be
assumed to be constant.

Motivation for Studying

Process Dynamics

Improve understanding of the process

Train plant operators
As a basis for developing control strategy
Optimize operating conditions

Disadvantages of using
Theoretical Models
The simplest models are based on a long list of
assumptions.
A model quickly gets complicated when some of the
assumptions are replaced by more realistic
equations/conditions.
Complex models are often non-linear, not amenable to
easy analysis.

For the analysis of dynamic response and

getting insight for Process Control, we
need to work with linear dynamic models.

Arrhenius Equation

Expresses the rate of reaction as a function of

temperature
K0 is frequency factor, as it has units of time-1.
E is the activation energy and R is the gas constant.

Typically, k0 and E are determined by fitting

experimental data.
Thus, as used, it is a semi-empirical equation.

Classification of Process Models

Theoretical Models
Provide physical insight
Can be extrapolated
Are difficult, expensive to develop.

Empirical Models
Easy to develop
Should not be used for extrapolation

Semi-empirical Models
Attractive compromise of simplicity and applicability