Tanks in series model

We have already seen that multiple MFRs in series approach PFR behavior as the
number of MFRs increases. (Fig.6.3 & 6.5)

Conversely, we can think of a non-ideal PFR as a series of MFRs and develop

quantitative analysis of the non-ideality as characterized by E curves (Fig.14.1)

t t
t = Nti θi = θ = θi = Nθ Eθ = tE
ti t
 dC
0 − vC = V
dt
which lead to :
v
v − t
E= e V
V

Tracer balance on first tank

Recall, generally for MFR:

input – output = accumulation (no reaction term for tracer)

Assuming instantaneous addition of tracer pulse, no more input after time 0.

Tracer balance on subsequent tanks

input – output = accumulation (no reaction term for tracer)
dC2
The second tank receives time varying input from tank
vC1 1….>
−vC2 =V2
dt
The third tank receives time varying input from tank 2

dC 3
vC 2 −vC 3 =V3
dt
. etc.

The solutions to this set of equations are summarized in Box 3 and Fig.14.2

Observations on Fig.14.2

• The Eθcurve for the entire assembly (left figure) starts resembling a PFR Eθ
curve as N increases.

I.e overall spread decreases.

• The Eθ curves for the individual reactors (right figure, Eθi) get flatter (spread
increases) as we move away from the feed end.

• Note however, that the spread for the individual tanks are measured relative
to the individual mean residence times whereas the spread for the system as
a whole is measured relative to the system mean residence time.
 RTD for the tanks in series model (Fig.14.3)
• The spread or flatness of a distribution can be quantified by the variance:

• Fig 14.3 shows the relation between N and σ2, as well as Eθ

One-shot tracer input

• In tracer studies, the input does not have to be an instantaneous spike.
The input can be characterized by σin2

• And the output by: σout2 (Fig. 14.4)

• The tanks in series model then says:

2
(∆ t )
∆σ 2 = σ out
2
− σ in2 =
N
Where ∆t is the time
t M + N difference
= t M + t N between the two peaks
σ M2 + N = σ M2 + σ N2
(∆t ) 2
∆σ 2 = σ OUT
2
− σ IN
2
=
N

Example 14.2 (Fig. E14.2)

Estimating the location of a spill in a river from the difference of spread at two
downstream observation points.

• Over 119 miles the spread increases from 10.5 hr to 14 hr

• By considering that σ2is proportional to distance we can deduce that an

instantaneous spill (pulse input) could have occurred 272 miles upstream, or,
a sloppy input could have occurred closer.
Using the fact that the peak at Cincinnati occurred 26 hours after the peak at
Portsmouth, and the ∆σ2 expression for the tanks-in-series model, we can find, for
this stretch of river
Example 14.3 (Fig. E14.3a)
From compartment models we know that multiple decaying peaks is a sign of
(∆t ) 2
∆σ 2 = σ
recirculation (Fig.12.1, 2
p.285)
OUT − σ 2
IN =
N
Analyzing Fig E14.3a, we arrive at a tanks (26) 2 in series model depicted in Fig. E14.3b,
= (14) 2 − (10.5) 2 = 14.3c,
N
14.3d.
N =8
 ( ∆t ) 2
∆σ 2 = σout
2
−σin2 =
N
t N −1 NN
E= e −t / t i
t
N
( N −1)!

Example 14.4 (Fig E14.4a and 14.4b)

Vessel E curve from σin2 and σout2

Equations used for tanks in series model:……..>

By: Devender Arora
Biotech 3rd year

Roll No.: 1229