Analysis of continuous stirred tank reactor as a multivariable process and algorithms for computer determination of the equilibrium states†

Abstract

Most chemical reactors are multivariable processes and a systematic study of stability and control requires the prior determination of their equilibrium states. This paper shows the multivariable character of such processes by signal flow diagram representation and also presents algorithms for computer determination of the equilibrium states. The chemical reactor chosen is a typical continuous stirred tank reactor with an irreversible, exothermic reaction. Both first and second-order reactions are considered