Residence time density (RTd) identification through deconvolution of finite time horizon input output data and its Application to a novel analytical dispersion process RTd model

Abstract

This work presents first an approach to the identification of Residence Time density (RTd) and Residence Time Distribution (RTD) functions, through deconvolution of finite time horizon, input/output data generated by a zero-order hold input, using the novel concept of zero-order hold, average, impulse response coefficients. Subsequently, a novel RTd analytical expression is derived for an open-open axial dispersion process with a finite experimental section in a tube of infinite length, and an explanation is provided for this RTd model’s differences from the literature. This new RTd expression is then employed in two case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed identification through a deconvolution conceptual framework in identifying RTd model parameters, and in assisting in the selection of RTd models which are compatible with experimental data.