Experiment No - 1

Dynamics of Non-Interacting Process

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

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3A.Step Response of Two First Order Systems Arranged In NonInteracting Mode

AIM:
To study the step response of two first order systems arranged in non-interacting
mode.
PROCEDURE:
1) A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe into the cover of the top
Tank1. Keep the outlet valves (R1&R2) of both Tank1 & Tank2 slightly closed. Ensure that
the valve (R3) between Tank2 and Tank3 is fully closed.
2) Switch on the pump and adjust the flow to 60 LPH. Allow the level of both the tanks
(Tank1&tank2) to reach at steady state and record the initial flow and steady state levels of
both tanks.
3) Apply the step change with increasing the rotameter flow by 10 LPH.
4) Record the level of Tank2 at regular intervals of 30sec, until the level reaches a steady
state.
5) Record final flow and steady state level of Tank1
6) Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the predicted and
observed values of the tank level.
OBSERVATIONS:
Diameter of tanks ID : 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state level of Tank 1(mm):
Initial steady state level of Tank 2(mm):
Final flow rate (LPH):
Final steady state level of Tank 1 (mm):
Final steady state level of Tank 2 (mm):
S. No.

Time
(sec)

1
2
3

Level of tank 2
(mm)

H(t) observed

H(t) predicted

(mm)

(mm)

--

Take readings till the level reaches a steady state in tank 2, fill up columns H(t) observed and
H(t) predicted after calculations.

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

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CALCULATIONS:

For Tank2
H 2(t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10-3m

H 2(t) Predicted = A R 2 (1 12 et/ 1 et/ 2 )

1

Where

H 2(t) Predicted is level in Tank 2 predicted at time t in mm.

A = magnitude of step change
= Flow after step input - Initial flow rate in m3/sec.
1 is time constant of tank1, A1 is area of tank1 and R1 is resistance of outlet valve of
tank1.2 is time constant of tank2, A2 is area of tank2 and R2 is resistance of outlet valve of
tank2
Area of tank 1 = /4 (d12) in m2

Area of tank 2 = /4 (d22) in m2

Considering non-linear resistance at outlet valve of both tanks, it can be calculated as:
R1 =

R2 =

Where dH1 is change in level of tank1 and dQ is the change in flow and dH2 is change
in level of tank2 from initial to final steady state. Put the values in the above equation to find
out H2 (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H2 (t) Predicted and H2 (t) Observed Vs time.

Model Graph:

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

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CONCLUSIONS:
1. The step responses of two first order systems arranged in non-interacting mode is
studied and a graph is plotted between Time versus H (both observed and calculated).
2. It is noted that the theoretical value of height matches with the experimental values
and the response is found to be over damped.

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

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3B. Impulse Response of Two First Order Systems Arranged in nonInteracting Mode

AIM:
To study the impulse response of two first order systems arranged in Non-Interacting
mode.
PROCEDURE:
1) Follow step 1 and 2 of step response experiment
2) Apply impulse input by adding 0.5 lit of water in Tank 1.
3) Record the level of the Tank 2 at regular intervals of 30 sec, until the level reaches steady
state.
4) Record final steady state level of Tank1.
5) Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the predicted and
observed values of the tank level.
OBSERVATIONS:
Diameter of tanks ,ID: 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state tank1 level (mm):
Initial steady state tank 2 level (mm):
Volume added (lit.):
Final steady state tank1 level (mm):
Final steady state tank 2 level (mm):
S. No.

Time
(sec)

1
2
3

Level of tank 2
(mm)

H(t) observed

H(t) predicted

(mm)

(mm)

--

Take readings of level in tank 2 till it reaches steady state, fill up columns H(t) observed and
H(t) predicted after calculations.

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

Page 5

CALCULATIONS:
For tank2
H 2(t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10-3m
H 2(t) Predicted = V R 2

e t/1 e t/2
1 2

V = Volume of liquid added as an impulse input (in m3)

(For 1,2 and R2 refer values obtained in Step Response experiment)
Put the values in above equation to find out H(t)Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)Predicted
and H (t) Observed Vs time.
Model

CONCLUSIONS:
1. The impulse response of two first order systems arranged in non- interacting mode is
studied and a graph is plotted between Time versus H (both observed and calculated).
2. It is noted that the theoretical value of height matches with the experimental values.

IPC LAB, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, NITW

Page 6