EM-DECHE Differential Equations with ChE Applications

1st Semester, AY 2019-2020

Models Based on Mass Balances

1. Two perfect mixers are connected as shown in Figure 1. The pump delivers a volumetric flow rate V
(m3/s).

V c1

V c2

Figure 1.

At time t = 0, mixer (1) is completely filled with a solution of salt in water. The concentration of salt
is c0 (kg/m3). Also, at time t = 0, mixer (2) is completely filled with pure water. The volume of both
mixers is V (m3). The volumes of the connecting pipes and of the pump are negligible.
a. At any time t what is the simple relation between the salt concentration c1 in mixer (1) and the
salt concentration c2 in mixer (2)?
b. Calculate the salt concentration in mixer (2) as a function of time. In order to do this, set up a
mass balance for the salt in mixer (2).
c. In one figure, sketch the salt concentration in both mixers as a function of time. Clearly indicate
which values these concentrations will reach after a long time.

2. Consider two ideal stirred tanks, connected to each other as shown in the scheme of Figure 2.

2V V
V 1
V

V 2

Figure 2.
 The tanks are completely filled with a salt solution with concentration c0. Both tanks are connected to
the main supply line through which a volumetric flow 2V flows with the same salt solution. Just
before the tanks this stream splits into two streams of equal volumetric flow rate (See Figure 2). The
system operates at steady state.

Starting at time t = 0, however, the flow in the main supply line is switched to pure water, of the same
volumetric flow rate. All other flow rates also remain the same. (Note: The volume of the pipes is
negligibly small.)
a. Set up a mass balance for the salt in tank (1) and determine the salt concentration at the outlet as a
function of time.
b. What is the volumetric flow rate of the stream leaving tank (2)?
c. Set up a mass balance for the salt in tank (2) and determine the salt concentration in tank (2) as a
function of time.

3. Liquid A flows through a tank of 6 m3 volume, which is well stirred (perfect mixer), with a volumetric
flow rate of 0.1 m3/s. Suddenly, the flow is switched to liquid B with an equal volumetric flow rate.
How long does it take before the mixture leaving the tank contains less than 1% A?

4. Consider three ideal stirred tanks, connected to each other as shown in Figure 3.

V
V 1

3V 3

2V
2V 2

Figure 3.

The tanks are completely filled with a salt solution with concentration c0. A salt solution, also with
concentration c0, flows through Tank (1), with volumetric flow rate V. Through tank (2) a salt
solution of the same concentration c0 flows, but with volumetric flow rate 2 V. The system has
achieved steady state.

Starting at time t = 0, however, the flows entering tanks (1) and (2) are switched to pure water. The
volumetric flow rates remain the same. (Note: The volume of the pipes is negligibly small.)
a. Set up a mass balance for the salt in tank (1) and determine the salt concentration at the exit of
tank (1) as a function of time.
b. Set up a mass balance for the salt in tank (2) and determine the salt concentration at the exit of
tank (2) as a function of time.
c. What is the volumetric flow rate of the stream leaving tank (3)?
d. Set up a mass balance for the salt in tank (3) and determine the salt concentration at the exit of
tank (3) as a function of time.