RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1. STEP CHANGE INPUT

Figure 1.1: Graph of Concentration vs Time for Step Change Input

For this experiment, an experiment has been carried out to study the effect of step change
input on the concentration of salt solution, sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. Theoretically, when
a step change of solute concentration is introduced at the feed in Tank 1, the reactor in series
arrangement will undergo a transient behaviour. Based on Figure 1, it can be seen that when the
time is at t=0, the concentration of deionised water will be at a steady state condition. When the
NaCl solution is introduced, the concentration of salt solution increases until the point of
relentless state. This is due to feed entering Reactor 1 first and then followed by Reactor 2 and
Reactor 3 respectively. Based on the graph plotted, it can be seen that Reactor 2 has the highest
concentration of salt solution followed by Reactor 3 and lastly, Reactor 1. Thus, it can be
concluded that the trend in the graph follows the transient response behaviour and satisfies the
theory. All solutions in the reactor have become saturated resulting in the concentration of the
solution to not undergo much increment towards the end of the experiment.
 Figure 1.2: Graph Flow Rate vs Time for Step Change Input

Based on Figure 1.2, it can be concluded that are changes occurring in the flow rate
values despite being fixed at 150 mL/min. The fluctuation of flow rate occurs due to air bubbles
being trapped in the reactor, thus resulting in the flow rate to fluctuate. As means of
improvement, the flow rate should be adjusted from time to time manually, to ensure there is no
fluctuation and a more accurate data can be obtained.

Figure 1.3: Graph of Residence Time vs Time for Step Change Input

Based on Figure 1.3, it can be seen that the residence time distribution for all three
reactors increasing gradually towards the end of the experiment. The residence time for Reactor
3 peaks at the highest, followed by Reactor 2 and lastly, Reactor 1. The increase in residence
time is due to when salt solution is passed into the reactor, the concentration of solution becomes
saturated and the data is taken when it has constant reading. Thus, it can be concluded that
Reactor 1 reaches saturation faster when compared to Reactor 2 and Reactor 3.

2. PULSE INPUT

Figure 2.1: Graph of Concentration vs Time for Pulse Input

For this experiment, based on Figure 2.1, the solution is initially at a steady state.
However, the transient behaviour changes due to a reduction in concentration from the input
when the pulse input was introduced for a span of two minutes. It can be seen from the graph that
the concentration of all three reactors increased to a peak before gradually decreasing and
reaching steady state.
 Figure 2.2: Graph Flow Rate vs Time for Pulse Input

From Figure 2.2, we can conclude that the flow rate having been set to 150 mL/min had
undergone very mild fluctuations throughout the experiment despite having a sudden decrease at
120 mL/min and peaking at 170 mL/min the start of flow.

Figure 2.3: Graph of Residence Time vs Time for Pulse Input

In Figure 2.3, it can be seen that the residence time distribution for all three reactors
increased with time as the pulse input is introduced. After the pulse is introduced, it can be seen
that the residence time interval for all three reactors decreased gradually, with Reactor 1
 decreasing the most and Reactor 3 decreasing the slightest. Reactor 1 has the highest initial
residence time as the salt solution is passed through first into Reactor 1 and later on to Reactor 2
and Reactor 3 respectively.

3. DEAD TIME COIL

3.1. COMPLETE FLOW THROUGH DEAD TIME COIL

Figure 3.1.1: Graph of Concentration vs Time for Complete Flow Dead Time Coil

In this experiment, the effect of dead time coil is investigated by introducing pulse input
to Reactor 3. However, two readings are taken each time to make sure the data is accurate. The
dead time coil valve is then fully opened and from Figure 3.1.1, we can observe that the solution
of NaCl has highest peak in concentration when it was allowed to flow into the reactor for two
minutes. Next, the pump is switched and the deionized water begins to dilute the NaCl solution,
resulting in the NaCl solution to decrease gradually.
 Figure 3.1.2: Graph Flow Rate vs Time for Complete Flow Dead Time Coil

For this experiment, the flow rate was set to 150 mL/min. However, the flow rate
fluctuated throughout the experiment with the highest flow rate reaching approximately 180
mL/min.

Figure 3.1.3: Graph of Residence Time vs Time for Complete Flow Dead Time Coil

From Figure 3.1.3, it can be seen that as the concentration of solution in flow increased,
the residence time also increased before gradually decreasing when the dilution of solution
occurs.

3.2 PARTIAL FLOW THROUGH DEAD TIME COIL

Figure 3.2.1: Graph of Concentration vs Time for Partial Flow Dead Time Coil

The experiment is repeated and the effect of dead time coil is investigated by introducing
pulse input to Reactor 3. However, two readings are taken each time to make sure the data is
accurate. The dead time coil valve is then partially opened and a fraction of NaCl solution is
allowed to flow through causing the concentration in the reactor to increase rapidly. From Figure
3.2.1, we can observe that the solution of NaCl has highest peak in concentration when it was
allowed to flow into the reactor for two minutes. Next, the pump is switched and the deionized
water begins to dilute the NaCl solution, resulting in the NaCl solution to decrease gradually.
Thus, we can conclude that the presence of dead time zones in the reactor is when there is no
mixing between mixtures in the reactor. The dead time zones function to allow partial flow of
solutions through it.
 Figure 3.2.2: Graph Flow Rate vs Time for Partial Flow Dead Time Coil

For this experiment, the flow rate was set to 150 mL/min. However, the flow rate
fluctuated throughout the experiment with the highest flow rate reaching approximately 153
mL/min and the lowest being 135 mL/min.

Figure 3.2.3: Graph of Residence Time vs Time for Partial Flow Dead Time Coil

From Figure 3.2.3, it can be seen that as the concentration of solution in flow increased,
the valve of the dead time coil is partially opened and the solution undergoes dilution. The
residence time also increased before gradually decreasing when the dilution of solution occurs.