Variable volume tank reactor

Abstract

A tank reactor is described in which the volume changes linearly with time. The tank may be used as a mixing device, for which the general equation describing the ensuing concentration gradient is reiterated and attention is drawn to misquotations of this in the literature. Experimental evidence is presented demonstrating the validity of the general relationship under different sets of flow conditions: in particular, the linear concentration gradient is described and its precision ascertained when peristaltic pumping is employed.