Implementation of a Simple CSTR Model

This document describes the implementation of a simplified CSTR model developed using MATLAB, featuring a PID control system. The CSTR (Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor) represents a fundamental chemical reactor design where reactants are continuously fed into a well-mixed tank, enabling controlled chemical reactions in liquid phases. This MATLAB-based simulation model finds applications in various domains including wastewater treatment processes and chemical reaction optimization. The implementation utilizes MATLAB's computational capabilities for solving differential equations that govern reactor dynamics, typically involving mass balance equations and reaction kinetics. The PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm is implemented using MATLAB's control system toolbox functions, where the proportional term handles immediate error correction, the integral term addresses accumulated errors over time, and the derivative term predicts future error trends. This control loop continuously adjusts system parameters based on error signals between measured and desired outputs, thereby enhancing reactor control precision and operational efficiency. Key implementation aspects include defining reactor parameters (volume, flow rates, concentration), setting up ordinary differential equations for species conservation, and configuring PID gains (Kp, Ki, Kd) through tuning methods like Ziegler-Nichols. The model outputs include reaction conversion rates, temperature profiles, and concentration trajectories, providing valuable insights for process optimization and control strategy development.