Ramp tracer signal

Kinds oi Inputs Since a tracer material balance is represented by a linear differential equation, the response to anv one kind of input is derivable from some other known input, either analytically or numerically. Although in practice some arbitrary variation of input concentration with time may be employed, five mathematically simple input signals supply most needs. Impulse and step are defined in the Glossaiy (Table 23-3). Square pulse is changed at time a, kept constant for an interval, then reduced to the original value. Ramp is changed at a constant rate for a period of interest. A sinusoid is a signal that varies sinusoidally with time. Sinusoidal concentrations are not easy to achieve, but such variations of flow rate and temperature are treated in the vast literature of automatic control and may have potential in tracer studies. 

Inputs Although some arbitrary variation of input concentration with time may be employed, five mathematically simple tracer input signals meet most needs. These are impulse, step, square pulse (started at time a, kept constant for an interval, then reduced to the original value), ramp (increased at a constant rate for a period of interest), and sinusoidal. Sinusoidal inputs are difficult to generate experimentally. 

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