Stochastic Models by Probability Balance

The establishment of stochastic equations frequently results from the evolution of the analyzed process. In this case, it is necessary to make a local balance (space and time) for the probability of existence of a process state. This balance is similar to the balance of one property. It means that the probability that one event occurs can be considered as a kind of property. Some specific rules come from the fact that the field of existence, the domains of values and the calculation rules for the probability of the individual states of processes are placed together in one or more systems with complete connections or in Markov chains. 

In the development of stochastic models, there are six successive steps  

The objective of the description of a process evolution, considering mainly the specific internal phenomena, is to precede the elementary processes (elementary states) components. 

The identification of the elementary steps according to which the evolution of the investigated process (phenomena) is held. 

The determination or the division of the transition probabilities from one state to another and the identification with respect to the connections if the stochastic process accepts a continuous or a discrete way. 

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Polystochastic models are used to characterize processes with numerous elementary states. The examples mentioned in the previous section have already shown that, in the establishment of a stochastic model, the strategy starts with identifying the random chains (Markov chains) or the systems with complete connections which provide the necessary basis for the process to evolve. The mathematical description can be made in different forms such as (i) a probability balance, (ii) by modelling the random evolution, (iii) by using models based on the stochastic differential equations, (iv) by deterministic models of the process where the parameters also come from a stochastic base because the random chains are present in the process evolution. 

Chapter 4 is devoted to the description of stochastic mathematical modelling and the methods used to solve these models such as analytical, asymptotic or numerical methods. The evolution of processes is then analyzed by using different concepts, theories and methods. The concept of Markov chains or of complete connected chains, probability balance, the similarity between the Fokker-Plank-Kolmogorov equation and the property transport equation, and the stochastic differential equation systems are presented as the basic elements of stochastic process modelling. Mathematical models of the application of continuous and discrete polystochastic processes to chemical engineering processes are discussed. They include liquid and gas flow in a column with a mobile packed bed, mechanical stirring of a liquid in a tank, solid motion in a liquid fluidized bed, species movement and transfer in a porous media. Deep bed filtration and heat exchanger dynamics are also analyzed. 

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