System suitability test parameters limits determination

It can be shown how a real reactor might be modeled by one of two different combinations of ideal reactors. These are but two of an almost unlimited number of combinations that could be made. However, if we limit the number of adjustable parameters to two (e.g., volume of the exchange reactor and exchange flow rate), the situation becomes much more tractable. Once a model has been chosen, what remains is to check to see whether it is a reasonable model and to determine the values of the model s parameters. Usually, the simplest means of obtaining the necessary data is some form of tracer test. These tests have been described in Chapter 13, together with their uses in determining the RTD cf a reactor system. Tracer tests can be used to determine the RTD, which can then be used in a similar manner to determine the suitability of the model and the value of its parameters. 

---