Residence time distributions of variable flow processes

Tracer response functions can be interpreted and used under conditions of variable flow, if they are presented in terms of an integrated flow variable and if the flow patterns are not affected by changes of flow rate. Several models are analyzed and they show an agreement with the presented theory. Application of the method to arbitrary non-analytic response and distribution functions is outlined. Use of the distribution functions of presented type for control of variable flow processes is similar to the stationary systems. The functions are also applicable to time domain methods for control of variable flow chemical reactors with linear kinetics. (author)