ENGR3267 - Assignment #1

1.

Two tanks are connected together in the following un-usual way in Fig. 1
a)

b)

Develop a model for this system that can be used to find h1, h2, w2, and w3 as
functions of time for any given variations in inputs.
Perform a degrees of freedom analysis. Identify all input and output variables.

Notes:
The density of the incoming liquid, , is constant. The cross-sectional areas of the two
tanks are A1 and A2. w2 is positive for flow from Tank 1 to Tank 2. The two valves
are linear with resistances R2 and R3.

Figure 1:

ENGR3267 - Assignment #1

(continued)

The gravity draining tank in Figure 2 has a linear valve (i.e., Fi=KvPv) and the outlet flow
can be considered to follow square root law (i.e., Fo=Khh1/2) . The tank is 60 cm high and
has an inner diameter of 20 cm.
Pv
Fi

Fo

Figure 2: Gravity Draining Tank.

ENGR 3267 - Assignment #1

(continued)

The normal steady-state operation is:

h = 36 cm,
Pv = 50 % open
Other process parameters:
l
,
min % open
l
,
K h = 0.5
1
2
min cm
lb
= 62.4 3
ft
Perform each of the following:
K v = 0.06

a)
b)

Develop a dynamic model for this process. State all of your assumptions and
classify each of the variables.
Simulate each of the following step changes:
Pv =
10%, 20%

c)
d)

What inlet valve position will cause the tank to overflow?

Why does the tank level seem to be independent of tank diameter? Explain.