Multi-zone TAP-reactors theory and application: I. The global transfer matrix equation

A general theory of single-pulse state-defining experiments for a multi-zon e TAP (temporal analysis of products) reactor, is developed using the Lapla ce transform formalism: the theory gives explicit expressions for the momen ts of the outlet flux, series expansions for the transient values of this f lux, and offers an efficient means to compute the actual profiles of gas co ncentration in the reactor and the values of the outlet flux numerically, u sing e.g. Fast Fourier Transform. The central concept of the theory is the global transfer matrix equation, which determines completely the dynamic be havior of the reactor. Using efficient computer algebra methods. the theory generates previous theoretical results reported in the literature for all the known TAP-reactor configurations, and yields new results related to the reversible adsorption/reaction-diffusion case and the thin-zone case. It c an be used for further theoretical studies in the area of diffusion/reactio n dynamics. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .