Dynamical analysis of an elementary X+Y -> P reaction in a continuously stirred tank reactor

This paper investigates the bifurcation behaviour of a model oxidation reac tion in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). We assume that two gase ous chemical species are pumped separately into the CSTR, at constant total pressure, reacting to produce an inert product. The reaction is assumed to be a single step reaction that is described by Arrhenius kinetics. It is c apable of producing oscillatory behaviour as well as steady state multiplic ity in certain parameter regions. Bifurcation diagrams in various control p arameter spaces are presented. We show that the system always possesses a g lobally attracting invariant region. The equivalence of a CSTR having n fee d streams and the one pipe version, by appropriate rescaling, is also discu ssed.