Pseudo-bond graph model and simulation of a continuous stirred tank reactor

Abstract A dynamic model is developed that allows us to represent the behavior of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the saponification of ethyl acetate with sodium hydroxide. The model is based on the bond graph technique, which lets us represent the molar and energy balances of the system. Various simulations were done using the ENPORT 5.2 program, enabling us to validate the model with data taken directly from the real system. A satisfactory behavior was obtained for the thermal variables involved, but for the concentration, the model tends to deviate even for values at steady state. This is due to the difficulty in estimating the experimental values of the reaction rate constants.