INTERACTING AND

NON-INTERACTING
SYSTEM
Product Code
328

Instruction manual

Contents
1
2
3
4

Description
Specifications
Installation requirements
Installation Commissioning

5
6
7
8

Troubleshooting
Components used
Packing slip
Warranty

9 Theory
10 Experiments

APEX INNOVATIONS

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Page 1

Apex Innovations

Description
The set up is designed to study
dynamic response of single and
multi capacity processes when
connected in interacting and noninteracting mode. It is combined
to study
1) Single capacity process,
2) Non-interacting process and
3) Interacting process.
The observed step response of
the tank level in different mode
can
be
compared
with
mathematically
predicted
response.
Setup consists of supply tank,
pump for water circulation,
rotameter for flow measurement,
transparent tanks with graduated
scales, which can be connected,

in interacting and non-interacting mode. The

components are assembled on frame to form
tabletop mounting.

Tank 1
R1

Rotameter
Tank 3

Tank 2
R2

R3
Pump

Specifications
Product
Product code
Rotameter
Process tank

Interacting and Non interacting system

328
10-100 LPH
Acrylic, Cylindrical, Inside Diameter 92mm
With graduated scale in mm. (3 Nos)
Supply tank SS304
Pump Fractional horse power, type submersible
Overall dimensions 410Wx350Dx705H mm
Shipping details
Gross volume 0.24m3, Gross weight 60kg, Net weight 26kg

Installation requirements
Electric supply
Provide 230 +/- 10 VAC, 50 Hz, single
phase electric supply with proper
earthing. (Neutral Earth voltage less
than 5 VAC)

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5A, three pin socket with switch (2

Nos.)
Water supply
Distilled water @10 liters
Support table
Size: 800Wx800Dx750H in mm

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Apex Innovations

Installation Commissioning
Installation

Unpack the box(es) received and ensure that all material is received as per
packing slip (provided in instruction manual). In case of short supply or breakage
contact Apex Innovations / your supplier for further action.
Place the set up on table.
Remove tank fitted at the backside of rotameter bracket and fit it on topside. The
outlet of this tank should discharge in left side tank at its bottom.
Fill distilled water in supply tank (@ 10 lit).
Place the set up over the supply tank.

Commissioning

Open the rotameter valve and switch on the pump.

Check the working of rotameter by manipulating flow rates.
Recirculate water through rotameter and tanks.

Troubleshooting
Note: For component specific problems refer components manual

Components used
Components

Details

Rotameter

Make Eureka, Model MG 11, Range 10-100 lph,

Connection BSP back, screwed, Packing PTFE +
Silicon
Make U.P. National Mfrs. Ltd., Model THS 3000,
Type submersible, Head 3 m, 1200 lph discharge,
Watts 35, Volts 240 AC, 50Hz

Pump

Packing slip
Box
No.1/1
1
2
3

Size W595xD670xH605 mm; Vol:0.24m3

Set up assembly
Tool kit
Set of instruction manuals consisting of:
Instruction manual CD (Apex)
Coolant pump manual (Rajmane)
Eurekas Loflometer

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Gross weight: 60 kg
Net weight:26 kg
1 No
1 No
1 No

Page 3

Warranty
This product is warranted for a period of 12 months from the date of supply against
manufacturing defects. You shall inform us in writing any defect in the system
noticed during the warranty period. On receipt of your written notice, Apex at its
option either repairs or replaces the product if proved to be defective as stated
above. You shall not return any part of the system to us before receiving our
confirmation to this effect.
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from:
Buyer/ User shall not have subjected the system to unauthorized alterations/
additions/ modifications.
Unauthorized use of external software/ interfacing.
Unauthorized maintenance by third party not authorized by Apex.
Improper site utilities and/or maintenance.
We do not take any responsibility for accidental injuries caused while working with
the set up.

Apex Innovations Pvt. Ltd.

E9/1, MIDC, Kupwad, Sangli-416436 (Maharashtra) India
Telefax:0233-2644098, 2644398
Email: san_apexinno@sancharnet.in Web: www.apexinnovations-ind.com

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Theory
Step response of single capacity system

Step function: Mathematically, the step function of magnitude A can be expressed

as
X (t) = A u (t) where u (t) is a unit step function.
It can be graphically represented as

To study the transient response for step function, consider the system consisting of a
tank of uniform cross sectional area A1 and outlet flow resistance R such as a valve.
qo ,volumetric flow rate through the resistance, is related to head h by a linear
relationship
-------(1)
qo = h/R
Writing a transient mass balance around the tank:
Mass flow in - Mass flow out = rate of accumulation of mass in the tank.
q (t) - qo(t) = d(Ah)/dt
q(t) - qo(t) = A1 dh /dt ------(2)
Combining equation (1) and (2) to eliminate qo(t) gives the following linear
differential equation:
q - h/R = A1 dh/dt -------(3)
Initially the process is operating at steady state, which means that dh/dt = 0.
Therefore equation (3) becomes as
-----------(4)
qs - hs /R= 0
Where, the subscript s indicates the steady state value of the variable.
Subtracting equation (4) from (3)
(q - qs) = 1/R ( h - hs) + A1 d(h - hs) / dt ----(5)
Defining deviation variable

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q - qs = Q
h - hs = H
Equation (5) can be written as
Q = 1/R H + A1 dH/dt ---------(6)
Taking a transform of equation (6) gives
Q(s) = 1/R H(s) + A1s H(s) ----(7)
Equation (7) can be rearranged into standard form of first order system as
H(s)/Q(s) = R/(s +1) -----------(8)
Where = A1R
For a step change of magnitude A, we can write
Q(t) = A u(t)
So Q(s) = A/s
From equation (8) we can write
H(s) = A/s {R/(s +1)} -------(9)
So by taking Laplace transform of equation (9) we get,
H(t) = AR { (1- e -t/) } ---------(10)

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Step response of first order systems arranged in non- interacting

mode

In non-interacting system we assume the tanks have uniform cross sectional area
and the flow resistance is linear. To find out the transfer function of the system that
relates h2 to q, writing a mass balance around the tanks, we proceed as follows

We can write mass balance at tank1 as

q-q1 = A1(dh1 / dt) (1)
A mass balance at tank 2 is given as
q1-q2 = A2(dh2 / dt) .. (2)
The flow head relationships for the two linear resistances in non-interacting system
are given by the expressions
(3)
q1=(h1 / R1) .
(4)
q2=(h2 / R2)
From (1) and (3)
1
Q1(s)
----------- = -----------
(5)
Q(s)
1. S + 1
Where Q1 = q1 - q1s, Q = q - qs and 1 = A1 R1
From (2) and (4)
R2
H2(s)
----------- =-----------..
(6)
2.
S
+
1
Q1(s)

Where
H2 = h2 - h2s and 2 = A2 R2
Overall transfer function can be calculated as follows
H2(s)
R2
----------=-----------------------.
( 7)
Q(s)
(1. S + 1) ( 2. S + 1 )
For a step change of magnitude A
Q(t) = A u(t)
So, Q(s) = A / s
AxR2
H2(s) = -------------------------------------------------.( 8)
s x (1. S + 1) X ( 2. S + 1 )
H2 at time t is given by
1
(1 x 2)
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H2 (t)= A R2

[1 - -------- {--- e-t/ 1

2
( 1- 2)

----- e-t/ 2}] (9)

1

To study impulse response of first order systems arranged in noninteracting mode

Mathematically, the impulse function of magnitude A is defined as

X(t) = A (t)
Where (t) is the unit impulse function. Graphically it can be described as

Overall transfer function of the system as described in previous experiment

R2
H2(s)
----------=
-----------------------
(1)
Q(s)
(1. S + 1) ( 2. S + 1 )
For a impulse change of magnitude V (volume added to the system)
Q(t) = V (t)
So, Q (s) = V
VxR2
(2)
H2(s) = -------------------------------------------------(1. S + 1) ( 2. S + 1)
For impulse change H2 at time t is given by
e-t/1 - e-t/2
(3)
H2 (t)= V R2 [--------------------------]
( 1- 2)
Considering non-linear resistance at outlet valve of the tank R2 can be calculated as
R2 = 2dH2 /dQ
Where dH2 is change in level of tank2 and dQ is change of flow from initial to final
state.
Put the values in equation (3) to find out H (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)
Predicted and H (t)Observed Vs time.

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Step response of first order systems arranged in interacting mode

Assuming the tanks of uniform cross sectional area and valves with linear flow
resistance the transfer function of interacting system can be written as:

H2 (s)
------------------------ =
Q (s)

R2
-------------------------------1 2 s2 +(1 + 2 + A1 R2) s +1

Let
1
b = ------1

1
+ -------2

A1 R2
-------1 2

= (-b/2) + [ ( b/2) 2 ( 1/ 1 2)]

= (-b/2) - [ ( b/2) 2 ( 1/ 1 2)]
For a step change of magnitude A
[(1/) e (t)] [(1/) e (t)]
H2 (t) = AR2 {1 - ---------------------------------}
[1/ - 1/]
In terms of transient response the interacting system is more sluggish than the noninteracting system.

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Impulse response of first order systems arranged in interacting

mode

As mentioned in theory part of experiment 3, impulse function is described as

X (t)= A (t)
Overall transfer function of the system as described in previous experiment
R2
H2(s)
-------- =
----------------------------------------(1)
Q(s)
1 2 s2 + (1 + 2 + A1 R2) s +1
For a impulse change of magnitude V (volume added to the system)
Q(t) = V (t)
So, Q (s) = V
V R2
---(2)
H2(s) = -------------------------------------------------1 2 s2 + (1 + 2 + A1 R2) s +1

For impulse change H2 at time t is given by

V R2
-----(3)
H2 (t)= ---------------- [e (t) e (t)]
12 (-)
(For , refer theory part of experiment No. 4)
Considering non- linear valve resistance, the resistance at outlet of both tanks can
be calculated as
------------(4)
R1 = 2 dH1/dQ
=
2
dH2/dQ
------------(5)
R2

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Experiments
1 Step response of single capacity system
Procedure
Start up the set up.
A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe in to the cover
of the top Tank 1. Keep the outlet valves (R1 & R2) of the Tank 1 & Tank 2
slightly closed.
Switch on the pump. Adjust rotameter flow rates in steps of 10 LPH from 50 to
100 LPH and note steady state levels for Tank 1 against each flow rate.
From the data obtained select a suitable band for experimentation. (Say 90-100
LPH in which we are getting more readings of tank level).
Adjust the flow rate at lower value of the band selected (say 90 LPH) and allow
the level of the Tank 1 to reach the steady state and record the flow and level at
steady state.
Apply the step change by increasing the rotameter flow by @ 10 LPH.
Immediately start recording the level of the Tank 1 at the interval of 15 sec, until
the level reaches at steady state.
Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the
predicted and observed values of the tank level.
Repeat the experiment by throttling outlet valve (R1) to change resistance.
Observations
Diameter of tank mm: ID 92 mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state tank level (mm):
Final flow rate (LPH):
Final steady state tank level (mm):
(Fill up columns H(t) observed and H(t) predicted after calculations)
Sr.
Time
Level
H(t) observed
H(t) predicted
No.
(sec)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
1
0
2
15
3
30
4
-Calculations
H (t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10 3 m
H(t) Predicted = AR { (1- e -t/) }
Where
H (t)Predicted is level predicted at time t in m.
A = magnitude of step change
= Flow after step input - Initial flow rate in m3/sec.
R = Outlet valve resistance in sec/m2
Considering non linear resistance at outlet, it can calculated as R = dH /dQ
Where dH is change in level (Final steady state level - Initial steady state level) and
dQ is change flow (Final flow rate after step change - Initial flow rate).
= time constant in sec.
=A1 x R Where A1 is area of tank in m2 and R is resistance of outlet
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valve in sec/m^2
A1 = Area of tank = /4 (Diameter of tank in m) 2
t = Time in sec from initial steady state.
Plot the graph of H(t) Vs time for observed and predicted levels.
Sample calculations & results
Refer MS Excel program for calculation and graph plotting.
Comments
Observed response fairly tallies with theoretically calculated response. Deviations
observed may be due to following factors:
Non-linearity of valve resistance.
Step change is not instantaneous.
Visual errors in recording observations.
Accuracy of rotameters.

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2 Step response of first order systems arranged in non-interacting mode

Procedure
Start up the set up.
A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe in to the cover
of the top Tank 1. Keep the outlet valves (R1 & R2) of both Tank 1 & Tank 2
slightly closed. Ensure that the valve (R3) between Tank 2 and Tank 3 is fully
closed.
Switch on the pump and adjust the flow to @90 LPH. Allow the level of both the
tanks (Tank 1 & tank 2) to reach at steady state and record the initial flow and
steady state levels of both tanks.
Apply the step change with increasing the rotameter flow by @ 10 LPH.
Record the level of Tank 2 at the interval of 30 sec, until the level reaches at
steady state.
Record final flow and steady state level of Tank1
Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the
predicted and observed values of the tank level.
Repeat the experiment by throttling outlet valve (R1) to change resistance.
Observations
Diameter of tanks: ID 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state level of Tank 1 (mm):
Initial steady state level of Tank 2 (mm):
Final flow rate (LPH):
Final steady state level of Tank 1 (mm):
Final steady state level of Tank 2 (mm):
(Fill up columns H(t) observed and H(t) predicted after calculations)
Sr. No. Time
Level of tank 2
H(t) observed
H(t) predicted
(sec)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
1
0
2
30
3
60
4
-Calculations
H (t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10 -3
1
1
(1 x 2)
H (t) Predicted = A R2 [1 - -------- { --- e-t/ 1 - ----- e-t/ 2}] ------(1)
2
1
( 1- 2)
Where
H (t)Predicted is level in Tank2 predicted at time t in m.
A = magnitude of step change
= Flow after step input - Initial flow rate in m3/sec.
1 = A1 x R1
2 = A2 x R2
Where 1 is time constant of tank1, A1 is area of tank1 and R1 is resistance of outlet
valve of tank1.
2 is time constant of tank2, A2 is area of tank2 and R2 is resistance of outlet valve of
tank2
Area of tank 1 = /4 (d12) in m2
Area of tank 2 = /4 (d22) in m2
Considering non-linear resistance at outlet valve of both tanks, it can be calculated
as
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R1 = dH1 /dQ
R2 = dH2 /dQ
Where dH1 is change in level of tank1 and dQ is change flow of from initial to final
state and dH2 is change in level of tank2 at initial and final state.
Put the values in equation (1) to find out H (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)
Predicted and H (t)Observed Vs time.
Sample calculations & results
Refer MS Excel program for calculation and graph plotting.
Comments
Observed response fairly tallies with theoretically calculated response. Deviations
observed may be due to following factors:
Non-linearity of valve resistance.
Step change is not instantaneous.
Visual errors in recording observations.
Accuracy of rotameters.

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3 Impulse response of first order systems arranged in non-interacting

mode
Procedure
Start up the set up.
A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe in to the cover
of the top tank (T1). Keep the outlet valves (R1 & R2) of both Tank1 & Tank2
slightly closed. Ensure that the valve (R3) between two bottom tanks T2 and T3
is fully closed.
Switch on the pump and adjust the flow to @90 LPH. Allow the level of both
Tank1 and Tank 2, to reach the steady state and record the initial flow and
steady state levels of both tanks.
Apply impulse input by adding 0.5 lit of water in Tank 1.
Record the level of the Tank 2 at the interval of 30 sec, until the level reaches to
steady state.
Record final steady state level of Tank1
Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the
predicted and observed values of the tank level.
Repeat the experiment by throttling outlet valve (R1) to change resistance.
Observations
Diameter of tanks: ID 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state tank 1 level (mm):
Initial steady state tank 2 level (mm):
Volume added (lit.):
Final steady state tank 1 level (mm):
Final steady state tank 2 level (mm):
(Fill up columns H(t) observed and H(t) predicted after calculations)
Sr. No. Time
Level of tank 2
H(t) observed
H(t) predicted
(sec)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
1
0
2
30
3
60
4
-Calculations
H (t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10 -3
e-t/1 - e-t/2
H2 (t) Predicted = V R2 [--------------------------]
( 1- 2)
V = Volume of liquid added as an impulse input (in m3)
(For 1,2 and R2 refer values obtained in experiment 2)
Put the values in above equation to find out H (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)
Predicted and H (t)Observed Vs time.
Sample calculations & results
Refer MS Excel program for calculation and graph plotting.
Comments
Observed response fairly tallies with theoretically calculated response. Deviations
observed may be due to following factors:
Non-linearity of valve resistance.
Impulse is not instantaneous.
Visual errors in recording observations.
Accuracy of rotameters.
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4 Step response of first order systems arranged in interacting mode

Procedure
Start up the set up.
A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe in to the cover
of the Tank 3. Keep the outlet valve (R2) of Tank 2 slightly closed. Ensure that
the valve (R3) between Tank 2 and Tank 3 is also slightly closed.
Switch on the pump and adjust the flow to @90 LPH. Allow the level of both Tank
2 and Tank 3, to reach the steady state and record the initial flow and steady
state levels of both tanks.
Apply the step change with increasing the rotameter flow by @ 10 LPH.
Record the level of the Tank 2 at the interval of 30 sec, until the level reaches at
steady state.
Record final steady state flow and level of Tank 3
Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the
predicted and observed values of the tank level.
Repeat the experiment by throttling outlet valve (R1) to change resistance.
Observations
Diameter of tanks: ID 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state level of Tank 3 (mm):
Initial steady state level of Tank 2 (mm):
Final flow rate (LPH):
Final steady state level Tank 3 (mm):
Final steady state level Tank 2 (mm):
(Fill up columns H(t) observed and H(t) predicted after calculations)
Sr. No. Time
Level of tank 2
H(t) observed
H(t) predicted
(sec)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
1
0
2
30
3
60
4
-Calculations
H (t) Observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0 ) x 10 -3 m
[(1/) exp (t)] [(1/) exp ( t)]
(H2) t Predicted = AR2 {1 - ---------------------------------------------------} -----(1)
[1/ - 1/]
Where
A = magnitude of step change
= Flow after step input - Initial flow rate in m3/sec
1 = A1 x R1
2 = A2 x R2
Where 1 is time constant of tank1, A1 is area of tank1 and R1 is resistance of outlet
valve of tank1.
2 is time constant of tank2, A2 is area of tank2 and R2 is resistance of outlet valve of
tank2
Considering non linear resistance at outlet valve of both tanks, it can calculated as
R1 = dH1 /dQ and R2 = dH2 /dQ
Where dH is change in tank height for change in flow dQ. Calculate values of b,
and from equations given in theory part.
Put the values in equation (1) to find out H (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)
Predicted and H (t)Observed Vs time

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Sample calculations & results

Refer MS Excel program for calculation and graph plotting.
Comments
Observed response fairly tallies with theoretically calculated response. Deviations
observed may be due to following factors:
Non-linearity of valve resistance.
Step change is not instantaneous.
Visual errors in recording observations.
Accuracy of rotameters.

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5 Impulse response of first order systems arranged in interacting mode

Procedure
Start up the set up.
A flexible pipe is provided at the rotameter outlet. Insert the pipe in to the cover
of Tank 3. Keep the outlet valve (R2) of Tank 2 slightly closed. Ensure that the
valve (R3) between both Tank 2 and Tank 3 is slightly closed
Switch on the pump and adjust the flow to @90 LPH. Allow the level of both the
tanks to reach at steady state and record the initial flow and steady state levels.
Apply impulse input by adding 0.5 lit of water in Tank 3.
Record the level of the Tank 2 at the interval of 30 sec, until the level reaches to
steady state.
Record final steady state level of Tank3.
Carry out the calculations as mentioned in calculation part and compare the
predicted and observed values of the tank level.
Repeat the experiment by throttling outlet valve (R1) to change resistance.
Observations
Diameter of tanks: ID 92mm
Initial flow rate (LPH):
Initial steady state tank 3 level (mm):
Initial steady state tank 2 level (mm):
Volume added (lit.):
Final steady state tank 3 level (mm):
Final steady state tank 2 level (mm):
(Fill up columns H(t) observed and H(t) predicted after calculations)
Sr. No. Time
Level of tank 2
H(t) observed
H(t) predicted
(sec)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
1
0
2
30
3
60
4
-Calculations
H (t) observed = (Level at time t - level at time 0) x 10 -3
V R2
-----------------[e(t) - e(t)]
H2 (t) Predicted =
12( - )
V = Volume of liquid added as an impulse input (in m3)
(For calculating 1,2, , and R2 refer experiment 3)
Put the values in above equation to find out H (t) Predicted and plot the graph of H (t)
Predicted and H (t)Observed Vs time.
Sample calculations & results
Refer MS Excel program for calculation and graph plotting.
Comments
Observed response fairly tallies with theoretically calculated response. Deviations
observed may be due to following factors:
Non-linearity of valve resistance.
Impulse is not instantaneous.
Visual errors in recording observations.
Accuracy of rotameters.

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