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Non-steady State Continuous Flow

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
1 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~47 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t — Non-steady State Continuous Flow

non-steady state continuous flow completely mixed reactor start-up Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 35.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 1,680 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 16,620 m^3; time (t) = 7.7000 day, determine the tank concentration at time t (C) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=46.0000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=35.5000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 35.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=1,680m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 1,680 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=16,620m3tank volume (V) = 16,620 m^3
  • time(t)=7.7000daytime (t) = 7.7000 day

Find

tank concentration at time t (C), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C is given, so isolate C symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 1 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t — Non-steady State Continuous Flow

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}+C_{in}\left(1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 35.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 1,680 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 16,620 m^3, time (t) = 7.7000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    C=C0e−1680166207.7000+35.5000\lef7.7000(1−e−1680166207.7000\righ7.7000)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{1680}{16620}7.7000}+35.5000\lef7.7000(1-e^{-\frac{1680}{16620}7.7000}\righ7.7000)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    C=40.3213 mg/LC = 40.3213\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C = 40.3213 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
C=40.3213 mg/LC = 40.3213\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 80.6425 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 20.1606 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 44.3534 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 2
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (2)

non-steady state continuous flow tank concentration approaching equilibrium Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 3,440 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 12,910 m^3; time (t) = 6.9000 day; tank concentration at time t (C) = 11.7000 mg/L, determine the influent concentration (C_in) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=46.0000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=3,440m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 3,440 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=12,910m3tank volume (V) = 12,910 m^3
  • time(t)=6.9000daytime (t) = 6.9000 day
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=11.7000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 11.7000 mg/L

Find

influent concentration (C_in), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C_in is given, so isolate C_in symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 2 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (2)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C_in:

    Cin=C−C0e−QVt1−e−QVtC_{in} = \dfrac{C-C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}{1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 46.0000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 3,440 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 12,910 m^3, time (t) = 6.9000 day, tank concentration at time t (C) = 11.7000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Cin=11.7000−C0e−3440129106.90001−e−3440129106.9000C_{in} = \dfrac{11.7000-C_0 e^{-\frac{3440}{12910}6.9000}}{1-e^{-\frac{3440}{12910}6.9000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Cin=5.2131 mg/LC_{in} = 5.2131\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C_in = 5.2131 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Cin=5.2131 mg/LC_{in} = 5.2131\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 10.4262 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2.6065 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 5.7344 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 3
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (3)

non-steady state continuous flow reactor with changing influent concentration Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.0000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 95.0000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 4,720 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 18,470 m^3; tank concentration at time t (C) = 60.3000 mg/L, determine the time (t) in day.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=45.0000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.0000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=95.0000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 95.0000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=4,720m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 4,720 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=18,470m3tank volume (V) = 18,470 m^3
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=60.3000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 60.3000 mg/L

Find

time (t), in day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 3 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (3)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=−VQln⁡(C−CinC0−Cin)t = -\dfrac{V}{Q}\ln\left(\dfrac{C-C_{in}}{C_0-C_{in}}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.0000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 95.0000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 4,720 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 18,470 m^3, tank concentration at time t (C) = 60.3000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=−184704720ln⁡(60.3000−95.0000C0−95.0000)t = -\dfrac{18470}{4720}\ln\left(\dfrac{60.3000-95.0000}{C_0-95.0000}\right)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=1.4294 dayt = 1.4294\ \text{day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 1.4294 day to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=1.4294 dayt = 1.4294\ \text{day}

Why the other options are there

  • 2.8588 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.7147 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.5723 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 4
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (4)

non-steady state continuous flow completely mixed reactor start-up Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 36.5000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 50.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 1,620 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 18,270 m^3; time (t) = 2.5000 day, determine the tank concentration at time t (C) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=36.5000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 36.5000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=50.5000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 50.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=1,620m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 1,620 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=18,270m3tank volume (V) = 18,270 m^3
  • time(t)=2.5000daytime (t) = 2.5000 day

Find

tank concentration at time t (C), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C is given, so isolate C symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 4 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (4)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}+C_{in}\left(1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 36.5000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 50.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 1,620 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 18,270 m^3, time (t) = 2.5000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    C=C0e−1620182702.5000+50.5000\lef2.5000(1−e−1620182702.5000\righ2.5000)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{1620}{18270}2.5000}+50.5000\lef2.5000(1-e^{-\frac{1620}{18270}2.5000}\righ2.5000)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    C=39.2835 mg/LC = 39.2835\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C = 39.2835 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
C=39.2835 mg/LC = 39.2835\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 78.5671 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 19.6418 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 43.2119 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 5
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (5)

non-steady state continuous flow tank concentration approaching equilibrium Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 2,690 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 18,220 m^3; time (t) = 1.7000 day; tank concentration at time t (C) = 82.4000 mg/L, determine the influent concentration (C_in) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=45.5000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=2,690m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 2,690 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=18,220m3tank volume (V) = 18,220 m^3
  • time(t)=1.7000daytime (t) = 1.7000 day
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=82.4000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 82.4000 mg/L

Find

influent concentration (C_in), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C_in is given, so isolate C_in symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 5 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (5)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C_in:

    Cin=C−C0e−QVt1−e−QVtC_{in} = \dfrac{C-C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}{1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 45.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 2,690 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 18,220 m^3, time (t) = 1.7000 day, tank concentration at time t (C) = 82.4000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Cin=82.4000−C0e−2690182201.70001−e−2690182201.7000C_{in} = \dfrac{82.4000-C_0 e^{-\frac{2690}{18220}1.7000}}{1-e^{-\frac{2690}{18220}1.7000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Cin=211.7 mg/LC_{in} = 211.7\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C_in = 211.7 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Cin=211.7 mg/LC_{in} = 211.7\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 423.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 105.9 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 232.9 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 6
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (6)

non-steady state continuous flow reactor with changing influent concentration Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 39.5000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 20.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 120.0 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 13,240 m^3; tank concentration at time t (C) = 37.2000 mg/L, determine the time (t) in day.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=39.5000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 39.5000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=20.5000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 20.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=120.0m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 120.0 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=13,240m3tank volume (V) = 13,240 m^3
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=37.2000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 37.2000 mg/L

Find

time (t), in day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 6 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time (case 2) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (6)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=−VQln⁡(C−CinC0−Cin)t = -\dfrac{V}{Q}\ln\left(\dfrac{C-C_{in}}{C_0-C_{in}}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 39.5000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 20.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 120.0 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 13,240 m^3, tank concentration at time t (C) = 37.2000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=−13240120.0ln⁡(37.2000−20.5000C0−20.5000)t = -\dfrac{13240}{120.0}\ln\left(\dfrac{37.2000-20.5000}{C_0-20.5000}\right)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=14.2363 dayt = 14.2363\ \text{day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 14.2363 day to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=14.2363 dayt = 14.2363\ \text{day}

Why the other options are there

  • 28.4727 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 7.1182 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 15.6600 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 7
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (7)

non-steady state continuous flow completely mixed reactor start-up Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 30.5000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 58.0000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 2,420 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 14,970 m^3; time (t) = 2.4000 day, determine the tank concentration at time t (C) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=30.5000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 30.5000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=58.0000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 58.0000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=2,420m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 2,420 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=14,970m3tank volume (V) = 14,970 m^3
  • time(t)=2.4000daytime (t) = 2.4000 day

Find

tank concentration at time t (C), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C is given, so isolate C symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 7 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (7)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}+C_{in}\left(1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 30.5000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 58.0000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 2,420 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 14,970 m^3, time (t) = 2.4000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    C=C0e−2420149702.4000+58.0000\lef2.4000(1−e−2420149702.4000\righ2.4000)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{2420}{14970}2.4000}+58.0000\lef2.4000(1-e^{-\frac{2420}{14970}2.4000}\righ2.4000)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    C=39.3432 mg/LC = 39.3432\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C = 39.3432 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
C=39.3432 mg/LC = 39.3432\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 78.6864 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 19.6716 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 43.2775 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 8
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (8)

non-steady state continuous flow tank concentration approaching equilibrium Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 23.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 2,280 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 19,490 m^3; time (t) = 5.5000 day; tank concentration at time t (C) = 68.8000 mg/L, determine the influent concentration (C_in) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=23.5000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 23.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=2,280m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 2,280 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=19,490m3tank volume (V) = 19,490 m^3
  • time(t)=5.5000daytime (t) = 5.5000 day
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=68.8000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 68.8000 mg/L

Find

influent concentration (C_in), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C_in is given, so isolate C_in symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 8 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for influent concentration (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (8)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C_in:

    Cin=C−C0e−QVt1−e−QVtC_{in} = \dfrac{C-C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}{1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 23.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 2,280 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 19,490 m^3, time (t) = 5.5000 day, tank concentration at time t (C) = 68.8000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Cin=68.8000−C0e−2280194905.50001−e−2280194905.5000C_{in} = \dfrac{68.8000-C_0 e^{-\frac{2280}{19490}5.5000}}{1-e^{-\frac{2280}{19490}5.5000}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Cin=119.0 mg/LC_{in} = 119.0\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C_in = 119.0 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Cin=119.0 mg/LC_{in} = 119.0\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 237.9 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 59.4844 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 130.9 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 9
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (9)

non-steady state continuous flow reactor with changing influent concentration Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 47.0000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 88.5000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 1,600 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 9,340 m^3; tank concentration at time t (C) = 19.9000 mg/L, determine the time (t) in day.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=47.0000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 47.0000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=88.5000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 88.5000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=1,600m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 1,600 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=9,340m3tank volume (V) = 9,340 m^3
  • tankconcentrationattimet(C)=19.9000mg/Ltank concentration at time t (C) = 19.9000 mg/L

Find

time (t), in day

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 9 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for time (case 3) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (9)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=−VQln⁡(C−CinC0−Cin)t = -\dfrac{V}{Q}\ln\left(\dfrac{C-C_{in}}{C_0-C_{in}}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 47.0000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 88.5000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 1,600 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 9,340 m^3, tank concentration at time t (C) = 19.9000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=−93401600ln⁡(19.9000−88.5000C0−88.5000)t = -\dfrac{9340}{1600}\ln\left(\dfrac{19.9000-88.5000}{C_0-88.5000}\right)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=−2.9339 dayt = -2.9339\ \text{day}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = -2.9339 day to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=−2.9339 dayt = -2.9339\ \text{day}

Why the other options are there

  • -5.8678 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • -1.4670 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • -3.2273 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

Example 10
Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 4) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (10)

non-steady state continuous flow completely mixed reactor start-up Given initial tank concentration (C_0) = 27.0000 mg/L; influent concentration (C_in) = 6.0000 mg/L; flow rate (Q) = 4,930 m^3/day; tank volume (V) = 10,310 m^3; time (t) = 2.3000 day, determine the tank concentration at time t (C) in mg/L.

Given

  • initialtankconcentration(C0)=27.0000mg/Linitial tank concentration (C_0) = 27.0000 mg/L
  • influentconcentration(Cin)=6.0000mg/Linfluent concentration (C_in) = 6.0000 mg/L
  • flowrate(Q)=4,930m3/dayflow rate (Q) = 4,930 m^3/day
  • tankvolume(V)=10,310m3tank volume (V) = 10,310 m^3
  • time(t)=2.3000daytime (t) = 2.3000 day

Find

tank concentration at time t (C), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Non-steady State Continuous Flow.
  • Everything except C is given, so isolate C symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Non-steady state continuous flow in a completely mixed reactor tracks how tank concentration approaches the influent concentration over time.
V = tank volume

Figure 10 — schematic for Non-steady State Continuous Flow — solve for tank concentration at time t (case 4) — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (10)

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for C:

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}+C_{in}\left(1-e^{-\frac{Q}{V}t}\right)
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: initial tank concentration (C_0) = 27.0000 mg/L, influent concentration (C_in) = 6.0000 mg/L, flow rate (Q) = 4,930 m^3/day, tank volume (V) = 10,310 m^3, time (t) = 2.3000 day.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    C=C0e−4930103102.3000+6.0000\lef2.3000(1−e−4930103102.3000\righ2.3000)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{4930}{10310}2.3000}+6.0000\lef2.3000(1-e^{-\frac{4930}{10310}2.3000}\righ2.3000)
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    C=12.9916 mg/LC = 12.9916\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning C = 12.9916 mg/L to

    C=C0e−QVt+Cin(1−e−QVt)C = C_0 e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t} + C_{in}\left(1 - e^{-\frac{Q}{V} t}\right)

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
C=12.9916 mg/LC = 12.9916\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 25.9833 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 6.4958 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 14.2908 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Non-steady State Continuous Flow (CMFR)

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