Question

explain the difference between the transient period, and the steady-state operation. with examples

Answer 1

A batch process is transient under normal conditions. it involves a sequence of phases carried out on a discrete quantity of material within a piece of operating equipment. On the other hand, continuous processes normally operate at or close to steady state. The values of process variables should be essentially static at any point in the process. However, specific portions of a continuous process may be executed in a batch manner. While the overall process (from an input or output perspectives) is still continuous, one or more steps are carried out in a batch manner due to changes in the state of materials being used.

Achieving steady-state operations may not be the most glitzy goal for a business leader, but it is a very necessary step towards competitiveness and often a very challenging one.

Example: change from liquid to solid state where the solids have to be manually taken out of the reactor or fouling of fixed beds of catalyst or adsorbent which have to be refrigerated off-line.