Example 2: Mixing Tank with Variable Volume
Same set-up as in example 1. But what if the well-stirred mixture is let out of the tank at a rate of 2 L/min instead of 3 L/min? What is the amount of salt in the tank right before the moment the tank overflows?
\[ y(t) : \text{ salt in tank (in grams)} \]
\[ \frac{dy}{dt} = \underbrace{(2 \text{ g/L})(3 \text{ L/min})}_{\text{in}} - \underbrace{\left( \frac{y}{100+t} \right)(2)}_{\text{out}} \]
Note on Volume:
Net gain of 1 L/min
- 5 min \(\rightarrow\) 105 L
- 15 min \(\rightarrow\) 115 L
- t min \(\rightarrow\) (100 + t) L
\(100+t\) is the volume of water.
Solving the Differential Equation
The equation is a first order linear differential equation:
\[ y' = 6 - \frac{2}{100+t}y \]\[ y' + \frac{2}{100+t}y = 6 \]
Integrating Factor
\[ \mu = e^{\int \frac{2}{100+t} dt} \]\[ \mu = e^{2 \ln(100+t)} \]\[ \mu = (100+t)^2 \]
Initial Condition and Solution
IC: \( y(0) = 0 \)
\[ y(t) = 2(100+t) - 200(100)^2(100+t)^{-2} \]
Overflow Analysis
Overflows when \( t > 100 \)
\[ y(100) = 350 \text{ g} \]\[ \text{Concentration} = \frac{350 \text{ g}}{200 \text{ L}} = 1.75 \text{ g/L} \]