Colloidal State Machines as Smart Tracers for Chemical Reactor Analysis

A widely utilized tool in reactor analysis is passive tracers that report the residence time distribution, allowing estimation of conversion and other properties system. Recently, advances microrobotics have introduced powered functional entities with sizes comparable to some traditional tracers. This has motivated concept Smart Tracers could record local chemical concentrations, temperature, or conditions as they progress through reactors. Herein, design constraints advantages by simulating their operation a laminar flow model conducting reactions various orders are analyzed. It noted far fewer particles necessary completely map even most complex concentration gradients compared conventional counterparts. Design criteria explored herein include sampling frequency, memory storage capacity, ensemble number achieve required accuracy inform model. Cases severe particle diffusion sensor noise appear bind upper limit such probes require consideration for future design. The results study provide starting framework applying new technology broad impactful set problems classified analysis.