Using Matrices to Solve Mass Balance Problems

by Erika Jimenez

Submitted : Fall 2019

Mass balances are used universally throughout all engineering disciplines. When designing any process, it is important to consider both the inputs and their resulting outputs within a system. Traditionally, when processes are designed, unknown outputs are solved by writing independent equations and isolating these equations to solve for unknown values. For simple mass balances this process comes naturally; however, some processes require a multitude of independent equations. It therefore becomes difficult to solve these equations by hand. An alternative method that can be used in such cases is by modeling the equations with matrices then using techniques such as Gauss Jordan elimination or inverse multiplication to simplify the process of finding unknown variables. This strategy can quicken the design and manufacturing process within engineering disciplines increasing precision and accuracy within the process.

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