Applying the Inverse Gaussian Distribution to the Assessment of Chemical Reactor Performance

Abstract

Reliability (or survival) functions based on the inverse Gaussian distribution are used to predict the probability of repair times expectable past a specified time period, and the probability of energy release past a stipulated magnitude, in two (separate) experimental chemical reactors. Such predictions serve for reaching decisions about future employ of the reaction system on a pilot or a commercial scale. The approach illustrates a cross fertilization of chemical reaction engineering/ technology and applied probability theory, and aims to increase appreciation of the latter among chemical scientists, engineers and technologists.