CSTR vs. BSTR system open or closed

AI Thread Summary
A Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) is classified as an open system because it allows mass to flow in and out, thus interacting with its surroundings. In contrast, a Batch Stirred Tank Reactor (BSTR) is considered a closed system since there is no mass flow during the reaction, although it can still exchange energy with the environment. A beaker containing a chemical reaction is not classified as a closed system despite being a BSTR, as it can exchange heat and other forms of energy with the environment. The definitions of open and closed systems in the context of tank reactors align with their general meanings in thermodynamics, where a closed system does not allow mass transfer but may exchange energy. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing chemical processes and reactor design.
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Hello,

I was wondering, is it the case that a CSTR is an open system because there is flow passing in and out of the tank, thus passing the control volume, so it's open.

Similarly for a BSTR, the fact that there is no flow means that it is closed? I mean in that sense, a beaker with a chemical reaction going inside of it is a BSTR right? Isn't that open to the environment, so why is it not considered an open system?

Is the way that closed/open system is used for the tank reactors the same meaning as for the usual meaning of a closed or open system (i.e. nothing interacts with the system from the environment?)
 
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Woopydalan said:
Hello,

I was wondering, is it the case that a CSTR is an open system because there is flow passing in and out of the tank, thus passing the control volume, so it's open.

Similarly for a BSTR, the fact that there is no flow means that it is closed? I mean in that sense, a beaker with a chemical reaction going inside of it is a BSTR right? Isn't that open to the environment, so why is it not considered an open system?

Is the way that closed/open system is used for the tank reactors the same meaning as for the usual meaning of a closed or open system (i.e. nothing interacts with the system from the environment?)
A closed system is one in which no mass enters or leaves.
An open system is one in which mass enters and/or leaves.
 
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