Understanding Reactor Balancing: Flow Rate and Volume Relationship

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the relationship between volumetric flow rates and reactor volume, emphasizing that they are independent parameters. It clarifies that while mass is conserved in a reactor, volume is not necessarily conserved, which is crucial for understanding reactor balancing. The conversation suggests that concepts like generation, consumption, and accumulation in reactors relate to mass flow rather than volumetric flow. It is recommended to study foundational texts on reaction engineering for a deeper understanding of these principles. Overall, mastering these concepts is essential for effective reactor design and operation.
Rahulx084
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I'm confused in the balancing of a reactor , let's say the inlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_○## and outlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_1##
Doubts:
1) How is the volumetric flow rate and volume of the reactor ##V## are related to each other ?
2) If the volumetric flow rate is constant ( ##i.e## ##v_○=v_1## ) , is the Volume of the reactor ##V## is going to be same? If yes what's the reason,if not why not?
3) What does generation, consumption, accumulations means in a reactor and how these all are related together with the volumetric flow rate and volume of the reactor ##V## .
Thanks
Maybe these all are related to general mole balance
 
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We generally balance mass flows, not volumetric flows. Mass is conserved. Volume is not conserved.

All of your questions apply to any pipe and tank arrangement, not just reactors. So, try a simpler case first. Think of a tea kettle instead of a reactor .
 
anorlunda said:
We generally balance mass flows, not volumetric flows. Mass is conserved. Volume is not conserved.

All of your questions apply to any pipe and tank arrangement, not just reactors. So, try a simpler case first. Think of a tea kettle instead of a reactor .
Actually I'm balancing mole using volumetric flow rates ,e.g ##n_{a○}=C_{a○}.v_○##
Where ##n_{a○}##= molar inflow rate of species a
##C_{a○}##= concentration of species a inflow
##v_{a○}##=inlet flow rate
 
Rahulx084 said:
I'm confused in the balancing of a reactor , let's say the inlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_○## and outlet volumetric flow rate is ##v_1##
Doubts:
1) How is the volumetric flow rate and volume of the reactor ##V## are related to each other ?
2) If the volumetric flow rate is constant ( ##i.e## ##v_○=v_1## ) , is the Volume of the reactor ##V## is going to be same? If yes what's the reason,if not why not?
3) What does generation, consumption, accumulations means in a reactor and how these all are related together with the volumetric flow rate and volume of the reactor ##V## .
Thanks
Maybe these all are related to general mole balance
All of these things are explained clearly in books on reaction engineering, such as Levenspiel or Fogler. Your questions suggest that you haven't been exposed to anything on this subject yet. The volume flow rate and reactor volume are independent parameters that are unrelated.
 
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