How Do Reactor Types and Sizes Vary for Different Chemical Reactions?

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The discussion centers on calculating reactor sizes and times for a chemical reaction converting A to R. A batch reactor requires approximately 10.21 minutes to achieve the desired concentration drop, while a flow reactor needs 130.8 L for a PFR and 25.6 L for a CSTR at a feeding rate of 1000 mol/h. Participants struggle with part (C) of the problem, particularly in calculating the volumes of two flow reactors in series, with some confusion over the correct data and integration methods. There is a debate on the accuracy of the calculations and the methods used, with differing answers noted in the discussion. Accurate data and integration techniques are crucial for resolving the discrepancies in reactor volume calculations.
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Q: A reactor is needed to convert A to R in a liquid reaction. The stoichiomentry is simply A→R and the rate data is given in the table below (P5.21, Levenspiel 1999).

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For the reactant concentration to drop from CA0 = 1.3 mol/L to CAf =0.3 mol/L, determine,

a) the time required with a batch reactor. (ans: 10.21 min).

b) the volume required for a flow reactor to achieve the same conversion as in (a) and at
a feeding rate of A 1000 mol/h in (1) a PFR, and (2) a CSTR. (ans: PFR V= 130.8 L;
CSTR V = 25.6 L).

c) the volumes of two flow reactors in series with the exit concentration of A from the 1st
reactor xA1= 0.231 (i.e. CA1= 1 mol/L) for (1) 1st PFR +2nd CSTR, and (2) 1st CSTR
+2nd PFR. For both cases, sketch the area for each reactor in the 1/rA-xA plot. (ans: 1,
V1= 38.7 L,V2 17.9 L; 2, V1= 77.0 L, V2 = 85.4 L).

Hints: Plot 1/rA vs. xA, calculate the area under the line, either by measuring the graphical
area or by integration of the trend line equation (which should be a 5th order polynomial).

-------------------

This time, I cannot solve question (C).

I can only calculate the part of CSTR.

For the PER in case (1):

(1000/60)(5.0244) (5.0244 is the area that from xA=0 to 0.230769, 1000/60 is the flow rate from part (B))
=83.74L

My answer is wrong, but I don't know what's wrong with my calculation

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Are you sure about your data? I have the same textbook, and mine says 0.045 and 0.042 for the last two values of r
 
Oh, thank you for reminding me. because I don't have the textbook.
But, I still cannot find out the answer after using the right value.
Is it wrong for me to plot a graph?
 
I don't think there is anything wrong with fitting the data to a line and then integrating from 0.3 to 1.3 (which is one method that the hint does suggest), however i think it would be easier to just integrate numerically with approximating sums. Keep in mind that different methods will give different answers (my solution manual says 12.75 minutes).
 
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