CSTR vs. BSTR system open or closed

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SUMMARY

A Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) is classified as an open system due to the continuous flow of reactants and products in and out of the tank, allowing mass transfer across the control volume. In contrast, a Batch Stirred-Tank Reactor (BSTR) is considered a closed system because it does not allow mass to flow in or out during the reaction process. While a beaker containing a chemical reaction may seem open to the environment, it is not classified as an open system in the context of reactor types, as it does not involve mass transfer in the same manner as a CSTR.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reactor types, specifically CSTR and BSTR
  • Basic principles of mass transfer in chemical processes
  • Knowledge of control volume concepts in thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with batch versus continuous processing in chemical engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operational principles of Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (CSTR)
  • Explore the characteristics and applications of Batch Stirred-Tank Reactors (BSTR)
  • Learn about mass transfer mechanisms in chemical engineering
  • Study the differences between open and closed systems in thermodynamic contexts
USEFUL FOR

Chemical engineers, process engineers, and students studying chemical reaction engineering will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the distinctions between reactor types and their operational characteristics.

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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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