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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the variation of reactor types and sizes for different chemical reactions, specifically focusing on a liquid reaction converting reactant A to product R. Participants explore calculations related to batch and flow reactors, including time required for conversion and volume requirements for different reactor configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving the conversion of A to R and requests help with calculations for batch and flow reactors.
  • Another participant questions the accuracy of the rate data used, suggesting discrepancies in the values from the textbook.
  • A participant acknowledges the lack of access to the textbook and expresses difficulty in solving part of the problem even after attempting to use the suggested values.
  • One participant proposes that fitting the data to a line and integrating is valid, but suggests that numerical integration might yield easier results, noting that different methods could lead to different answers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct values for the rate data, and there is disagreement on the methods for solving the problem, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the data and the methods for integration, highlighting potential limitations in their calculations and the dependence on the textbook values.

atsum
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PER - chemical reaction

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).

h4l1G.jpg


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

3arZ9.jpg
 
Last edited:
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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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