PFR model with n order reactions

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The discussion centers on designing a plug flow reactor (PFR) modeled as five equal volume continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs) in series, aiming for a steady-state conversion of 75% for species A1. The PFR operates at a constant temperature and has a defined inlet volumetric flow rate and concentrations for multiple species. Participants discuss the need for mass and mole balance equations for each CSTR while incorporating the reactions defined by stoichiometric coefficients and rate laws. There is confusion regarding whether to use the CSTR approach or stick with the PFR model for solving the problem. Clarification on integrating reactions into the CSTR equations is sought to advance the reactor design.
Kevin Bacon
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This is a homework problem that was posted in another forum, so there is no template
I have this problem for my reactor design course and I need some help wrapping my head around it.

We have to design a plug flow reactor (PFR), which can be modeled as five equal volume CSTR's in series. The PFR has an inlet volumetric flow rate of ##q_{in}## which contains species ##A_i, i = 1...n## having concentration ##C_{Ai,in}## (also the whole PFR is operated at a constant temperature ##T_{ref}##).

The PFR is initially filled with solution containing species at concentration ##C_{Ai,0}##. The density of the inlet stream is constant at ##\rho##. There are ##m## reactions taking place within the PFR, each defined by the stoichemetric coefficients ##v_{i,j}## where ##i = 1...n, j = 1...m##.

Our goal is to design the smallest possible PFR to achieve steady state conversion of ##X_{A1} = 0.75##.

We are given a matrix of the stoichometric coefficients:
<br /> v = <br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> -a &amp; -b &amp; 0 &amp; d\\<br /> -a &amp; 0 &amp; 0 &amp; d\\<br /> a &amp; 0 &amp; -c &amp; -d\\<br /> 0 &amp; b &amp; c &amp; 0<br /> \end{bmatrix}<br />Basic rate laws:
<br /> r_{A1,1} = -kC_{A1}C_{A2}^2\\<br /> r_{A5,2} = kC_{A1}\\<br /> r_{A4,3} = -kC_{A4}^2\\<br /> r_{A3,4} = -kC_{A3}^2C_{A4}^2<br />
All k = 1, the inlet volumetric flow rate is given and a vector of five values for ##C_{Ai,in}## and ##C_{Ai,0}## are given. My approach so far is to create the net generation term being:

r = [-k*(c(1)*c(2)^2+c(1)^2+c(3)^2*c(4)^2-0.5*c(4)^2);
k*(c(1)-c(1)*c(2)^2);
k*(c(1)-c(4)^2);
k*(c(1)*c(2)^2-c(1)^2+c(3)^2*c(4)^2-0.5*c(4)^2)]

But do I take the CSTR approach or the PFR approach? A general idea would be very helpful. Thank you!
 
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You are approximating the PFR as a set of set of 5 CSTRs in s
 
Chestermiller said:
You are approximating the PFR as a set of set of 5 CSTRs in s

Yes, I understand this concept, I would have 5 CSTRS which means I'll have a mass and mole balance equation written around each, but how do I incorporate the reactions that are occurring?
 
Kevin Bacon said:
Yes, I understand this concept, I would have 5 CSTRS which means I'll have a mass and mole balance equation written around each, but how do I incorporate the reactions that are occurring?
Are you saying that you don't know how to solve a CSTR in which chemical reactions are occurring?

Chet
 
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