Understanding Reactor Balancing: Flow Rate and Volume Relationship

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between volumetric flow rates and reactor volume in chemical engineering. It establishes that volumetric flow rates, such as inlet flow rate (##v_○##) and outlet flow rate (##v_1##), do not dictate the reactor volume (##V##), as these are independent parameters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mass conservation over volume conservation in reactor design and operation. Key concepts such as generation, consumption, and accumulation in relation to flow rates are also highlighted as essential for understanding reactor dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of volumetric flow rates in chemical processes
  • Familiarity with mass balance principles in reactor design
  • Knowledge of mole balance calculations
  • Basic concepts of reaction engineering from texts like Levenspiel or Fogler
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of mass conservation in chemical reactors
  • Learn about mole balance calculations in reaction engineering
  • Explore the concepts of generation, consumption, and accumulation in reactors
  • Review case studies on volumetric flow rates and reactor design
USEFUL FOR

Chemical engineers, process engineers, and students studying reaction engineering who seek to understand the dynamics of reactor balancing and flow relationships.

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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