Module 8: BKF2741 Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory I

1.0 Title of Experiment

Effect Of Temperature Of Saponification Reaction In Batch Reactor

2.0 Objective
To study the effects of temperature on saponification reaction of ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide
in batch reactor.

3.0 Introduction
The Batch reactor is the generic term for a type of vessel widely used in the process industries. Its
name is something of a misnomer since vessels of this type are used for a variety of process operations
such as solids dissolution, product mixing, chemical reactions, batch distillation, crystallisation,
liquid/liquid extraction and polymerisation. In some cases, they are not referred to as reactors but have a
name which reflects the role they perform (such as crystalliser, or bio reactor).

A batch reactor is used in chemical processes for small scale operation, for testing new processes
that have not been fully developed, for the manufacture of expensive products, and for processes that are
difficult to convert into continuous operations. The main advantage of a batch reactor is high conversion,
which can be obtained by leaving the reactant in the reactor for long periods of time, but it also has the
disadvantages of high labor costs per batch and the difficulty of large scale production. In a batch reactor,
all the reactants are loaded at once. The concentration then varies with time, but at any one time it is
uniform throughout. Agitation serves to mix separate feeds initially and to enhance heat transfer. Batch
reactors are popular in practice because of their flexibility with respect to reaction time and to the kinds
and quantities of reactions that can be performed. Characteristics of a batch reactor are that the total mass
of each batch is fixed, each batch is a closed system, and the reaction (residence) time for all elements of
fluid is the same.

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FKKSA/BKF2741/Module/Rev01/2/08/10
Module 8: BKF2741 Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory I
4.0 Experimental Procedure
Equipment/Apparatus/Materials
1. Batch Reactor 2. Beakers 3. Measuring Cylinders
4. Sodium Hydroxide 5. Sodium Acetate 6. Ethyl Acetate

4.1 Preparation of calibration curve for Conversion vs. Conductivity

1. Prepare 1-L of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution and 1-L of 0.1 M sodium acetate
(Na(Ac)) solution.
2. Determine the conductivity for each conversion values by mixing the following solutions into
100 mL of deionised water.
i. 100 mL NaOH for 0% conversion
ii. 75 mL NaOH + 25 mL Na(Ac) for 25% conversion
iii. 50 mL NaOH + 50 mL Na(Ac) for 50% conversion
iv. 25 mL NaOH + 75 mL Na(Ac) for 75 % conversion
v. 100 mL Na(Ac) for 100% conversion

4.2 Experimental Procedure

1. Prepare 2 Liter 0.1 M of ethyl-acetate and 2 Liter 0.1 M of sodium hydroxide.
2. Put the reactants into the jacketed reactor via the opening at the reactor top.
3. Set the required temperature of the water that will be same as the reactor and reactant
temperature (set 30°C).
4. Switch on the stirrer and set the stirrer speed to the minimum speed.
5. After 30 minutes, collect the mixture in a beaker and test for conductivity. Record down the
reading.
6. Repeat step 1 to 6 for 50oC.
7. Drain off any liquids from the reactor.

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FKKSA/BKF2741/Module/Rev01/2/08/10
Module 8: BKF2741 Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory I

4.3 Shutdown
1. After complete the experiment, drain off any liquids from the reactor and make sure that the
reactor are cleaned properly.
2. Dispose all liquids immediately after each experiment. Do not leave any solution or waste in the
tanks over a long period of time.
3. Wipe off any spillage from the unit immediately.
4. Flush the reactor with water for 2 times
5. Leave the reactor with 4L water inside the tank for cooling process.

5.0 Additional Information

Molar mass of ethyl-acetate = 88.11g/mol
Molar mass of sodium hydroxide = 40 g/mol
Density of ethyl-acetate =0.895 g/ml

6.0 Discussion
1. Plot the calibration curve of conversion vs. conductivity and discuss relationship between these
parameters.
2. Plot a graph of conductivity / conversion vs. temperature. Compare the result for each
temperature in term of conversion etc.
3. Give 3 examples on the application of batch reactor in chemical process industries.
4. Suggest a method or way to improve the efficiencies of batch reactor.

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FKKSA/BKF2741/Module/Rev01/2/08/10
Module 8: BKF2741 Chemical Reaction Engineering Laboratory I

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FKKSA/BKF2741/Module/Rev01/2/08/10