Chemical Reaction Engineering (CHE 331A)

Assignment-2 (2017-18-II)

1.

The first order (-rA = kCA,) reaction is carried out in a tubular reactor in which
FA0=5 mol/min, the volumetric flow rate, v, is constant. i.e. v = vo.
Determine the reactor volume necessary to reduce the exiting concentration to 95% of the
entering concentration when the volumetric flow rate is 10 dm3/min (i.e.,liter/min) and
the specific reaction rate, k is 0.11 min-1. Calculate the volume of a CSTR for the
conditions used to figure the plug-flow reactor volume. [5]

2. A gas phase reaction in a constant volume batch reactor at 10 atm is carried out
isothermally at 227oc with a mixture of 75% A and 25% B [5]
3
V = 200-dm
P = 10 atm
T = 227 oC

a. Assuming that the ideal gas law is valid, how many moles of A are in the reactor
initially? What is the initial concentration of A?
b. If the reaction is first order calculate the time necessary to consume 99% of A
(k=0.1min-1)
c. If the reaction is second order calculate the time to consume 80% of A. Also
calculate the pressure in the reactor at this time if the temperature is 127 oC (k=0.7
dm3/mol-1min-1)

3. The gas phase decomposition [5]

A→B+2C

-rA=K CAn

is carried out in a constant-volume batch reactor. Runs 1 to 5 were carried out at 100°C while
run 6 was carried out at 110°C.
(a) From the data in given below Table, determine the reaction order and specific reaction
rate.

Run Initial concentration , CAo (g mol/L) Half-life, t(1/2) (min)

1 0.0250 4.1
2 0.0133 7.7
3 0.010 9.8
4 0.05 1.96
5 0.075 1.3
6 0.025 2.0

(b) What is the activation energy for this reaction?

4. Reactant A decomposes in a batch reactor [5]

A→ products, (Elementary reaction)

The composition of A in the reactor is measured at various times with results shown in the
following columns 1 and 2. Using differential method analysis, find a rate equation to
represent the data.

Time, t (s) Concentration

CA, mol/lit
0 10
20 8
40 6
60 5
120 3
180 2
300 1

5. Using the above data in question 4, find the rate equation using integral method. [5]

6. Two stirred tank reactors are available at a chemical plant, one of volume 100 m3 and the
other of volume 30 m3. It is suggested that these tanks be used as a two stage CSTR for
carrying out an irreversible liquid phase reaction, [5]

A + B  Products

The two reactants only will be present in the feed stream in equimolar amounts,
CAo = CBo = 1.5 gmol/lit. The volumetric feed rate will be 20 lit/min. The reaction is first
order with respect to each of the reactants A and B i.e., second order overall. The rate
constant is 0.011 lit/(gmol.min).

a. Which tank should be used as the first stage for higher overall conversion?
b. With this arrangement, calculate the overall conversion obtainable under steady state
conditions.