Example 1

1. Statement

The elementary, liquid-phase, irreversible reaction

is to be carried out in a flow reactor. Two reactors are available, an 800

dm3 PFR that can only be operated at 300 K and a 200 dm3 CSTR that
can be operated at 350 K. The two feed streams to the reactor mix to
form a single fee d stream that is equal molar in A and B, with a total
volumetric flowrate of 10 dm3/min. Which of the two reactors will give
us the highest conversion?

Additional Information: at 300 K, k = 0.07 dm3/mol-min

E = 85000 J/mol-K
CA0B = CB0B = 2 mol/dm 3
vA0 = vB0 = 0.5*v0 = 5 dm3/min

2. Real Problem

We have two choices, a PFR operated at 300 K and a CSTR operated at

350 K. Which one do we choose?

3. Sketch

4. Identify and Name

A. Relevant Theories and Equations
 Arrhenius Equation:

The higher the temperature, the faster the reaction

rate.

B.

Rate Law:

Mole Balances:

D. Systems

Volume of CSTR
Volume of PFR

E. Dependent and Independent Variables

Independent: V, FA0, T
Dependent: X

F. Knowns and Unknowns

Knowns: k0, E, V, 0, CA0B, CB0B

Unknowns: X

G. Inputs and Outputs

In: FA0 = FB0, so B = 1

Out: FA = FA0(1-X), FB = FA0(1-X), FC = FA0X

5. Assumptions

Isothermal, no pressure drop. The CSTR is well mixed. There are no

radial variations in the PFR.

6. Algorithm

CSTR PFR

7.
A. Mole Balance
B. Rate Law

C. Stoichiometry - liquid, v = vo; equal molar  B = 1

CA = CA0(1-X)

CB = CA0(1-X)

D. Combine

(eqn 1)

(eqn 2)

E. Evaluate
v A0 = 5 dm3/min
Before mixing
CA0B = 2 mol/dm3
FA0 = CA0B* vA0
FA0 = (5 dm3/min)(2 mol/dm3) = 10 mol/min
After mixing
v0 = vA0 + vB0 = 5 dm3/min + 5 dm3/min = 10 dm3/min
CA0 = 1 mol/dm3

at 350 K,

k = 8.447 dm3/mol-min
8. Manipulate
A. CSTR @ 350 K

the combined CSTR equation (eqn 1) can be arranged as

B. PFR @ 300 K

9. Choose the CSTR, because it gives the highest conversion.

10. Is it reasonable?

This is a reasonable conversion.