UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

Faculty Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science

Programme Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Chemical Engineering
Course UEMK3143 Chemical Reaction Engineering I
Session May 2020 Due Date 1 Sept 2020 (Tue Week 12)
Lecturer Dr Thiam Hui San / Expected Duration to 5 weeks
Ir Dr Chong Woon Chan Complete Assignment

Assignment

Saponification of Ethyl Acetate

The hydrolysis of ethyl acetate with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to produce ethanol and
sodium acetate is known as a saponification reaction. Saponification is one of the most known
reactions in the chemical industries. The end products of the reaction (ethanol and sodium
acetate) are used in various field. For instance, ethanol can react with acetic acid to produce
ethyl acetate, and sodium acetate is widely used to produce soap. In trying to understand the
dynamic behaviour of this reaction, it is important to have complete information on the kinetics
of the process. The kinetic is also a decisive factor in determining which variables to control in
order to maximize the products formed and minimize the time involved.

Solve the following with the aid of MS Excel* and present all solutions in the form of a
technical report. Provide the assumptions made in all the calculations.

1) Determine the rate law for the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate using two different method
of data analysis and compare. The rate law shall include the reaction orders and the
temperature dependence of the rate constant (Arrhenius equation) using batch
experimental data from literature. Clearly indicate the source of reference and briefly
explain the methodology and the conditions of the experiment.

2) Compare the rate law obtained in Part (1) with at least two literatures, and discuss the
findings.

3) Compare the reactor volume required for a CSTR and a PFR in a single reactor system
to achieve an 70% conversion of ethyl acetate. Determine the space time (mean
residence time) in the reactor.

4) Design an optimum isothermal reactor system to achieve an 70% conversion of ethyl

acetate by minimising the reactor volume. The design can be either single or multiple,
arrange in series or parallel.

5) By using the optimum reactor system in Part (4), propose another two approaches to
maximizing the conversion of ethyl acetate. Verify your proposals with proper
calculation and supporting references.
[Total : 100 marks]
Technical Report

1.0 Evaluation

All design information, flowchart, calculations, assumptions, results and discussion have to be
presented in the form of a technical report. The report must include at least an introduction and
conclusion.

The report should be clear, concise, and accurate. The report will be evaluated based upon the
thoroughness in the calculations, statement of assumptions, completeness and correctness of the
calculations, analyses and discussion, conclusion, and the overall presentation of the report.

Any act of dishonest or plagiarism during completion of this assignment is a serious offense and
will be awarded zero mark if being found guilty.

2.0 Specifications and Formatting

3.0 Cover Page

The cover page of your report MUST include the following information and table:
➢course code and title
➢assignment group

Name Student ID Contribution Signature

BBB 17UEB11111 100%
CCC 17UEB11112 75%
DDD 17UEB11113 90%
4.0 Submission

➢Five (5) marks per day (including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays) will be deducted
for late submission.
➢You need to submit your assignment in softcopy. Email the report in PDF format to
thiamhs@utar.edu.my with subject title “UEMK3143 Assignment Group XX” on the due date.
➢Resubmission of assignment are not allowed.