CHE2001 CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING

EXPERIMENT NO-10
AIM:

To determine the reaction rate constant, K for the saponification of ethyl acetate with sodium
hydroxide at ambient conditions.
INTRODUCTION:
In an ideal plug flow reactor (PFR) there is no mixing in the direction of flow and complete
mixing perpendicular to the direction of flow. Concentration of the reactant varies along the
length of the reactor but not in the radial direction. In case of a non-catalytic packed bed
reactor (PBR), an additional contact surface is provided for the reaction by the packed bed. It is
expected that the yield of the reaction should be high in case of a packed bed reactor as
compared to an equal volume plug flow reactor.
THEORY:
REACTION :

The set-up consists of a glass column packed with raschig rings and two feed tanks . Reactants
are fed to the reactor through distributor , fixed at the bottom of the column . Rotameters are
provided to measure the individual flow rate of chemicals . The flow rate can be adjusted by
operating the needle valve provided on respective rotameter. The compressed air is used for
circulation of feed. Pressure gauge , pressure regulator , and safety valve are fitted in the air
compressed line. The concentration of feed and the product coming out from the reactor are
analysed by chemical titration .

PROCEDURES:
STARTING PROCEDURE:
1.) Prepare 20L of N/10 NaOH solution by dissolving 80gm of sodium hydroxide in 20L of
distilled water.

2.) Prepare 20L of N/10 ethyl acetate solution by mixing 176 gm (or 196 ml) of ethyl acetate in
20 L of distilled water.
3.) Take 20ml of N/10 hydrochloric acid in measuring cylinder
4.) Fil the burette by N/10 sodium hydroxide (Standard Solution).

5.) Close all the valves V1-V10.

6.) Open valve V4 ams V6, fill sodium hydroxide solution in feed tank A.
7.) Close valve V4 and V6. 29
8.) Open valve V5 and V7, fill ethyl acetate solution in feed tank B.
9.) Close V5 and V7.

10.) Connect compressed air supply to set-up valve V1.

11.) Connect electric supply to the set-up.
12.) Open valve V1 and set air pressure 0.5 to 1kg/cm2 by pressure regulator and pressure
gauge.

13.) Pass sodium hydroxide and ethyl acetate into the reactor by allowing equal flow rate
controlled by valve V2-V3.
14.) After about 10 min or time equal to the residence time of the reactor (which ever is greater
) collect exact 10 ml of sample from the outletin measuring cylinder that already contain 20 ml
of hydrochloric acid.
15.) Transfer the sample solution in conical flask.
16.) Titrate the solution, using phenolphthalein as an indicator against N/10 sodium hydroxide
(add NaOH from the burette).

17.) Repeat the experiment for different flow rates of feed.

CLOSING PROCEDURE:
1.) When experiment is over, stop the flow of feed by closing the valve V2-V3.
2.) Reduce air pressure to 0 kg/cm2 by pressure regulator and pressure gauge.
3.) Close the valve V1.

4.) Drain the feed tanks and reactor by opening the valve V8-V10.
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