INTRODUCTION

The PFR is a tubular reactor that facilitates the continuous flow of

reactants through a cylindrical tube, typically with a constant cross-
sectional area. As the reactants enter the reactor at one end, they undergo
a series of chemical reactions while flowing along the length of the
reactor. Unlike other reactor configurations such as batch reactors or
continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs), the PFR offers distinct
advantages due to its characteristic flow pattern and residence time
distribution.

One key advantage of the PFR is its ability to facilitate efficient heat
transfer. The reactant stream flows in a plug-like manner, with minimal
mixing, allowing for effective temperature control and prevention of
hotspots within the reactor. This feature is particularly advantageous for
exothermic reactions, where excessive heat buildup can lead to unwanted
side reactions or reduced selectivity.

Additionally, the PFR offers a narrower residence time distribution

compared to CSTRs. The reactants experience a relatively uniform
residence time as they flow through the reactor, resulting in a more
precise control of reaction kinetics. This is crucial for reactions with
narrow operating windows or when specific product selectivity is desired.
 Objective
to determine the conversion of the plug flow reactor

required elements
 QRC unit.
 1 liter of NaOH 0.01 M solution.
 1 liter of ethyl acetate 0.01 M solution.
 distilled water

procedure
1. Prepare reagent solutions

Prepare 1 liter of NaOH 0.01 M solution.

Prepare 1 liter of ethyl acetate 0.01 M solution.

2. Fill a tank with 1 liter of the ethyl acetate solution and another tank
with 1 liter of the NaOH solution.

3. Switch on the interface and run the software.

4. A welcome window appears. Select the reactor under study, QRTC in

this case.
5. Press the START button and introduce the name of the file that will
contain the data in the new window. Set the same flow in both pumps and
start them from the program.

6. Set as a set point in the program the desired operating temperature.

7. Set the same flow in both pumps and start them from the program.

8. Measure the conductivity values during the process. When the

conductivity cell marks a constant value (the process has been stabilized),
record the result obtained.

Solution parameters
one liter of 0.01M NaOH solution was prepared, by weighing 0.412g of
NaOH(99% pure) and dissolved in one liter of distilled water.

m = MV*Mw/p/100

= 0.01 1l * 39.99/0.97

= 0.4g

one liter of 0.01M ethyl acetate solution, was prepared by mixing 0.89 ml
of ethyl acetate(99% pure) with the rest of distilled water in one liter.

V = 1l * 0.01M * 88.11/0.99

= 0.89

Result analysis
Observed data are shown below
Before reaction conductivity of NaOH solution = 1.55ms
Before reaction conductivity of ethyl acetate solution = 0 ms

Time vs conductivity
Conductivity at
Time(min) 40rpm 50rpm 60rpm
1 2.97 1.34 0.97
2 3.21 1.38 0.95
 3 3.26 1.37 0.95
4 1.34 1.36 0.96
5 1.31 1.37 0.93
6 1.31 1.37 1.39
7 1.31 1.37 1.39

Chart Title
3.5

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

40 rpm 50 rpm 60 rpm

Flow rate data

volume = 100ml

time Flow rate(v/t) Residence time

At 40 rpm 2:32 0.66ml/s 7:12:54
At 50 rpm 1:51:02 0.9 ml/s 5:26:53
At 60 rpm 1:28:54 1.14 ml/s 4:05:01
 Discussion
we examined the residence time distribution in the PFR. Residence time
distribution refers to the distribution of time that reactants spend inside
the reactor. We discussed any observed variations in residence time along
the reactor length and evaluated the impact on the reaction kinetics and
overall reactor performance.

Additionally, we discussed the effect of key process parameters on the

performance of the PFR. This includes factors such as reactant flow rate,
temperature, or any other variables that were varied during the
experiments. We assessed how these parameters influenced the
conversion, residence time, and overall reactor behavior. This analysis
helps us understand the sensitivity of the PFR to different operating
conditions and provides insights into optimizing the reactor for improved
performance.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the experiments conducted in the Plug Flow Reactor (PFR)
provided valuable insights into its performance and behavior in the
studied chemical reaction. The analysis of the obtained results allowed us
to draw several important conclusions.and Comparisons with other
reactor types, such as batch reactors or continuous stirred tank reactors
(CSTRs), showed the advantages of the PFR. The PFR exhibited
improved heat transfer, narrower residence time distribution, and better
control over reaction conditions. These advantages make the PFR suitable
for various industrial applications where efficiency, selectivity, and
scalability are crucial.