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Reaction kinetic studies in a mixed flow reactor
Background and Theory
Flow Reactors: There are two types of flow reactors in common use in the
chemical industry. They are the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and
the tubular reactors. CSTR or Mixed flow reactor(MFR) is configured much
like a batch reactor except reactants and products continuously flow in and
out of the reactor. Steady state flow reactors are ideal for industrial
purposes when large quantities of material are to be processed and when
the rate of reaction is fairly high to extremely high. Flow reactors need more
supporting equipments like pumps. But good product quality can be
obtained.
Theory: The continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR), also known as
backmix reactor, is a common ideal reactor type in chemical engineering.
Perfect mixing is assumed in case of Ideal CSTR .
Fj0
Fj
rj
Nj
:-number
Fi0
of moles of component j
Volume of a CSTR with given influent flow rate and feed composition
to achieve a required conversion may be obtained from the above
equation, if the rate equation is known. rA in the above equation
correspond to the exit conversion or concentration.
Rate equation for a given reaction can be obtained using a CSTR.
For a single reaction say, A+B
C+D
Assume the rate equation to be rA= k CACB and a constant density system
Experiments to be performed with different space times in the reactor with
the known ratio of reactant B to A(M) in the inlet. Steady state
concentration of A may be analysed for each run.
for MFR
Plotting
vs
the assumed equation is correct. The slope=k. The equation holds good for
M=1 or greater than 1.
If the data do not fit by a straight line assume different equation and
proceed as above.