 Tubular Reactor (PFR)

𝟐𝑪𝑯𝟑 𝑶𝑯 → 𝑪𝑯𝟑 𝑶𝑪𝑯𝟑 + 𝑯𝟐 𝑶

Let 𝐶𝐴 = 𝐶𝐻3 𝑂𝐻(𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑙)

𝐶𝐵 = 𝐶𝐻3 𝑂𝐶𝐻3(DME)

𝐶𝑐 = 𝐻2 𝑂

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝐴 = 0.743 𝑚3 at (250℃)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝐵 = 1.617 𝑚3 at (395℃)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑐 = 1.972 𝑚3 at (395 ℃)

46844.5 𝑚3
Volumetric flow rate of 𝐶𝐻3 𝑂𝐻 entering = = 6,3047.85
0.743 ℎ𝑟

V FAo Xout dX
= ∫
VAo VAo Xin −rA

Assuming conversion X A = 1
ṁ 46844.5
For 𝐶𝐻3 𝑂𝐻 , n = = = 1,462.06 kmol⁄hr
Mw 32.04
nAo 1,462.06
CAo = = = 0.0232 kmol⁄m3
VAo 6,3047.85
 XA
dX A
τ = CAo ∫
0 −rA

τ = 962.01 seconds = 16.033 minutes = 0.267 hr

Volume:
V
0.267 x 68.35= 18.25 m3 τ = V → V = τVo =
o

Reactor design:
L L
Let = 13 (From heuristics, > 12.5)
D D
L = 13D
π 2
V=A×L = D × 13D
4
13π 3
286.3604 = D → D = 3.03827 m which is the diameter of 1 PFR.
4
Height, L = 13 × D = 39.4975 m → L = 39.4975 m which is the height of 1 PFR.
Material used for the construction is carbon steel.

Thickness of the reactor shell:

SUT
Maximum allowable stress for steel = σ =
NF
where NF = 4 [ASME code for safety factor]

SUT = 70,000 psi or 482.63 N⁄mm2 [UTS for pressure vessel material]
70,000
σ= = 17,500 psi = 17485.3 psig
4
PR
thickness, t = + tC
SE − 0.6P
P = 7393.68 psig
82x10−3
= 1.614 inR = 2
= 0.041 m

7393.68 psig × 68.70 inch

t= + 0.125 in
17485.3 psig (0.9) − 0.6(7393.68 psig)

t = 1.181 inch = 30x10−3 m