TUTORIAL

1. Write the differences between 3 reactors: Single CSTR, 3-stages CSTR and Tubular (PFR) reactor.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each configuration.

CHARACTERISTICS

SINGLE CSTR

3- STAGES CSTR

TUBULAR (PFR)

Unlike CSTR in series, single

3 stages of CSTR is just the

The principle of operation, size

CTSR is made up of only 1

same as single CSTR where the

and characteristic of PFR is

CSTR. Usually, the volume,

number of CSTR would vary to

completely differs from CSTR.

size and characteristic of single

3, which will affect few factors

A gradient will be obtained

CSTR is just the same with 3

or parameters of an experiment

from the varying reaction rates

stages CSTR but, it differs in

such as conversion.

with

respect

to

distance

term of number of CSTR for a

traversed by the solution or

reaction to occur. Apparently, at

sample.

the end of an experiment, the

flowrate of solution in PFR will

number of CSTR involved will

be very high, but it will

affect the conversion of an

decrease

experiment.

concentration falls due to the

At

as

the

the

inlet,

the

solutions

reaction in the reactor. Back

mixing degree or molecular
diffusion of fluid elements is
known as dispersion in Axial
PFR. This will only occur in
axial direction.

PERFORMANCE

Single CSTR has a mixer to

Each stage of 3 stages CSTR

The performance of PFR is

keep the different samples in

will have its agitators to mix

usually

contact and to produce more

the sample and promotes high

CSTR due to its small area. It

kinetic force for mixing. This

kinetic

higher

does not equip with mixer.

will promote the conversion,

conversion. The sample will be

Therefore, there is no any

speed up the reaction rate and

mixed continuously throughout

external force to enhance the

will produce less impurities.

can

conversion. This reduces the

However, the performance of

achieve a high conversion in a

performances of PFR. PFR also

single stage CSTR is low

short period of time comparing

has a high consumption of time

comparing to 3 stages CSTR

to single stage.

for a reaction to completely

energy

experiment,

and

and

it

since 3 stages CSTR has a

low

comparing

to

converted.

mixer for each stage and the

continuous
promotes

DESIGN

reaction
higher

of

it

conversion

compare to single stage.

The design of single CSTR is

3 stages CSTR has a larger size

Plug Flow reactor has a

simple and easy to maintain

since it has 3 reactors attached.

complex design comparing to

due to its small number of

This causes the capital cost to

CSTR. This making it has a

equipment. Single CSTR also

be high and the space

high cost and complications in

can be easily cleaned, and its

consuming. The maintenance of

maintenance. The design also

small design enhance it to be

3 stages CSTR is also high

causing the efficiency of this

fitted in small spaces and cost

comparing to single CSTR.

reactor is hard to be maintained.

saving.

Advantages and Disadvantage

SINGLE CSTR
The advantages of single continuous stirred tank reactor are:

Due to its simple design and small size, it can be easily maintained.

It is less volume consuming equipment

It has installed with mixer to agitate the sample; thus, it reduces man power and labor
cost.

Has an optimal efficiency on all fluids, gas and solid mixture.

Temperature of CSTR can be maintained easily.

Readily adaptable to operating conditions changes such as concentration of sample and

flowrate.

The disadvantages of CSTR are:

The conversion of the reaction will be low as solution will only has a single circulation in
single CSTR.

It has a low concentration at outlet stream.

The limitations of this reactor is when using high viscosity fluid samples. The sample
cannot be mixed well by the mixer, and the conversion of the reaction will be low.

3 STAGES CSTR
Advantages of 3 Stage CSTR are:

It has an excellent temperature controlling since works in a stage by stage concept.

Capable of operates in higher concentration to produce higher conversion percentage in

each stage.

The heat transfer surface for this reactor also can be easily provided.

Has an optimal efficiency on all fluids, gas and solid mixture.

Readily adaptable to operating conditions changes such as concentration of sample and

flowrate.

Capable of operates with higher viscosity fluid sample.

Capable to operates with various and huge amount of sample.

Disadvantages of 3 stages CSTR are:

All reactor in series is required in good condition, where defect in 1 stage of reactor
might affect the overall conversion

High cost for maintenance

High capital cost

Consume more space due to its large size of design.

PLUG FLOW REACTOR

Advantages of PFR are:

High efficiency to operate heterogeneous reactions

This reactor also has optimal efficiency on work for the usage of heterogeneous reactions.

The volumetric unit conversion is high

It can operate for a long time without regular maintenance

Optimal heat transfer rate

Disadvantages of PFR are:

The temperature of PFR is difficult to control and causes non-desirable thermal gradient.

High cost for maintenance compare to CSTR

The shutdown of the equipment can cause profit lost and expensive.

2)

Write a one-paragraph summary of any journal article that studies chemical

reaction in a multiple stages CSTR. The article must have been published within the last 5
years.
This article titles Study of CSTR reaction in Comparative evaluation of biogas production from
dairy manure and co-digestion with maize silage aimed to study the potential of production of
methane from dairy manure and digestion of maize silage using CSTR. Biogas production
performance using CSTR was measured and compared with theoretical values. The intention is
to find out whether the phase separation is possible or not using a multi stage CSTR and
producing biogas production by using total solid loading of 4%. Six different organic sample
were used in the system with steadily increasing rate from 1.2 to 5.6g VS/L.d. CSTR produced
specific biogas from 340 and 220 mL/gVS with 8266%. Maize silage digested together with the
manure and it increased the biogas production rate. The pH was maintained at acidogenic
medium from 4.8 to 5.6 range and methanogenic medium was 6.9 to 7.3 range(Varol & Ugurlu,
2016).

3) Explain on the PFR reactor used in the study and its significance to the study done.
PFR is used to estimate the key unit operation variables to achieve the desirable product which is
biogas. The fluid that flowed through the PFR, enhance the residence time is same for the entire

reaction and all fluid element. The samples also can be mixed in the direction of radial to attain a
well-mixed sample.

REFERENCES
Varol, A., & Ugurlu, A. (2016). Comparative evaluation of biogas production from dairy manure
and co-digestion with maize silage by CSTR. Engineering in Life Sciences, 111.
https://doi.org/10.1002/elsc.201500187