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Chapter 2
REACTION ENGINEERING 2.1 Definition of conversion
CKB 20104 2.2 Design equation for batch and flow systems

Chapter 2
2.3 Reactor in series
2.4 Space velocity and space time

Conversion & Reactor Sizing Objectives

Upon the completion of this chapter, students are able to:

Dr. Kelly Yong Tau Len Define conversion.

Evaluate the design equations to size batch and flow reactors.
Section of Chemical Engineering Technology UniKL MICET Size the reactors given the rate of reaction as function of conversion.
Tel: 06-5512051 Calculate the overall conversion and reactor volumes for reactors arranged in series.
Email: kytlen@unikl.edu.my, Define and determine space velocity and space time.
VLE: CKB20104 - kytlen_MICET

Importance Formulae For Gas Phase 2.1 Definition of Conversion

A→ B A→ B
The conversion, XA or X is the number of moles/molar flow rate of reactant
A that have reacted per mole/molar flow rate of A fed to the system
To obtain INITIAL concentration of reactant A in GAS PHASE
Moles of A reacted Moles of A fed − Moles of A unreacted(outlet)
when given partial pressure of the reactant A or total initial XA = =
Moles of A fed Moles of A fed
pressure of the system F − FA
For molar flow rate, X A = A0 ⇒ FA = FA0 (1− X )
FA0
CA0 = Inlet concentration of A
yA0 = Inlet mole fraction of A N A0 − N A
PAO y AO PO Po = Inlet total pressure of system
For no. of moles, X A =
N A0
⇒ N A = N A0 (1− X )

C AO = = To = System temperature
• For irreversible reactions, maximum conversion is complete conversion,
X = 1.0 (100%)
RTO RTO PA0 = Inlet partial pressure of A
• For reversible reactions, maximum conversion is equilibrium conversion,
R = Ideal gas constant i.e. X = Xe

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Test Your Understanding Test Your Understanding

If 100 moles of reactant A are fed to the

A gas mixture consists of 40 mol% A and the
reactor and 70 moles of A reacted,
reaminder inert enters the reactor with a feed rate of
3 calculate conversion of the reactant A.
10 dm /s at 450 K and total pressure of 10 atm.
3
Given value of R is 0.082 dm .atm/mol.K.
Determine the initial concentration and initial molar If 20 mol/min of reactant A are fed and the
flow rate of A. Subsequently determine the final conversion is 60%, determine amount of
molar flow rate of A with 40% conversion. reactant A in the outlet after the reaction.

2.2 Design Equations: Batch, CSTR And PFR Reactor Test Your Understanding
A
Identify B
which
reactor is
CSTR,
PFR, and
Batch

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2.2 Design Equations: Batch System 2.2 Design Equations: Batch System

A→ B
V
General Mole Balance dN A
FA0 − F A + ∫ rA . dV = 1
dt
In batch system, the conversion of reactant A, XA is a No spatial variations in reaction rate V
function of number of moles of A, NA. (Reaction rate constant throughout the ∫
rA dV = rAV 2
whole reactor volume) No variation in the rate of reaction throughout the reactor volume

NAo N A0 − N A
NA
XA = There is no inflow nor outflow during the reaction; dN A
N A0 (FA0 = FA = 0).Therefore the mole balance (Eq. 1)
rAV = 3

dt
becomes (Eq. 3):
or N A = N A0 − N A0 X For batch reactors, we are interested in determining how long time, t to
leave the reactants in the reactor to achieve a certain conversion, X

Test Your Understanding 2.2 Design Equations: Batch System

We use the conversion equation to find the relation
⎈From the conversion equation with conversion, X
No spatial variations in reaction rate V
(Reaction rate constant throughout N A = N A0 − N A0 X 4
∫r A dV = rAV 2

the whole reactor volume)

⎈Differentiate Eq. 4 with respect to reaction time, t to obtain
dN A dX dN A dX
Deduce the reason for the above equation = 0 − N A0
dt
= −N A0
dt
5
dt dt
*Tips: Spatial can be defined as Space and Variation means Changes
*Tips: Reaction rate is affected by concentration, temperature, pressure and types of catalyst (if any)
⎈Substitute Eq.5 into Eq.3 to obtain
5
3
dN A dN A dX dX
rAV = AND = −N A0 −N A0 = rAV 6
dt dt dt dt

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2.2 Design Equations: Batch System 2.2 Design Equations: Batch System

⎈Rearrange back Eq.6 to obtain the design equation in DIFFERENTIAL

FORM Since reactant A is disappearing, therefore the rate of reaction must be evaluated as rate of
• We obtain the reaction time, t necessary to achieve a
disappearance, –rA conversion X in a batch reactor.
6 dX dX • The longer the reactants are left in the reactor, the
−N A0 = rAV N A0 = −rAV 7

dt dt greater the conversion.

⎈From equation 7 and integrate with the limits (reaction time, t with X
conversion, X) to obtain the design equation in INTEGRAL FORM dX
dX
tbatch = N A0 ∫
−rAV
X
dX
N A0 = dt tbatch = N A0 ∫ 8 0
−rAV 0 −rAV

2.2 Design Equation For Flow Reactors 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
(PFR & CSTR) Reactors (CSTR)
V
dN A
FAo A→ B General Mole Balance FA0 − F A + ∫ rA . dV =
dt
1

In flow system, the conversion of Operated at steady state (conditions do not change dN A
=0 2
with time)
FA reactant A, XA is a function of molar flow No accumulation of A within system dt
rate (moles/time) of A. No spatial variations in the rate of reaction V

∫r A dV = rAV 3

FA0 − FA Constant rate of generation of A by chemical reaction within system

XA = FA0 − F A +rAV = 0
FAo FA FA0 Substitute Eq. 2 and Eq. 3 in Eq.1 to obtain 4

F − FA
or FA = FA0 − FA0 X Rearrange equation 4 to obtain DESIGN EQUATION V
CSTR
= A0 5
for CSTR −rA

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2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
Reactors (CSTR) Reactors (PFR)
• We obtain the reactor volume, V necessary to achieve a conversion V
X in a CSTR. dN A
General Mole Balance FA0 − F A + ∫ rA . dV = 1
• For continuous system, time usually increases with increasing dt
reactor volume.
• The bigger the reactor, the more time it will take the reactants to dN A
flow completely through the reactor and thus, more time to react Operated at steady state (conditions do not change =0 2
with time) No accumulation of A within system
dt
Only Valid for Single CSTR

FA0 − FA FA = FA0 − FA0 X FA0 X V

VCSTR = VCSTR
= Substitute Eq. 2 into Eq. 1 FA0 − F A + ∫ rA .dV = 0 3
−rA We use the conversion
equation to relate with −rA
conversion, X

2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
Reactors (PFR) Reactors (PFR)
Differentiate Eq. 3 with respect to V • Substitute Eq. 6 into Eq. 4 to obtain the design equation in
3 V dF A DIFFERENTIAL FORM
dF A = rA 4
FA0 − F A + ∫ rA .dV = 0 0− + rA = 0 Since reactant A is disappearing, therefore the rate of reaction must be
dV dV evaluated as rate of disappearance, -rA

4 6
dF A dFA dX dX
From the conversion equation We use the conversion equation to find the relation = rA AND = −FA0 FA0 = −rA 7
with conversion, X
dV dV dV dV
FA = FA0 − FA0 X 5
• From Eq.7 and integrated with the limits V = 0 when X = 0 to obtain the
Differentiate Eq. 5 with respect to V, to obtain design equation in INTEGRAL FORM
X
dFA dX dFA dX FA0 dX dX
= 0 − FA0 = −FA0 6 = dV VPFR = FA0 ∫ 8
dV dV dV dV −rA 0 −rA

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2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow System s
Reactors (PFR) (Applications For CSTR And PFR)
• We obtain the reactor volume, V necessary to achieve a The rate of reaction, –r A is always a function of the reactant concentrati on and
hence its conversion, X.
conversion X in a PFR.
Therefore, we can obtain –r A from the conversion, X. This is shown below in a
• For continuous system, time usually increases with increasing table for example.
reactor volume. Conversion, X 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
• The longer the reactor, the more time it will take the reactants to –rA
0.45 0.44 0.42 0.37 0.32 0.25 0.17 0.12 0.10
flow completely through the reactor and thus, more time to (mol/ dm3.s)
react Using this information, (–r A and X) we can determine the size (reactor volume,
V) of both CSTR and PFR.
X
dX
VPFR = FA0 ∫ FA0 X X
dX
−rA VCSTR = VPFR = FA0 ∫
0 −rA −rA
0

2.2 Design Equation For Flow Systems 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
(Applications For CSTR And PFR) Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using
Levenspiel Plot)
We can use the table to plot a graph called Levenspiel Plot. For CSTR sizing, its volume, V CSTR is equal to the area of a
The plot is either 1/–rA vs. X OR FA0/–rA vs. X rectangle on the Levenspiel plot (above and below the curve)
FA0 X X multiplied with FA0
dX
VCSTR = VPFR = FA0 ∫
−rA 0 −rA 1
𝑉"#$% = 𝐹() × 𝑋 ×
−𝑟(
1
FA0 1 𝐹() 𝑋 Only valid
−rA = for Single
( − rA ) −rA −𝑟( CSTR
X
0 X
X X Final conversion

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2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using
Levenspiel Plot) Solution
Levenspiel Plot)
Example Given FA0 = 0.4 mol/s and X = 0.7
The reaction A à B is to be carried
833.33
out in a CSTR. Species A enters the 833.33
1
reactor at a molar flow rate of 0.4 1
−rA
mol/s. −rA
X
Using the Levenspiel Plot, calculate X
0.7
the volume necessary to achieve 70% 0.7

conversion in a CSTR. FA0 X mol dm3 .s

VCSTR = = (0.4 )(0.7)(833.33 )
−rA s mol
= 233.33dm3

2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using
Table) Table)
Solution
Conversion, –rA
We can also use the Table X (mol/dm3.s)
3
Given VCSTR = 100dm , X = 0.65 Conversion, –rA
X (mol/dm3.s)
directly to determine the reactor 0.0 0.0045
0.0 0.0045
sizing. 0.1 0.0044 𝐹()𝑋 𝐹()(0.65) 0.1 0.0044
0.2 0.0042 𝑉"#$% = = 100𝑑𝑚 3 =
Example: The reaction A à B is to 0.3 0.0037
−𝑟(
0.00145
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑑𝑚 3. 𝑠
0.2 0.0042
3 0.3 0.0037
be carried out in a 100 dm CSTR. 0.4 0.0032 𝐹() = 0.223
𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.4 0.0032
𝑠
Using the data in table, calculate 0.5 0.0025
0.5 0.0025
0.6 0.0017
the initial molar flow rate necessary 0.7 0.0012
0.6 0.0017
0.7 0.0012
to achieve 65% conversion of A. 0.8 0.0010
0.8 0.0010

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2.2 Design Equation For Flow Systems 2.2 Design Equation For Flow Systems
(Sizing A PFR Using Levenspiel Plot) (Sizing A PFR Using Levenspiel Plot)
For PFR sizing, its volume, VPFR is equal to the area under the curve of There is various Simpsons' Rule that we can use to evaluate
the Levenspiel plot. the area under the curve. However, we usually use Simpson’s
one-third rule (3 points). Final
X conversion
1 dX 1
X dX
−rA VPFR = FA0 ∫ −rA( X
2)
VPFR = FAO ∫
0
−rA
0 −rA
X $
ΔX & 1 4 1 )
'
1 = FA0 + +
−rA( X ) 3 &% −rA( X ) −rA( X )
−rA( X ) )(
1 0 mid
As we can see, it is not easy to determine the area under the curve of 1 X Initial
the Levenspiel Plot. −rA( X
0)
Point Middle Final
X0 X1 X2 Point Point
We need to use Simpson's Rule ΔX ΔX Final
conversion

2.2 Design Equation For Flow Systems 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
(Sizing A PFR Using Levenspiel Plot) Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using
Solution
Levenspiel Plot)
Example 1/ −rA Given FA0 = 0.4 mol/s and X = 0.7 1/ −rA
833.33 833.33
The reaction A à B is to be carried ).G BC ∆C I L I
𝑉?@% =∫ =𝐹() + DE + DE
out in a PFR. Species A enters the ) DE F
0.4𝑚𝑜𝑙 0.35
3 DE F(J)
𝑑𝑚3.𝑠
F(J.MN) F(J.O)

= 222.22 + 4(291.39) + 833.33

reactor at a molar flow rate of 0.4 𝑠 3 𝑚𝑜𝑙
= 103.65𝑑𝑚3
mol/s. 291.39 291.39
Using the Levenspiel Plot, calculate 222.22 222.22
the volume necessary to achieve
0.00 0.35 0.7 0.00 0.35 0.7
70% conversion in a PFR.

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2.2 Design Equation For Flow 2.2 Design Equation For Flow
Systems (Sizing A PFR Using Systems (Sizing A CSTR Using
Table) Table)
Solution
Conversion, –rA
We can also use the Table X (mol/dm3.s)
3
Given VPFR = 100dm , X = 0.50 Conversion, –rA
X (mol/dm3.s)
directly to determine the reactor 0.0 0.0045 𝑉?@% =∫
).R BC
= 𝐹()
∆C I
+ DE
L
+ DE
I
0.0 0.0045
DE F 3 DE F(J)
sizing. 0.1 0.0044 )
0.25 1 4 1
F(J.SN)
𝑑𝑚3.𝑠
F(J.N)
0.1 0.0044
0.2 0.0042 100𝑑𝑚3 = 𝐹() + +
3 0.0045 0.00395 0.0025 𝑚𝑜𝑙
Example: The reaction A à B is to 0.3 0.0037 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.2 0.0042
3 = 0.73 0.3 0.0037
be carried out in a 100 dm PFR. 0.4 0.0032
𝑠
0.4 0.0032
Using the data in table, calculate 0.5 0.0025
0.5 0.0025
0.6 0.0017
the initial molar flow rate necessary 0.7 0.0012
0.6 0.0017
0.7 0.0012
to achieve 50% conversion of A. 0.8 0.0010
0.8 0.0010

2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

Reactors are connected in series so that the exit FAO

stream of one reactor is the feed stream for another 1 X1 and FA1 X2 and FA2
reactor. CSTR
2
i= 1 PFR i= 2
Moles of A reacted up to point i CSTR
Xi = 3
X3 and FA3
Moles of A feed to first reactor
FA0 − FA1 F − FA2 F − FA3 i= 3
When this arrangement is used, the conversion, X is X1 =
FA0
, X 2 = A0
FA0
, X 3 = A0
FA0
the total number of moles of A that have reacted up to Therefore;
that point per mole of A fed to the first reactor. FA1 = FA0 (1− X 1 ), FA2 = FA0 (1− X 2 ), FA3 = FA0 (1− X 3 )

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2.3 Reactor In Series

Test Your Understanding (CSTR in Series)
FAO
FA1 − FA2
1 FAO X1 =
FA0 − FA1 VCSTR,2 =
X1 and FA1 X2 and FA2 FA0 −rA2
2
CSTR i= 1 i= 2 X 1 and FA1 FA1 = FA0 (1− X 1 )
PFR CSTR CSTR 1
F − FA1 F − FA2 F − FA3 3 –r A1 FA2 = FA0 (1− X 2 )
X 1 = A0 , X 2 = A0 , X 3 = A0 X3 and FA3
FA0 FA0 FA0
FA0 ( X 2 − X 1 )
Therefore; i= 3 2 VCSTR,2 =
F − FA1 −rA2
FA1 = FA0 (1− X 1 ), FA2 = FA0 (1− X 2 ), FA3 = FA0 (1− X 3 ) VCSTR,1 = A0 –r A2
−rA1
CSTR X 2 and FA2
Choose the right answer and state the reason FA1 = FA0 (1− X 1 )
X1 > X2 > X3 FA0 − FA2
X2 =
F X FA0
OR VCSTR,1 = A0 1
−rA1
X1 < X2 < X3

2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

(CSTR in Series) (CSTR in Series)
0.4
Example Conversion, –rA mol/s Conversion, –rA
The reaction A à B is to be carried out in a X (mol/dm3.s) X (mol/dm3.s)
X 1 = 0.4
single CSTR and 2 CSTRs in series. Species 0.0 0.0045 CSTR 1 0.0 0.0045
A enters the reactor at a molar flow rate of 0.1 0.0044 0.1 0.0044
0.4 mol/s. 0.2 0.0042 0.2 0.0042
2
For the 2 CSTRs in series, 40% conversion is 0.3 0.0037 FA0 X 1 0.3 0.0037
achieved in the first reactor. What is the 0.4 0.0032 VCSTR,1 = 0.4 0.0032
−rA1
volume of the 2 reactors necessary to 0.5 0.0025 CSTR X 2 = 0.7 0.5 0.0025
achieve 70% overall conversion. 0.6 0.0017 mol 0.6 0.0017
0.4 (0.4)
Subsequently calculate the single CSTR 0.7 0.0012 = s = 50dm3 0.7 0.0012
volume to achieve the same overall 0.8 0.0010 mol 0.8 0.0010
conversion (70%) 0.0032 3
dm .s

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2.3 Reactor In Series

(CSTR in Series)
0.4
mol/s
Conversion, –rA

CSTR 1
X 1 = 0.4 X
0.0
(mol/dm3.s)
0.0045
Subsequently calculate the
0.1
0.2
0.0044
0.0042
single CSTR volume to
VCSTR,2 =
FA0 ( X 2 − X 1 )
2
0.3 0.0037 achieve the same overall
conversion (70%)
−rA2 0.4 0.0032
CSTR X 2 = 0.7
mol 0.5 0.0025
0.4 (0.7 − 0.4)

Calculate yourself
s Total Volume, VCSTR,TOTAL 0.6 0.0017
= 0.7 0.0012
mol = VCSTR,1 + VCSTR,2
0.0012 3 0.8 0.0010
dm .s = 50 + 100 dm3
= 150 dm3
= 100dm3

2.3 Reactor In Series (CSTR 2.3 Reactor In Series

in Series) (PFR in Series)
1/ −rA CSTRs in Series X 1 and FA1 X = FA0 − FA1
FA0 − FA2
FAO 1 1
FA0 X2 =
–r A1 FA0
V CSTR,TOTAL = 150 dm3 PFR X 2 and FA2
2
PFR –r A2
1/ −rA Single CSTR
V CSTR,2
V CSTR,1 X X1
dX
0.0 0.4 0.7 V CSTR,TOTAL = 233.33 dm3 VPFR,1 = FA0 ∫
0 −rA1
Comparison from this 2 Levenspiel plots tells
$ '
us why to achieve the same overall conversion, ΔX & 1 4 1 )
the total volume for 2 CSTRs in series is less V CSTR = FA0 + +
X 3 &% −rA( X ) −rA( X ) −rA( X ) )(
than that required for 1 CSTR 0 middle 1
0.0 0.7

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2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

(PFR in Series) (PFR in Series)

X 1 and FA1 X = FA0 − FA1

FA0 − FA2
Example Conversion, –rA
FAO 1 1
FA0 X2 = The reaction A à B is to be carried out in a X (mol/dm3.s)
–r A1 FA0
PFR single PFR and 2 PFRs in series. Species A 0.0 0.0045
X 2 and FA2
2 enters the reactor at a molar flow rate of 0.4 0.1 0.0044
PFR –r A2 mol/s. 0.2 0.0042
For the 2 PFRs in series, 40% conversion is 0.3 0.0037
X2
dX achieved in the first reactor. What is the 0.4 0.0032
VPFR,2 = FA0 ∫ −r volume of the 2 reactors necessary to achieve 0.5 0.0025
X1 A1 70% overall conversion. Subsequently 0.6 0.0017
calculate the single PFR volume to achieve
ΔX $ 1 4 1 ' the same overall conversion (70%)
0.7 0.0012
= FA0 & + + ) 0.8 0.0010
3 &% −rA( X 1) −rA( Xmid ) −rA( X 2) )(

2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

(PFR in Series) (PFR in Series)
X 1 = 0.4 Conversion, –rA
X 1 = 0.4 0.4 1
0.4 Conversion, –rA mol/s X (mol/dm3.s)
mol/s
1 –r A1
–r A1 X (mol/dm3.s) PFR
X 2 = 0.7 0.0 0.0045
X 2 = 0.7
PFR 0.0 0.0045 0.1 0.0044
2
2 0.1 0.0044
ΔX ΔX PFR 0.2 0.0042
PFR 0.4 0.55 0.7
0.2 0.0042 0.3 0.0037
ΔX ΔX
0.3 0.0037 𝑉?@% ,W=∫
).G BC
= 𝐹()
∆C I
+ DE
L
+ DE
I 0.4 0.0032
0.0 0.2 0.4
).L DE F 3 DEF(J.V)
0.4 0.0032 0.4𝑚𝑜𝑙 0.15 1 4 1 𝑑𝑚3.𝑠
F(J.NN) F(J.O)
0.5 0.0025
).L BC ∆C I L I
𝑉?@%,I=∫ = 𝐹() + DE + DE 0.5 0.0025 𝑉?@% ,W = + + 0.6 0.0017
) DE F 3 DEF(J) F(J.S) F(J.V) 𝑠 3 0.0032 0.0021 0.0012 𝑚𝑜𝑙
0.4𝑚𝑜𝑙 0.2 1 4 1 𝑑𝑚3.𝑠 0.6 0.0017 = 61.01𝑑𝑚3 0.7 0.0012
𝑉?@%,I = + +
𝑠 3 0.0045 0.0042 0.0032 𝑚𝑜𝑙 0.7 0.0012 0.8 0.0010
= 39.66𝑑𝑚3 Total Volume, VPFR,TOTAL = VPFR,1 + VPFR,2
0.8 0.0010
= 39.66 + 61.01 dm3 = 100.67 dm3

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2.3 Reactor In Series

(PFR in Series)
1/ −rA Comparison from this 2 Levenspiel plots tells
Subsequently calculate the V PFR,TOTAL = 100.67 dm3
us why to achieve the same overall
conversion, the total volume for 2 PFRs in
single PFR volume to series is identical to that required for 1 PFR

achieve the same overall 1/ −rA V PFR,TOTAL = 102.59 dm3

conversion (70%) 0.00

VPFR,1
0.4
VPFR,2

0.7

Calculate yourself PFRs in Series

VPFR
0.00 0.7
Single PFR

2.3 Reactor In Series

(Combination of CSTRS And PFRs In 2.3 Reactor In Series
Series) (Combination of CSTRS and PFRs in Series)
Example
–r A X 1 = 0.5 –r A
X 0.867 1 X
X 1 and FA1 (mol/dm3.s) mol/s (mol/dm3.s)
FAO 1 0.0 0.0053 0.0 0.0053
–r A1 PFR
0.1 0.0052 CSTR 0.1 0.0052
PFR 2
0.2 0.0050 X 2 = 0.8 0.2 0.0050
CSTR 2 0.3 0.0045 0.3 0.0045
X 2 and FA2 0.5 dX ΔX ΔX 0.4 0.0040
0.4 0.0040 VPFR,1 = FAO ∫
0 0.25 0.5
–r A2 −rA 0.0
0.5 0.0033 0.5 0.0033
Calculate the individual reactor volumes as well as the total 0.6 0.0025 mol # 0.25 &# 1 4 1 &
0.6 0.0025
= 0.867 % (% + + (
reactor volume for the PFR–CSTR in series based on the 0.7 0.0018 s $ 3 '%$ −rA( X =0) −rA( X =0.25) −rA( X =0.5) (' 0.7 0.0018
reaction data given in the table when the intermediate 0.8 0.00125 mol # 0.25 &# 1 4 1 & 1 0.8 0.00125
= 0.867 % (% + + (
conversion of 50% and final conversion of 80% with FA0 0.85 0.001 s $ 3 '$ 0.0053 0.00475 0.0033' mol / dm3 .s 0.85 0.001
= 0.867 mol/s = 96.37 dm3

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2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

(Combination Of CSTRS And PFRs In Series) (Combination Of CSTRS And PFRs In Series)

X 1 = 0.5 –r A 0.867 –r A
0.867 X X
mol/s
1 (mol/dm3.s) mol/s (mol/dm3.s)
0.0 0.0053 0.0 0.0053
PFR
0.1 0.0052 1 0.1 0.0052
CSTR 2 CSTR
X 2 = 0.8 0.2 0.0050 X 1 = 0.5 X 2 = 0.8 0.2 0.0050
0.3 0.0045 2 0.3 0.0045
F ( X − X1)
VCSTR,2 = A0 2 0.4 0.0040 PFR 0.4 0.0040
−rA2 FA0 X 1
0.5 0.0033 VCSTR,1 = 0.5 0.0033
mol 0.6 0.0025 −rA1 0.6 0.0025
0.867 (0.8 − 0.5) Total Volume, VTOTAL
= s 0.7 0.0018 mol 0.7 0.0018
mol = VPFR,1 + VCSTR,2 0.867 (0.5)
0.00125 3 0.8 0.00125 s 0.8 0.00125
= 96.37 + 208.08 dm3 = = 131.36dm3
dm .s 0.85 0.001 mol 0.85 0.001
= 304.45 dm3 0.0033 3
= 208.08dm3 dm .s

2.3 Reactor In Series 2.3 Reactor In Series

(Combination Of CSTRS And PFRs In Series) (Combination Of CSTRS And PFRs In Series)

0.867 –r A V TOTAL = 304.45 dm3 V TOTAL = 259.83 dm3

mol/s X
(mol/dm3.s)
Comparing the reactor
0.0 0.0053 volume for both
1 PFR 0.1 0.0052 configurations, we can
CSTR
X 1 = 0.5 X 2 = 0.8 0.2 0.0050 conclude that CSTR–
2
0.3 0.0045 PFR is a better option
VPFR,2 = FAO ∫
0.8 dX ΔX ΔX 0.4 0.0040 since smaller reactor
0.5
−rA 0.5 0.65 0.8 0.5 0.0033 can be used to achieve
VCSTR,2 VPFR,1
= 0.867
mol # 0.15 &# 1 4 1 & Total Volume, VTOTAL 0.6 0.0025 VPFR,1 208.08 dm3 VCSTR,1 128.47dm3 the overall conversion
% (% + + ( = VCSTR,1 + VPFR,2 131.36 dm3
s $ 3 '%$ −rA( X =0.5) −rA( X =0.65) −rA( X =0.8) (' 0.7 0.0018 96.37dm3
of 80%
= 131.36 + 128.47 dm3
mol # 0.15 &# 1 4 1 & 1 0.8 0.00125
= 0.867 % (% + + ( = 259.83 dm3
s $ 3 '$ 0.0033 0.00215 0.00125 ' mol / dm3 .s 0.85 0.001
PFR–CSTR CSTR–PFR
= 128.47 dm3

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Subsequently calculate the Subsequently calculate the

single PFR and CSTR volume for 2 CSTRs and 2 PFRs
volume to achieve the to achieve the same intermediate
same overall conversion conversion of 50% and overall
(80%) conversion (80%)
Calculate yourself Calculate yourself

2.4 Space Time and Space 2.4 Space Time and Space
Velocity Velocity

• Space Time is time required to process 1 reactor A L = 20 m B

volume of fluid based on the reactor entrance
conditions.
• It is obtained by dividing reactor volume, V by the
volumetric flow rate entering the reactor, υo
• It is also called the holding time or mean residence time.
V • In other words, it would take 4s for the fluid at point A to move to point
τ=
υo
1 L/s V = 4L
• The time it takes for the fluid to enter the reactor completely is the
space time.
• Consider the PFR shown above with volume of 4L and the length of
20m.
• If the volumetric flow rate were 1 L/s, the space time is 4L/1Ls -1 = 4s.
B, which is going across the entire reactor length.

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2.4 Space Time and Space 2.4 Space Time and Space
Velocity Velocity
Difference between Reaction Time, Space Time and Residence Time
If the Volume does not change and the
Reaction Time: volumetric flow rate remains constant then
Time required to hold up the particles in the batch reactor for the required
conversion to take place Residence time = Space time
However, if there is a disturbance in the
Space Time:
Time required to process 1 reactor volume of fluid in a flow reactor reactor (i.e., change in pressure, temperature,
Residence Time:
etc.), then
Average amount of time that a particle spends in a flow reactor Residence time ≠ Space time

2.4 Space Time and Space 2.4 Space Time and Space
Velocity Velocity
LHSV (Liquid Hourly Space Velocity)
• It is a method to relate the reactant liquid flow rate to the reactor volume at a standard
• A space velocity of 5 / hr means that five reactor
temperature. volumes of feed at specified condition are being fed
• Usually, this temperature ranges from 60 to 75 o F(15.6 to 23.9 oC).
• The volumetric flow rate, υo is treated as a liquid at these conditions, even though the into the reactor per hour.
actual material may be a gas under normal operating conditions
• A space time of 5 min is that every 5 minutes, one
GHSV (Gas Hourly Space Velocity)
• It is a similar method for relating the reactant gas flow rate to the reactor volume.
reactor volume of feed at specified conditions is
• GHSV is usually measured at standard temperature and pressure (STP). being treated by the reactor.
• Different industries may have their own definitions for STP and these conditions may be
closer to ambient conditions than to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
values of 32 o F (0 o C) and 1 bar (100 kPa).

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