TOPIC 6

Design for Multiple Reactions

Types of multiple reactions

Selectivity and yield
Parallel reactions
Reference: Fogler and Levenspiel
Types of multiple reactions
4 types of multiple reactions
A k B 1
Parallel reactions
k
A 2C

A
Series reactions k1
B k2
C
Complex reactions of parallel and
series
A k B
1
A k1 B C
A k2 C
A C Dk2
B C D
k3

A C
k1

B k2 D

Selectivity and yield

Instantaneous Overall

Selectivity

Yield

desiredproduct,rD=k1CA2CB
undesiredproduct,rU=k2CACB
Example:
TomaximizetheselectivityofDwithrespecttoUrunathighconcentrationof
AandusePFR
Parallel reactions

Reaction rates for parallel reactions

AB (-rA)=k1CA
2A C (-rA)=k2CA2
(-rA)nett = k1CA + k2CA2

A kD D
A kU U

r A rD rU
 Selectivity in
Parallel Reactions:
ONE Reactant
Systems
 Selectivity in Parallel Reactions:
Single Reactant Systems

Desired Reaction:
k1
1A D rD k1C A1

Undesired Reaction: k2
2 A U rU k 2C A2

What is the
selectivity ?
rD k1`C A1
SDU
rU k 2C A2
Let us examine some reactor
operating scenarios to maximize
selectivity.
 Case1:12>0 rD k1 ( 1 2 )
SDU CA
rU k 2
High CA favors D
How can we accomplish this?
For gas phase reactions, maintain
high pressures
For liquid-phase reactions, keep
diluents to a minimum
Batch or Plug Flow Reactors
should be used.
 rD k1
Case2:DU<0 SDU
rU k 2C A( 1 2 )

Low CA favors D
How can we accomplish this?CA
For gas phase reactions,
0
operate at low CA
pressures. CA
For liquid-phase
reactions, dilute the feedReactant
CSTR is the preferred concentration
reactor. maintained at
low level
 Case3: 1 2=0
Concentration has no effect on selectivity!
en, how to maximize selectivity?
choosing the most suitable temperature.

rD k1 AD exp [-E D / RT ] AD
SDU exp[ (ED EU ) / RT ]
rU k 2 AU exp [-EU / RT ] AU

(a) If ED > EU
rate reactor at the highest possible temperature
(b) If EU > ED
erate reactor at the lowest possible temperature
 Example:
Reactant A decomposes by three
simultaneous reactions to form three
products, one that is desired B and two that
are undesired X and Y.
AX -r1A=rX=k1=0.0001 mol/dm3.s
AB -r2A=rB=k2CA=(0.0015 s-1)CA
AY -r3A=rY=k3CA2=(0.008
dm3/mol.s)CA2
Determine the rate selectivity parameter
and volume of reactor if the reaction carried
out to maximize selectivity of desired
product for an entering concentration of A is
 Selectivity in
Parallel Reactions:
Two Reactant
Systems
 Selectivity in Parallel Reactions:
Two Reactant Systems

Desired Reaction: 1A 1B k D
1
rD k1 C A1 CB1
Undesired Reaction:2 A 2B k2 U rU k 2 C A2 CB2

1 1
rD k1 C A CB
SDU
rU k 2 C A2 2
CB
 Case 1: 1>2; 1 > 2 Let, a = 1-2; b = 1 - 2

Example: A + B D
A+BU
rD k1 a b
SDU C ACB
rU k 2

For high SDU, maintain both A & B as high as

possible
How can we accomplish this?
Use a Batch reactor
Or a Plug Flow reactor for continuous production.
Use high pressure for gaseous systems.
 Case 2: 1>2; 1 < 2 Let, a = 1-2; -b = 1 - 2

Example: A + B D
A+BU
For high SDU, maintain
rD k D CaA
SDU
concentration of A
rU k U CbB
high
and of B low
How can we accomplish this?
semi-batch reactor where B is fed slowly.
bular reactor with side streams of B being fed contin
eries of small CSTRs with A fed only to the first and
mounts of B to each reactor.
 Case 3: 1<2; 1 < 2 Let, -a = 1-2; -b = 1 - 2
Example: A + B D
A+BU
For high SDU, maintain
rD k D
SDU both concentration of A
rU k U CaA CbB
and B low.
How can we accomplish this?
Use a CSTR.
Use a Tubular reactor with large recycle ratio.
Use diluted feed
Use low pressure for gaseous reactions.
 Case 4: 1<2; 1 > 2 Let, -a = 1-2; b = 1 - 2

Example: A + B D
A+BU

rD k D CbB For high SDU, maintain

SDU concentration of B high
rU k U CaA
and of A low
How can we accomplish this?
a semi-batch reactor where A is fed slowly
Tubular reactor with side streams of A being fed continuously
series of small CSTR with B fed only to first and A to each reactor.
Exercise: