Chemical Reaction Engineering -I

Autumn 2022

Instructor:

Dr. Sushant Kumar

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Patna 1
Wed, 28.9.22

CSTRs in Series

For the first reactor, the rate of disappearance of A is −𝑟𝐴1 at conversion X1.
A mole balance on reactor 1 gives

In-out +generation = 0

Reactor 1: 𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴1 + 𝑟𝐴1 𝑉1 = 0 (3.1)

The molar flow rate of A at point 1 is

(3.2)
𝐹𝐴1 = 𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋1

Combining the above equations or rearranging

1 (3.3)
Reactor 1: 𝑉1 = 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋
−𝑟𝐴1 1 2
In the second reactor, the rate of disappearance of A, −𝑟𝐴2 , is evaluated at the conversion of the exit stream of reactor 2, 𝑋2 .
A mole balance on the second reactor

In-out +generation = 0

Reactor 2: 𝐹𝐴1 − 𝐹𝐴2 + 𝑟𝐴2 𝑉 = 0 (3.4)

The molar flow rate of A at point 2 is

𝐹𝐴2 = 𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋2

Combining the above equations or rearranging

𝐹𝐴1 − 𝐹𝐴2 𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋1 − 𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋2 (3.5)

𝑉2 = =
−𝑟𝐴2 −𝑟𝐴2

1
Reactor 2: 𝑉2 = 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋2 − 𝑋1 (3.6)
−𝑟𝐴2

3
Q.1
For the two CSTRs in series, 30% conversion is achieved in the first reactor. What is the volume of each of the two reactors
necessary to achieve 75% overall conversion of the entering species A?

𝑿 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.8

𝐹𝐴0 Τ−𝑟𝐴 𝑚3 0.89 1.09 1.33 2.05 3.54 5.06 8.0

4
Approximating a PFR by a large number of CSTRs in series

Modeling a PFR with CSTRs in series

Levenspiel plot showing comparison of CSTRs in series with

one PFR

Note: As we make the volume of each CSTR smaller and increase the number of CSTRs, the total volume of the CSTRs in
series and the volume of the PFR will become identical.

Thus, we can model a PFR with a large number of CSTRs in series.

5
 PFRs in Series

We saw that two CSTRs in series gave a smaller total volume than a single CSTR to achieve the same conversion. This case does
not hold true for the two PFR connected in series.
𝑋2 𝑋1 𝑋2
𝑑𝑋 𝑑𝑋 𝑑𝑋
න 𝐹𝐴0 = න 𝐹𝐴0 + න 𝐹𝐴0 (3.7)
0 −𝑟𝐴 0 −𝑟𝐴 𝑋1 −𝑟𝐴

As can be seen, it is immaterial whether you place two PFRs in series or have one continuous PFR; the total reactor volume
required to achieve the same conversion is identical.

Levenspiel plot for two PFRs in series

6
Q.2

Use the data in below table to calculate the reactor volumes V1 and V2 for the plug-flow sequence shown in below figure
When the intermediate conversion is 40% and the final conversion is 80%. The entering molar flow rate is 0.4 mol/s.

𝑿 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.8

𝐹𝐴0 Τ−𝑟𝐴 𝑚3 0.89 1.09 1.33 2.05 3.54 5.06 8.0

Answer: V1= 0.551m3; V2= 1.614 m3; V= 2.165m3

7
Thu, 29.9.22
Combination of CSTRs and PFRs in Series

Schematic of a real system

The volume of the first two CSTRs in series are:
1
Reactor 1: 𝑉1 = 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋
−𝑟𝐴1 1 Levenspiel plot to determine
the reactor volumes
1 V1, V2, and V3
Reactor 2: 𝑉2 = 𝐹𝐴0 𝑋2 − 𝑋1
−𝑟𝐴2

Starting with the different form of PFR design equation

𝑑𝑋
𝐹𝐴0 = −𝑟𝐴 (3.8)
𝑑𝑉
Rearranging and integrating between limits, when V= 0, then X= X2, and when V=V3, then X=X3.
𝑋3
𝑑𝑋
Reactor 3: න 𝐹𝐴0 (3.9) 8
𝑋2 −𝑟𝐴
Q.3

A reaction was carried out adiabatically in liquid phase and the data is given in below table:

𝑿 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.65

−𝑟𝐴 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑚3 ∙ ℎ 39 53 59 38 25

Calculate the volume of each of the reactors for an entering molar flow rate of n-butane of 50kmol/hr.

Answer: V1= 0.188m3; V2= 0.38m3; V3= 0.1m3

9
Comparing the CSTR and PFR Reactor Volumes and Reactor Sequencing

Reactor Sequencing depends on:

1. Shape of the Levenspiel plots versus X

2. Relative reactor sizes

10
Q.4
The exothermic reaction: A -> B +C was carried out adiabatically and the following data recorded:

𝑿 0 0.2 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.9

−𝑟𝐴 ሺ𝑚𝑜𝑙 1.0 1.67 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 1.25 0.91
/𝑑𝑚3
∙ 𝑚𝑖𝑛ሻ

The entering molar flow rates of A was 300mol/min.

(a) What are the PFR and the CSTR volumes necessary to achieve 40% conversion?
(b) Over what range of conversions would be the CSTR and PFR reactor volumes be identical ?
(c) What is the maximum conversion that can be achieved in a 105-dm3 CSTR?
(d) What conversion can be achieved if a 72-dm3 PFR is followed in series by a 24-dm3 CSTR?
(e) What conversion can be achieved if a 24-dm3 CSTR is followed in series by a 72-dm3 PFR?
(f) Plot the conversion and rate of reaction as a function of PFR reactor volume up to a volume of 100dm3.

11
Mon, 10.10.22

Design for Single Reactions

Batch Reactor: The reactor has the advantage of small instrumentation cost and flexibility of operation. It has the
disadvantage of high labor and handling cost, often considerable shutdown time to empty, clean out,
and refill, and poorer quality control of the product.

In general, the batch reactor is well suited to produce small amounts of material and to produce many
different products from one piece of equipment. On the other hand, for the chemical treatment of materials,
in large amounts, the continuous process is nearly always found to be more economical.

12
Mixed versus Plug flow reactors, first- and second-order reactions

−1 𝑑𝑁𝐴
−𝑟𝐴 = = 𝑘𝐶𝐴𝑛
𝑉 𝑑𝑡

𝑛
𝐶𝐴0 𝑉 𝐶𝐴0 𝑋𝐴 1 𝑋𝐴 1 + 𝜀𝐴 𝑋𝐴
MFR: 𝜏𝑚 = = = 𝑛−1
𝐹𝐴0 𝑚
−𝑟𝐴 𝑘𝐶𝐴0 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑛

𝑋𝐴 𝑋𝐴
𝐶𝐴0 𝑉 𝑑𝑋𝐴 1 1 + 𝜀𝐴 𝑋𝐴 𝑛 𝑑𝑋𝐴
PFR: 𝜏𝑝 = = 𝐶𝐴0 න = 𝑛−1 න
𝐹𝐴0 𝑝 0 −𝑟𝐴 𝑘𝐶𝐴0 0 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑛

Dividing we find that

𝑛 𝑋𝐴 1 + 𝜀𝐴 𝑋𝐴 𝑛
𝐶𝐴0 𝑉
𝑛−1 𝐹𝐴0 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑛 𝑚
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑚 𝑚 (3.10)
= 𝑛 =
𝑛−1
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑝 𝐶𝐴0 𝑉 𝑋𝐴 1 + 𝜀𝐴 𝑋𝐴 𝑛 𝑑𝑋𝐴
‫׬‬0
𝐹𝐴0 𝑝
1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑛 𝑝

13
 With constant density, or 𝜀 = 0, this expression integrates to

𝑋𝐴
𝑛−1 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑛 𝑚
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑚
= ,𝑛 ≠ 1
𝑛−1
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑝 1 − 𝑋𝐴 1−𝑛 − 1
𝑛−1 𝑝

Or,

𝑋𝐴
𝑛−1 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑚
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑚
𝑛−1 = ,𝑛 = 1
𝜏𝐶𝐴0 𝑝 −𝑙𝑛 1 − 𝑋𝐴 𝑝

(3.11)

14
Note:

1. For any particular duty and for all positive reaction orders the mixed reactor is always greater than the plug flow reactor.
The ratio of volumes increases with reaction order.

2. When conversion is small, the reactor performance is only slightly affected by flow type. The performance ratio increases
very rapidly at high conversion; consequently, a proper representation of the flow becomes very important in this range
of conversion.

3. Density variation during reaction affects design; however, it is normally of secondary importance compared to the
difference in flow type.

15
Variation of reactant ratio for second-order reactions

𝐶𝐵0
𝐴 + 𝐵 → 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠, 𝑀=
𝐶𝐴0

−𝑟𝐴 = −𝑟𝐵 = 𝑘𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝐵 (3.12)

Behaves as second-order reactions of one component when the reactant ratio is unity. Thus,

−𝑟𝐴 = 𝑘𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝐵 = 𝑘𝐶𝐴2 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑀 = 1

When M>>1,
−𝑟𝐴 = 𝑘𝐶𝐵0 𝐶𝐴 = 𝑘′𝐶𝐴

16
 Multiple-reactor systems
Plug flow reactors in series and/or in parallel

Consider N plug flow reactors connected in series, and let X1, X2, …., XN be the fractional conversion of component A leaving
Reactor 1, 2, ….., N. Basing the material balance on the feed rate of A to the first reactor, we find for the ith reactor:

𝑋𝑖
𝑉𝑖 𝑑𝑋
= න
𝐹0 𝑋𝑖−1 𝑟
Or, for the N reactors in series
𝑁
𝑉 𝑉𝑖 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + ⋯ + 𝑉𝑁
= ෍ =
𝐹0 𝐹0 𝐹0 (3.13)
𝑖=1

𝑋1 𝑋2 𝑋𝑁 𝑋𝑁
𝑑𝑋 𝑑𝑋 𝑑𝑋 𝑑𝑋
= න +න + ⋯+ න = න
𝑋0 =0 −𝑟 𝑋1 −𝑟 𝑋𝑁−1 −𝑟 0 −𝑟

Hence, N plug flow reactors in series with a total volume V gives the same conversion in a single plug flow reactor of volume V.
𝑉
Also, for reactors in parallel 𝐹 or 𝜏 must be the same for each parallel line.
17
Q.5

The reactor setup shown in below figure consists of three plug flow reactors in two parallel branches. Branch D has a reactor
of volume 50 liters followed by a reactor of volume 30 liters. Branch E has a reactor of volume 40 liters. What fraction of the
feed should go to branch D?

Answer: Two-thirds of the feed must be fed to branch D.

18
Equal-size Mixed Flow Reactors in Series

In plug flow, the concentration of reactant decreases progressively through the system; in mixed flow, the concentration drops
immediately to a low value. Because of this fact, a plug flow reactor is more efficient than a mixed flow reactor for reactions
whose rates increase with reactant concentration, such as nth-order irreversible reactions, n>0.

19
First-order reactions. Self-read

A material balance for component A about vessel i gives

𝐶0 𝑉𝑖 𝑉𝑖 𝐶0 𝑋𝑖 − 𝑋𝑖−1
𝜏𝑖 = = =
𝐹0 𝑣 −𝑟𝐴𝑖

Because 𝜀 = 0, this may be written in terms of concentrations. Hence,

𝐶0 1 − 𝐶𝑖 Τ𝐶0 − 1 − 𝐶𝑖−1Τ𝐶0 𝐶𝑖−1 − 𝐶𝑖

𝜏𝑖 = =
𝑘𝐶𝑖 𝑘𝐶𝑖
Or,

𝐶𝑖−1 (3.xx)
= 1 + 𝑘𝜏𝑖
𝐶𝑖

now the space-time 𝜏ሺ𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒ሻ is the same in all the equal-size reactors of volume 𝑉𝑖 . Therefore,

𝐶0 1 𝐶0 𝐶1 𝐶𝑁−1 𝑁
= = … = 1 + 𝑘𝜏𝑖
𝐶𝑁 1 − 𝑋𝑁 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶𝑁
20
Rearranging, we find for the system as a whole Self-read
1/𝑁
𝑁 𝐶0
𝜏𝑁 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 = 𝑁𝜏𝑖 = −1 (3.xx)
𝑘 𝐶𝑁
In the limit, for N-> ∞, this equation reduces to the plug flow equation
1 𝐶0
𝜏𝑝 = 𝑙𝑛 (3.xx)
𝑘 𝐶

21
Second-order reactions. Self-read

For N reactors in series, we find

Whereas for plug flow,

𝐶0
= 1 + 𝐶0 𝑘𝜏𝑝
𝐶

22
Q.6 Self-read

At present, 90% of reactant A is converted into product by a second-order reaction in a single mixed flow reactor. We plan
to place a second reactor similar to the one being used in series with it.

(a) For the same treatment rate as that used at present, how will this addition affect the conversion of reactant?
(b) For the same 90% conversion, by how much can the treatment rate be increased?

Answer: (a) 97.4%

(b) 6.6 times the original

23
Wed, 12.10.22

Mixed Flow Reactors of Different Sizes in Series

Finding the conversion in a given system

𝑁𝑜𝑡𝑒: 𝜀 = 0
𝑉1 𝐶0 − 𝐶1
𝜏1 = 𝑡ഥ1 = =
𝑣 −𝑟 1
Series of unequal-size mixed flow reactors

Or,
−1 −𝑟 1 (3.14)
=
𝜏1 𝐶1 − 𝐶0

Similarly for ith reactor, we may write:

−1 −𝑟 𝑖
=
𝜏𝑖 𝐶𝑖 − 𝐶𝑖−1

Graphical procedure for finding compositions

in a series of mixed flow reactors 24
Determining the Best System for a Given Conversion

Suppose we want to find the minimum size of two mixed flow reactors in series to achieve a specified conversion of feed which
reacts with arbitrary but known kinetics. The basic performance expressions are below:

𝜏1 𝑋1
1st reactor: = (3.15)
𝐶0 −𝑟 1

2nd reactor: 𝜏2 𝑋2 − 𝑋1 (3.16)

=
𝐶0 −𝑟 2

Graphical procedure of the variables

for two mixed flow reactors in series

25
Thu, 13.10.22
Maximization of Rectangles.

Graphical procedure for maximizing the area of a rectangle.

Area of rectangle is minimized when:
𝑑𝐴 = 0 = 𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥𝑑𝑦

−𝑑𝑦 𝑦 (3.17)
𝑜𝑟, =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥

Maximization of rectangles applied to find the optimum intermediate conversion 26

and optimum sizes of two mixed flow reactors in series.
Reactors of Different Types in Series

Graphical design procedure for reactors in series

27
Best Arrangement of a Set of Ideal Reactors

1. For a reaction, whose rate-concentration curve rises monotonically (any nth order reaction, n>0) the reactors should be
connected in a series. They should be ordered so as to keep the concentration of reactant as high as possible if the
rate-concentration curve is concave(n>1), and as low as possible if the curve is convex (n<1).
For n>1, arrange in order: plug, small mixed, large mixed
the reverse order should be used when n<1.

2. For reactions where the rate-concentration curve passes through a maximum or minimum the arrangement of units
depends on the actual shape of the curve, the conversion level desired, and the units available. No simple rules can be
suggested.

3. Whatever may be the kinetics and the reactor system, an examination of the 1Τ −𝑟𝐴 vs 𝐶𝐴 curve is a good way to find
the best arrangement of units.

28
Q.6

The kinetics of the aqueous-phase decomposition of A is investigated in two mixed flow reactors in series, the second having
Twice the volume of the first reactor. At steady state with a feed concentration of 1molA/liter and mean residence time of
96 sec in the first reactor, the concentration in the first reactor is 0.5mol A/liter and in the second is 0.25mol A/liter.

Find the kinetic equation for the decomposition.

𝑙𝑖𝑡
Answer: −𝑟𝐴 = 1.25 𝐶𝐴2
𝑚𝑜𝑙 ∙ 𝑚𝑖𝑛

29
Wed, 19.10.22

Q.7 We wish to treat 10 liters/min of liquid feed containing 1mol A/liter to 99% conversion. The stoichiometry and kinetics of
the reaction are given by
𝐶𝐴 𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐴 → 𝑅, −𝑟𝐴 =
0.2 + 𝐶𝐴 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟 ∙ 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Suggest a good arrangement for doing this using two mixed flow reactors, and find the size of the two units needed. Sketch
the final design chosen.

Answer: V1= 27 liter, V2 = 19liter

30
Recycle Reactors

Recycle ratio, R
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑅= (3.18)
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚

R can vary from 0 (plug flow) to ∞ (mixed flow). Therefore, recycling provides a means for obtaining various degrees of
backmixing with a plug flow reactor.

31
 ′
𝐹𝐴 = 𝐹𝐴0 1 − 𝑋𝐴

′
−𝑑𝐹𝐴 = −𝑟𝐴 𝑑𝑉 = 𝐹𝐴0 𝑑𝑋𝐴 (3.19)

𝑋𝐴2 =𝑋𝐴𝑓
𝑉 𝑑𝑋𝐴
′ = න
𝐹𝐴0 𝑋𝐴1 −𝑟𝐴

′
𝐹𝐴0 − 𝐹𝐴1 ′
𝑋𝐴1 = 𝐹𝐴0 = ሺ1 + 𝑅ሻ𝐹𝐴0 (3.20)
′
𝐹𝐴0

𝐹𝐴1 = 𝐹𝐴0 + 𝐹𝐴3 = 𝐹𝐴0 + 𝑅𝐹𝐴𝑓

𝑋𝐴𝑓
𝑅 𝑉 𝑑𝑋𝐴
𝑋𝐴1 = 𝑋 = 𝑅+1 න (3.21)
𝑅 + 1 𝐴𝑓 𝐹𝐴0 𝑅
𝑋𝐴𝑓 −𝑟𝐴
𝑅+1 32
Thu, 20.10.22

33
34
 For the extremes of negligible and infinite recycle, the system approaches plug flow and mixed flow, or
𝐶𝐴0 +𝑅𝐶𝐴𝑓
𝑋𝐴𝑓 𝐶𝐴𝑖𝑛 =
𝑉 𝑑𝑋𝐴 𝐶𝐴0 𝑉 𝑅+1 𝑑𝑋𝐴
= 𝑅+1 න 𝜏= = 𝑅+1 න
𝐹𝐴0 𝑅
𝑋𝐴𝑓 −𝑟𝐴 𝐹𝐴0 𝐶𝐴𝑓 −𝑟𝐴
𝑅+1

𝑉 𝑋𝐴𝑓 𝑑𝑋𝐴
Case 1: R=0, = ‫׬‬ ሺ𝑃𝑙𝑢𝑔 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤ሻ (3.22)
𝐹𝐴0 −𝑟𝐴

𝑉 𝑋𝐴𝑓
Case 2: R= ∞, 𝐹 = −𝑟 ሺ𝑀𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤ሻ (3.23)
𝐴0 𝐴𝑓

First-order reaction, 𝜀𝐴 = 0

𝑘𝜏 𝐶𝐴0 + 𝑅𝐶𝐴𝑓
= 𝑙𝑛 (3.24)
𝑅+1 𝑅 + 1 𝐶𝐴𝑓

And, for 2nd order, 𝜀𝐴 = 0

𝑘𝐶𝐴0 𝜏 𝐶𝐴0 𝐶𝐴0 − 𝐶𝐴𝑓
= (3.25)
𝑅+1 𝐶𝐴𝑓 𝐶𝐴0 + 𝑅𝐶𝐴𝑓 35
Wed, 26.10.22
Autocatalytic Reactors
𝐴 + 𝑅 → 𝑅 + 𝑅, −𝑟𝐴 = 𝑘𝐶𝐴𝑎 𝐶𝑅𝑟

Typical rate-concentration curve for autocatalytic reactions

For autocatalytic reactions, mixed flow is more efficient at low conversions, plug flow is
More efficient at high conversions. 36
 Optimum Recycle Operations

Optimum recycle ratio is found by differentiating below equation with respect to R and setting to zero, thus
𝐶𝐴0 +𝑅𝐶𝐴𝑓
𝐶𝐴𝑖𝑛 = 𝑅+1
𝐶𝐴0 𝑉 𝑑𝑋𝐴 (3.26)
𝜏= = 𝑅+1 න
𝐹𝐴0 𝐶𝐴𝑓 −𝑟𝐴

This operation requires differentiating under an integral sign. From the theorems of calculus, if

𝑏ሺ𝑅ሻ
𝐹 𝑅 = න 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑅 𝑑𝑥
𝑎ሺ𝑅ሻ

Then,
𝑏ሺ𝑅ሻ
𝑑𝐹 𝜕𝑓ሺ𝑥, 𝑅ሻ 𝑑𝑏 𝑑𝑎
= න 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓 𝑏, 𝑅 − 𝑓 𝑎, 𝑅
𝑑𝑅 𝑎ሺ𝑅ሻ 𝜕𝑅 𝑑𝑅 𝑑𝑅

Hence, for eq. (3.26),

𝑋𝐴𝑓
𝑑 𝜏Τ𝐶𝐴0 𝑑𝑋𝐴 𝑅 + 1 𝑑𝑋𝐴𝑖
=0= න +0−
𝑑𝑅 𝑋𝐴𝑖 −𝑟𝐴 −𝑟𝐴 𝑑𝑅

37
Where, 𝑋𝐴𝑓
𝑑𝑋𝐴𝑖
= 2
𝑑𝑅 𝑅+1

Combining and rearranging then gives for the optimum

For, 𝑋𝐴𝑖 𝑋 𝑑𝑋
1 ‫ 𝑓𝐴 𝑋׬‬−𝑟𝐴
=
𝐴𝑖 𝐴 (3.27)
−𝑟𝐴 𝑋𝐴𝑓 − 𝑋𝐴𝑖

38
Correct recycle ratio for an autocatalytic reaction compared with recycle ratios which are too high and too low.
(a) The best multiple reactor scheme. (b) The best scheme when unconverted reactant can be separated and recycled.

39
Q.8
In the presence of a specific enzyme E, which acts as a homogeneous catalyst, a harmful organic A present in industrial waste
water degrades into harmless chemicals. At a given enzyme concentration CE tests in a laboratory mixed flow reactor give
the following results:

𝐶𝐴0 , 𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑙 2 5 6 6 11 14 16 24
/𝑑𝑚3
𝐶𝐴 , 𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑙 0.5 3 1 2 6 10 8 4
/𝑑𝑚3
𝜏, 𝑚𝑖𝑛 30 1 50 8 4 20 20 4

We wish to treat 0.1m3/min of this waste water having 𝐶𝐴0 = 10𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑚3 to 90% conversion with this enzyme at
concentration CE

(a) One possibility is to use a long tubular reactor (assume plug flow) with possible recycle of exit fluid. What design do
you recommend? Give the size of the reactor, tell if it should be used with recycle, and if so determine the recycle
flow rate in cubic meters per minute (m3/min).
(b) Another possibility is to use one or two stirred tanks (assume ideal). What two-tank design do you recommend, and
how much better is it than the one-tank arrangement?
(c) what arrangement of plug flow and mixed flow reactors would you use to minimize the total volume of reactors
needed? 40
Answer: (a) R= 0.607, vR= 0.0607m3/min
(b) V1= 0.59m3; V2= 1.6m3
(c) Vm= 0.12m3; Vp= 0.58m3

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