Chemical Engineering Technology

College of Engineering Technology

AECH 4221
Lab#2-Batch Reactor

Arrhenius Law

Team members:

Name UDST ID# Roles

1 Sajla E A 60100173 Theory and Analysis, and Experimental:
Set-up and Procedures
2 Haira Abdul Gafoor 60100475 Abstract, Introduction and Objectives,
Conclusion and Recommendation
3 Fathima Naduvilothi 60100505 Result and Discussion, and References and
Appendices
4 Nazneen Nassir 60100189 Result and Discussion, and References and
Appendices

Submitted to : Ms. Shamna Mubashir

Experiment performed date : 14/ 05/ 2024.
Due date : 16/ 05/ 2024

Last revised: 01/10/2021

 Table of Contents

Abstract......................................................................................................................................3

Introduction................................................................................................................................3

Theory and Analysis...................................................................................................................4

Experimental : Set-up and Procedures.......................................................................................5

Fig 1 : CEXC fitted with CEB-MKIII Transparent Batch Reactor........................................5

Results and Discussion...............................................................................................................6

Conclusions and Recommendations........................................................................................10

References and Appendices......................................................................................................11

 Abstract

The objective of this lab experiment was to study the kinetics of the saponification
reaction between sodium hydroxide and ethyl acetate using the CEB-MkIII Transparent batch
reactor. The experiment involved monitoring the sodium hydroxide concentration over time
to determine the reaction rate constant. The Arrhenius Equation was utilized to analyze the
data and determine the rate constant at three different temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 40°C).
The results showed a linear relationship between the initial and final concentrations of NaOH
over time, with slight variations in the experimental values at different temperatures. The
determination of the rate constants at different temperatures allowed for the calculation of the
activation energy (E) of the reaction. The experimental results aligned with the theoretical
expectations based on the Arrhenius equation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the
experimental setup and procedure. K 0 frequency factor was found to be 0.113. Activation
energy was calculated to be 14674.21 J /mol . These findings provide valuable insights into
the kinetics of the reaction and offer recommendations for minimizing errors in future
experiments.

Introduction

Batch reactors are essential equipment used in various industries, including small-
scale manufacturing, laboratory fermentation, and chemical operations in the industry. The
CEB-MkIII Transparent batch reactor, a double-skinned glass vessel with a one-and-a-half-
liter internal working volume and a variable-speed agitator, is utilized in the experimental
setup at the lab. In this experiment, the specific reaction rate constant is calculated, and it is
recommended to repeat the experiment at various reactor temperatures to investigate the
relationship between the specific rate constant (k) and the temperature of the reaction. This
will allow for the determination of the frequency factor (k0) and activation energy (E) using
the Arrhenius law, establishing the relationship between reaction rate and temperature.
 Theory and Analysis

The Armfield batch reactor is used to demonstrate how chemical reactions work as
well as the effects of changing temperature and concentration in a process. The reaction
selected for the isothermal demonstration is the well-established and safe method of ethyl
acetate saponification by sodium hydroxide. An indicator called crystal violet is used, and it
changes colour to show the status of the reaction. Instead of creating a stronger solution and
then diluting it, concentrated ethyl acetate is diluted directly with water to create a 0.1M ethyl
acetate solution. To get a 0.1M concentration for the sodium hydroxide solution, 50 ml of 1M
sodium hydroxide must be diluted with distilled water to make 500 ml total. In addition, a
specific quantity of crystal violet is added to the ethyl acetate solution to achieve
pigmentation. Also, experiment is conducted three times at different temperatures to identify
the relationship between reaction rate and temperature. This experimental configuration
offers a useful understanding of reaction kinetics and the impact of changing circumstances
on chemical reactions.

The reaction of the saponification of ethyl acetate by sodium hydroxide:

Sodium Hydroxide + Ethyl Acetate Sodium acetate + Ethyl Alcohol

NaOH + CH3COOC2H5 CH3COONa + C2H5OH

If we start with equal initial concentrations and consume an amount X of reagent by time t,
then the concentrations at time t are :

NaOH + CH3COOC2H5 CH3COONa + C2H5OH

a–X+a–X X+X

Using Arrhenius law to determine the effect of temperature,

− E /RT
k =k 0 e

K0 =frequency factor

E = activation energy

R = 8.314 J/kmol (ideal gas constant)

T = absolute temperature
 E 1
lnk=ln k 0− ×
R T
E/R is the slope of the line.

From the study of the kinetics of a typical second-order reaction, it can be demonstrated that:
𝑘×𝑡=−
𝑋

𝑎(𝑎−𝑋) (1)

k = reaction rate constant

t = time of the reaction

Substituting X = a0 – a1 into equation (1)

𝑘×𝑡 =−
𝑎0−𝑎1 (2)
𝑎0×𝑎1

Therefore, plotting 𝑎0−𝑎1 against t results in a straight line with a slope of k.

𝑎0×𝑎1
 Experimental : Set-up and Procedures

Equipment set-up:

Stirrer
Temperature Conductivity
probe probe Hot water
circulator

Transparent
batch reactor
Software to
run the unit

Service unit

Fig 1 : CEXC fitted with CEB-MKIII Transparent Batch Reactor

The Armfield CEB-MKIII Transparent Batch Reactor (Fig 1) is intended for detailed
analysis of a crucial procedure. The reactor vessel is 1.5 litres in volume and is made of
double-skinned glass. It is mounted on a baseplate that is fastened to the four studs of the
CEXC service unit using thumb nuts. It is held up by three pillars, one of which is in front.
Recirculating hot water from the CEXC or cold water from CW17 via the jacket helps
regulate the temperature. The turbine agitator, which is powered by an electric motor on the
lid that can be adjusted in speed using Armfield software, guarantees effective mixing and
heat transfer. The CEXC unit comes with conductivity and temperature sensors, which are
accommodated via glands in the lid. A PC and Armfield software are used to log the
temperature and conductivity measurements. It is possible to connect additional sensors,
like T2 for temperature monitoring of the hot water circulator. Additional connections such
as a 'T3' temperature sensor and a 'Low conductivity' socket are available for more accurate
data logging.

Procedure:

To initiate the experiment, first, power on the software and input the initial data: set
the temperature to 35℃ after keeping the process in automatic and click apply button. Set the
concentrations of NaOH and CH3COOC2H5 as 0.1 M and volume as 0.5 dm3 for both.
 Proceed by transferring the NaOH reactant into the reactor using a funnel. Start the stirrer and
wait until temperature reaches 35℃ before introducing the CH3COOC2H5 reactant having
concentration of 0.1M with dye crystal violet. Allow the reaction to progress until the NaOH
concentration reaches 0.0 M, and then save the collected data. Upon completion of the
procedure, stop the stirrer. In the software, go to temperature control and click off. Finally,
turn off the hot circulator and power off the system. This process is then repeated at 40℃ and
the 3 temperature results compared (25℃, 35℃ and 40℃).

Results and Discussion

Original data sheet: at (25 °C)
 Conclusions and Recommendations

The experiment utilized the CEB-MkIII Transparent batch reactor to study the
saponification reaction between sodium hydroxide and ethyl acetate, determining the reaction
rate constant at three temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 40°C). The results showed a consistent
trend, with slight variations in the experimental values. The graph exhibited a linear trend,
enabling the determination of the rate constant k at different temperatures. The natural
logarithms of the rate constants were plotted against the reciprocal of the corresponding
temperatures, yielding a straight-line graph. The activation energy (E) of the reaction was
determined using the Arrhenius equation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the experimental
setup in analyzing reaction kinetics. Further experiments at varying temperatures could
provide additional insights.
 References and Appendices

Ilare, J., & Sponchioni, M. (2020). From batch to continuous free-radical polymerization:
Recent advances and hurdles along the industrial transfer. In Advances in chemical
engineering (pp. 229–257). https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.ache.2020.07.005

Cherkasov, N. (2020, October 2). Chemical Reactor Fundamental: Batch. Why batch still
dominates the chemicals manufacturing? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chemical-
reactor-fundamental-batch-why-still-nikolay-cherkasov/

Batch reactor. (2018, December 13). [Slide show].

SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/bharathbalji/batch-reactor-125764160