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Dr.

Farah Talib Al-Sudani

Reactor Design Lectures


Notes
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Technology

Third Year

.
[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

1.Introduction

Chemical kinetics is the study of chemical reaction rates and reaction mechanisms. The
study of chemical reaction engineering (CRE) combines the study of chemical kinetics
with the reactors in which the reactions occur. Chemical kinetics and reactor design are
at the heart of producing almost all industrial chemicals.
It is primarily a knowledge of chemical kinetics and reactor design that distinguishes
the chemical engineer from other engineers. The selection of a reaction system that
operates in the safest and most efficient manner can be the key to the economic
success or failure of n chemical plant.
Design of the reactor is no routine matter, and many alternatives can be proposed for a
process. In searching for the optimum it is not just the cost of the reactor that must be
minimized. One design may have low reactor cost, but the materials leaving the unit
may be such that their treatment requires a much higher cost than alternative designs.
Hence, the economics of the overall process must be considered. Reactor design uses
information, knowledge, and experience from a variety of areas-thermodynamics,
chemical kinetics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, and economics.
Chemical reaction engineering is the synthesis of all these factors with the aim of
properly designing a chemical reactor.
To find what a reactor is able to do we need to know the kinetics, the contacting
pattern and the performance equation. We show this schematically in Figure (1).

Figure (1). Information needed to predict what a reactor can do.


Much of this lectures deals with finding the expression to relate input to
output for various kinetics and various contacting patterns, or
output = f [input, kinetics, contacting] (1)
This is called the performance equation. Why is this important? Because with
this expression we can compare different designs and conditions, find which is
best, and then scale up to larger units.
[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

2.Type of Reactors.

In chemical engineering, chemical reactors are vessels designed to contain chemical


reactions. The design of a chemical reactor deals with multiple aspects of chemical
engineering. Chemical engineers design reactors to maximize net present value for the
given reaction. Designers ensure that the reaction proceeds with the highest efficiency
towards the desired output product, producing the highest yield of product while
requiring the least amount of money to purchase and operate. Normal operating
expenses include energy input, energy removal, raw material costs, labor, etc.
U

There are a couple main basic vessel types:


A tank
A pipe or tubular reactor (laminar flow reactor(LFR))

Both types can be used as continuous reactors or batch reactors. Most commonly,
reactors are run at steady-state, but can also be operated in a transient state. When a
reactor is first brought back into operation (after maintenance or inoperation) it would
be considered to be in a transient state, where key process variables change with time.
Both types of reactors may also accommodate one or more solids (reagents, catalyst, or
inert materials), but the reagents and products are typically liquids and gases.
U

There are three main basic models used to estimate the most important process
variables of different chemical reactors:
Batch Reactor

Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR)

Plug Flow Reactor (PFR)

Key process variables include


Residence time () , Volume (V) , Temperature (T) , Pressure (P) , Concentrations
of chemical species (C1, C2, C3, ... Cn) ,Heat transfer coefficients (h, U)

Chemical reactions occurring in a reactor may be exothermic, meaning giving off heat,
or endothermic, meaning absorbing heat. A chemical reactor vessel may have a cooling
or heating jacket or cooling or heating coils (tubes) wrapped around the outside of its
vessel wall to cool down or heat up the contents.
U

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

2.1 Batch Reactor


Type of Reactor

Batch Reactor

Characteristics

Reactor is charged (i.e., filled) through the holes


at the top ; while reaction is carried out.
Nothing else is put in or taken out until the
reaction is done; tank easily heated or cooled by
jacket

Kinds of
Usage
Phases Present
1. Gas phase
1. Small scale production
2.Liquid
phase

2. Intermediate or one
shot production

3.Liquid Solid

3.Testing new process


that have not been fully
developed
4.Manufacture of
expensive products.

Advantages

Disadvantages

1. High conversion per 1. High operating


unit volume for one cost
pass
2. Product quality
2.Flexibility
of more variable than
operation-same
reactor with continuous
can
produce
one operation
product one time and a
different product the 3.Difficalty
of
next
large
scale
production .
3. Easy to clean

5.Pharmaceutical,
Fermentation

4
Figure(2) simple batch reactor .

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

Semi-batch reactors operate much like batch reactors in that they take place in a single stirred
tank with similar equipment . It modified allow reactant addition and/or product removal in time.
A semi-batch reactor, however, allows partial filling of reactants with the flexibility of adding more
as time progresses. Semi-batch reactors are used primarily for liquid-phase reactions , two-phase
reactions in which a gas usually is bubbled continuously through the liquid , and also for
biological and polymerization reaction.
U

2.2. Continuous-Flow Reactors


2.2.1 Continuous-Stirred Tank Reactor CSTR

Type of Reactor

Characteristics

Kinds of Phases
Present
1. Gas phase
2. Liquid phase
3. Liquid Solid

Continuous-Stirred Tank Reactor CSTR

Run at steady state ,the flow rate in must equal the mass flow
rate out, otherwise the tank will overflow or go empty
(transient state).
The feed assumes a uniform composition throughout the
reactor, exit stream has the same composition as in the tank.
The reaction rate associated with the final (output)
concentration.
Reactor equipped with an impeller to ensure proper mixing.
Dividing the volume of the tank by the average volumetric flow
rate through the tank gives the residence time, or the average
amount of time a discrete quantity of reagent spends inside the
tank.

Usage
1. When agitation
is required
2. Series
configurations for
different
concentration
streams

Advantages

Disadvantages

1. Continuous operation
2. Good temperature control
3. Easily adapts to two phase
runs
4. Simplicity of construction
5.Low operating (labor) cost
6. Easy to clean

1. Lowest conversion
per unit volume, very
large reactors are
necessary to obtain
high conversions
2. By-passing and
channeling possible
with poor agitation

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

Some important aspects of the CSTR:

It is economically beneficial to operate several CSTRs in series. This allows, for


example, the first CSTR to operate at a higher reagent concentration and therefore a
higher reaction rate. In these cases, the sizes of the reactors may be varied in order
to minimize the total capital investment required to implement the process.
U

Figure (3) Flow sheet for the manufacture of nitrobenzene from benzene using
a cascade of CSTR

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

2.2.3. Tubular Reactor (PFR)

Type of Reactor

Tubular Reactor (PFR)

Characteristics

Kinds of
Phases
Present
1.
Primarily
Gas
Phase

Consists of a long cylindrical tube or many short reactors in a tube


bank.
Operated at steady state.
The rate is very high at the inlet to the PFR.
No radial variation in reaction rate (concentration) and the reactor is
referred to as a plug-fiow rcactor (PFR).
Concentration changes with length down the reactor
As the concentrations of the reagents decrease and the concentration
of the product(s) increases the reaction rate slows.
A PFR typically has a higher efficiency than a CSTR of the same
volume. That is, given the same space-time, a reaction will proceed to a
higher percentage completion in a PFR than in a CSTR.

Usage
1. Large Scale
2. Fast Reactions
3. Homogeneous Reactions
4. Heterogeneous Reactions
5. Continuous Production
6. High Temperature

Advantages

Disadvantages

1. High Conversion
per Unit Volume

1. Undesired thermal
gradients may exist

2. Low operating
(labor) cost)

2. Difficult temperature
control

3.Good heat
transfer

3. Shutdown and
cleaning may be
expensive
4.Hot spot occur for
exothermic reaction

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

Other types
Reactor

of

reactors:-

Catalytic

reactors(packed

bed

and

Fluidized-bed

Type of Reactor

Paced bed Reactor (fixed-bed,PBR)

Characteristics

is essentially a tubular reactor that is packed with solid


catalyst particles.

Kinds of Phases
Usage
Present
1. Gas-Soli phase
2. Liquid-Solid
Heterogeneous
phase
reaction
3. Gas-Liquid Solid

Advantages

Disadvantages

Most reaction gives


the highest conversion
per weight of catalyst
of
any
catalytic
reactor.

1. Difficulties with temperature


control.
2. Catalyst is usually troublesome to
replace
3. Channeling of the gas or liquid flow
occurs, resulting in ineffective use of
part of the reactor bed

Figure(4) Packed bed Reactors

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

Type of Reactor

Fluidized-bed Reactor

Characteristics

Is analogous to the CSTR in that its contents.


Heterogeneous reactor, are well mixed.

Kinds of Phases
Present
1. Gas-Solid phase
2. Liquid-Solid
phase
3. Gas-Liquid
Solid phase

Usage
1.Heterogeneous
reaction
2. reactor can
handle large
amounts of feed
and solids

Advantages

Disadvantages

1.Good mixing
2. temperature is relatively
uniform throughout
3. Catalyst can be
continuously regenerated with
the use of an auxiliary loop
4. good temperature control

1. Bed-fluid mechanics
not well known
2. Severe agitation can
result in catalyst
destruction and dust
formation
3. Uncertain scale-up

Figure(5) Fluidized-bed
Reactors

[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

3.Classification of Chemical Reaction

it classify according to
Five traditional types of chemical reactions are
1. Decomposition reactions: single compound decomposes to two or more other
substances,decomposition of calcium carbonate by heating it.
CaCO3(s) ---> CaO(s) + CO2(g)
2. Combination reactions (Synthesis reactions)
3. Single-replacement reactions (Displacement reactions):copper displaces silver
from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate is an example of a single-replacement
reaction.
Cu(s) + 2 AgNO3(aq) ---> Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2 Ag(s)
4. Double-replacement reactions (Metathesis reactions):Precipitation
one type of double-replacement reaction. An example is

reactions

are

AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) ---> AgCl(s) + NaNO3(aq)


5. Combustion reactions:
follows.

substance reacts with oxygen,butane burns in air as

2 C4H10(g) + 13 O2(g) ---> 8 CO2(g) + 10 H2O(l)

Also Oxidation-reduction reactions (Redox reactions).


phases involved:
o Homogeneous reaction : it takes place in one phase alone
o Heterogeneous reaction : multiple phases, reaction usually occurs at the interface
between phases.
Direction of reaction

o Irreversible Reaction : Proceeds in only one direction and continues in that


direction until the reactants are exhausted.
Example :
10
Heterogeneous reaction

Toluene-hydrogenation 6 5 3() + 2() 6 6() + 4()


[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

Homogeneous reaction
Decomposition N2O N2O (g)+2O2(g) 2 N2(g) + O2(g)

Water gas shift reaction H2O (g)+CO (g) H2(g) + CO2(g)


o Reversible Reaction : Can proceed in either direction, depending on the
concentrations of reactants and products present relative to the corresponding
equilibrium concentration.
Example :
Homogeneous reaction
Ammonia synthesis 22() + 32() 23()

Thermal cracking of ethane : 2 6() 2 4() + 2()

Heterogeneous reaction
Ammonium chloride synthesis or decomposition
3() + () 4 ()

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[Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering ] | [Chapter-One]..University of Technology-Chemical Engineering Department-Dr.Farah Al-Sudani

12

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

1.Reaction Rate (Rate Law , 12

In homogeneous reaction , the reaction rate (rA) is defined as the change in


moles of component A(reactant consumed) or mole of product formed with
respect to time per unit volume of reaction mixture.
In solid-catalyzed reactions, the reaction rate ( rA ) is defined as the change in
moles of component A with respect to time per unit reaction surface area or
catalyst weight.
o rA = rate of formation of A per unit volume
o -rA = rate of a disappearance of A per unit volume

Batch Reactor

%%%%

=
%%

%%%

disappear
homogeneous reaction 2a

&

',,

,
=

disappear
'(

homogeneous reaction 2b

disappear
heterogeneous reaction 2(
(' ' -,

disappear
heterogeneous or homogeneous reaction
'(
2d

disappear
heterogeneous reaction 2e
0' ' -,

= + * =.

%%

%%%

&

%%%% .3

The rate of reaction per unit weight catalyst, -rA, (e,g., -rA), and thi rate of reaction per unit
volume, -rA, , are related through the bulk density ,(mass of solid /volume) of the catalyst
particles in the fluid media:
13

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Tubular Flow Reactor

34*5
..4
36

Where * is the molal rate of flow component A into the volume element.
element

Rate of reaction rA is:


o a function of concentration, temperature, pressure, and the type of
catalyst (if any)
o independent of the type of reaction system (batch, plug flow, etc.) but
on the reaction chemistry
o an algebraic equation, not a differential equation
o Rate of reaction per unit weight of catalyst and rate of reaction per unit
volume is related through the bulk density of the catalyst particle in
the fluid media
Rate of reaction rA is an intensive quantity and depended on composition
(Concentration), and the energy of the material (Temperature
Temperature) . Energy of
the material mean the temperature (random kinetic energy of the
molecules), the light intensity within the system (this may affect the bond
energy between atoms), the magnetic
magnetic field intensity, etc. Ordinarily we
only need to consider the temperature

-rA= f {temperature
temperature dependent term,concetration dependent term}
= mole/m3.time

2.Conceptes of Kinetics

1. Stoichiometry.

Consider the general reaction; aA + bB cC + dD

on a per mole of A basisi.e


basis assume A is the limiting reactant :b
c
d
A + B C + D
a
a
a

b c d
where , , the Stoichiometric Coefficients ,
a a a

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

14

Molecules are lost and formed by reaction , and mass conservation requires
that amounts of species are related by Stoichiometry as:b
c
1 mole of A and of B consumed , while
a
a
mole of D formed or appear

Rate of reaction or disappearance of A =

d
mole of C and
a

789:

7; .=>7:

c
789:
Rate of formation of C ? @ A = ? A ; .=>7:
7
a
789:
d
Rate of formation of D ? B A = ? A 7; .=>7:
a
@

Also, Rate of formation of C ? @ A = C3D ? B A


3

Rate of formation of D ? B A = C D ? @ A
@

Then the reaction Stoichiometry ;

E&5
F

E&G
F

&H
F

&I
F

Examples (1),(2)
********************************************************************

2. Temperature Dependent Term of a Reaction Rate Law.


Reaction Rate Contestant.

k A (T )

Kinetic (reaction) Rate law ? A gives relationship between reaction rate


and concentration (is an algebraic equation that relates ? A to species
concentrations)
= J

K '

K L

, ( L( L '

K L

789:

7; .=>7:

rA = [k A (T )] [ f (C A , C B ,K)] ..5
[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter
Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

15

kA(T) is the reaction rate constant


Strongly
trongly dependent on temperature
Depends
epends on whether or not a catalyst is present
NOT really a constant, but f(Ci)

The rate constant is described by Arrhenius equation :-

k A (T ) = Ae E RT 6
ln (k ) = ln ( A)

E1
7
R T

A Pre-exponential
exponential factor (frequency factor)
E Activation
ctivation energy (J/mol)
R Gas
as constant (8.314 J/molK,
J/mol 1.987 cal/mol K)
T Absolute
bsolute temperature (K)

Activation Energy
Activation energy has been equated with minimum energy that must be
possessed by reacting molecules before the reaction will occur.

Heat
Absorbed

Heat
Released

16

(2.1)Activation energy for exothermic and endothermic reaction.


Figure(2.1)Activation
[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter
Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

At the same concentration but different two temperature Activation


Energy can be estimated as :

ln (r2 ) ln(k 2 ) E 1 1
=
=
ln(r1 ) ln (k1 ) R T1 T2 8

Figure (2.2) shows temperature dependency of the reaction rate

Example
Example

(4)
(5)

=example 3.1 from elemental


engineering , 4ed pag 95

of

chemical

reaction

*********************************************************************

17

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

3. Concentration Dependent Term of a Reaction Rate Law.

rA = [k A (T )] [ f (C A , C B ,K)].5
f (C A , C B ,K)
One of the most common general forms of this dependence is the product of
concentrations of the individual reacting species, each of which is raised to a power .

Reaction Order.
Elementary Reaction
A reaction order for which each
Stoichiometric coefficient as shown :-

specie

is

identical

to

its

aA + bB cC + dD

rA = kC Aa C Bb
o a and b represent the reaction order with respect to the reactant
A and B respectively ,
over all reaction order( n ) = a + b

o Reaction rate constant, k


shown :-

will vary with the order of the reaction as


18

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

A products
Order
Zero

Rate Equation

First

rA = kC A

s-1

Second

rA = kC A2

V.mol-1.s-1

Third

rA = kC A3

( V.mol-1 )2.s-1

nth order

Units
mol.V-1.s-1

rA = k

(concentration)1-n.s-1

rA = kC An

o Another example of elementary reaction ; reversible second


order :k1
2C 6 H 6
C12 H 10 + H 2

k2

CDCH2

rB = k1 C B2
Kc

where Kc equilibrium constant

All reversible reaction rate laws must reduce to the thermodynamic


relationship relating reacting species concentrations at equilibrium.
At equilibrium, the net rate of reaction is zero for all species involved
in the reaction rie = 0
kA

2A B + C
k A

Forward rate law


Backward or reverse rate law

rA = k AC A2
rA = k AC B CC

net rate law

rA,net = rA + r A = k AC A2 + k AC B CC
rA,net = 0 = k AC A2 + k AC B CC
Equilibrium condition
Equilibrium relationship

k AC A2 = k AC B CC

k A C B CC
=
= KC
k A
C A2

2 C B CC
Rate law in term Equilibrium relationship rA = k A C A
KC

Example (6)
[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter
Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

19

Non-Elementary Reaction
Do not
reaction

follow

the

Stoichiometric

coefficients

for

the

overall

Homogeneous Reactions :
Gas-phase synthesis of phosgene,

CO + Cl 2
COCl 2

rCO = k CO CCO CCl3 /22 n=5.5

Decomposition of nitrous oxide

2N 2O
2N 2 + O2
rN2O =

k N 2 O C N 2O
1 + k CO2

n depended on CO2 concentration

Heterogeneous Reactions :
Heterogeneous reaction and corresponding rate law is the
hydrodemethylation of toluene (T) to form benzene (B) and methane (M)
carried out over a solid catalyst.
.
C6 H 5CH3 + H 2 cat

C2 H 6 + CH4

rT =

k PH 2 PT
1 + K B PP + K T PT

k=

mol toluene
kg cat .s.kPa 2

4. Molecularly Reaction.
The term molecularity refers to number of atoms, ions, or molecules
involved in the rate-limiting step of the reaction.

Unimolecular one reactant involved in reaction

Bimolecular two reactants must collide to react

Termolecular three reactants must interact for reaction to occur

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

20

5. Conversion , yield and selectivity


conversion, X, is defined as the fraction (or percentage) of the more
important or limiting reactant that is consumed. With two reactants A and
B and a nearly Stoichiometric feed, conversions based on each reactant
could be calculated.

X =

mole A reacted
mole A fed

.8

yield, Y, is the amount of desired product produced relative to the amount


that would have been formed if there were no byproducts and the main
reaction went to completion

Y=

moles of product formed


maximum moles of product, x = 1.0

6. Van't Hoff Equation.


Van't Hoff equation relates equilibrium composition to temperature:

H ro d ln K eq ..10
d GRo / RT
=
=
dT
RT 2
dT
Van't Hoff equation
yield :

can be integrated from 298K to any temperature T to

H r
dT
2
298 RT
T

ln K eq = ln K 298 +

.11

Enthalpy change of reaction varies with temperature as:

H r (T ) = H ro (T298 ) + C p dT
T

T298

....12

An approximate estimate of equilibrium constant at any time , ignore the second


term in equation 12, then equation 11 became :

ln K eq = ln K 298

H r 298 1
1

R T 298

..13

For endothermic reactions, the equilibrium constant, Keq, increases with increasing
temperature. While for exothermic reactions, Keq and Xeq decreases with increasing
temperature.
21

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Figure (2.3) show the variation of the concentration equilibrium constant and
equilibrium conversion as a function of temperature for an exothermic reaction.
reac

22

[Reaction Rate and Conceptes of Kinetics][Chapter


Kinetics][Chapter[Chapter-Two]..University
Two]..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

[Reactor Sizing and Design]


Design][Chapter[Chapter-Four]
Four]
]..
..University
..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

1. General Mole Balance Equation


Mole balance
lance on species j at any instance in time t ;

Volumn system V

rate of flow rate of generation rate of flow


rate of accumulati on
of j into system + of j in system by rxn of j out of system = of j within system

Fjo + G j Fj =

dN j
..4.1

dt

Fj0 = Entering molar flow rate of species j (mol/time)


Fj = Exiting molar flow rate of species j (mol/time)
Gj = Rate(total
(total rate) of generation(formation) of species j (mol/time)=r
(mol/time) j .V
V = Volume (e.g. m3)
rj = rate of generation(formation) of species j (mole/time.vol)
(mole/time
Nj = number of moles of species j inside the system Volume V (mole)
(
If rj varies with position in the system,
rj 6

V2
rj 4
rj 2

rj 3
rj1

V4

rj 5
V5

V6

G j ,1 = r j ,1V1

V3

i =1

i =1

G j = G j ,i = r j ,i Vi

V1

Let m , V 0
V

G j = rj dV

Then general mole balance:balance:


V

Fjo + r j dV Fj =

dN j
dt

4.2

From this general mole balance equation we can develop the design equations for
the various types of industrial reactors:
r
batch, semi-batch.
batch. and continuous-flow
continuous
reactors.
[Reactor Sizing and Design]
Design][Chapter[Chapter-Four]
Four]
]..
..University
..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

REACTOR SIZING AND DESIGN

PART ONE

Batch Reactor

Isothermal Operation

o Operate under unsteady state


o Neither
either inflow nor outflow of reactants or products
If the reaction mixture is perfectly mixed so:
o Constant rate off reaction throughout the reactor volume
o Composition f (Position)
o Composition =f (time)
o Temperature f (Position)
o Temperature f (time)

ideal restrictions

Mole Balance

F j ,o = F j = 0
V

Fjo + rj dV Fj =
V

r j dV =

dN j

dN j
dt
...............................4.3

dt

[Reactor Sizing and Design]


Design][Chapter[Chapter-Four]
Four]
]..
..University
..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

r jV =

dN j

..4.4

dt

Let's consider the isomerization of species A in a batch reactor

A B
As the reaction proceeds. the number of moles of A decreases and the number of
moles of B increases, as shown in Figure below

The time t necessary to reduce the initial number of moles NAo to a final number
of mole NA can be estimated as :
from equation 4.4

dN A
rAV = 4.4
dt

dt =

dN A
rAV

integrating with limits that at :


t = 0 NA = NA0 stat of reaction and at
t = t NA = NA
reaction time (end of reaction ) we obtain
N A0

t=

NA

dN A
rAV

..4.5

moles of A

moles of A
reacted or consumed = initially fed moles of A reacted


moles of A fed

at t = 0
moles of A

reacted or consumed = [N ] [ X ]
A0

[Reactor Sizing and Design]


Design][Chapter[Chapter-Four]
Four]
]..
..University
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number of mole NA remain un-reacted after time t ,

moles of A

in reacter (remain) at

time t

moles of A
moles of A

= initially fed to reacted or consumed



the reactor at t = 0

[N A ] = [N A0 ] [N A0 ] [X ]
N A = N Ao (1 X )

X=

N Ao N A
N Ao

dN A
= rAV
dt

N Ao

Sub in equation 4.5 and 4.4

dX
= rAV
dt

N A = N Ao (1 X )

N A0

t=

NA

.4.6

Differential form
Batch Reactor Design Equation
m

dN A
r AV

t = N Ao

X (t )

dX
rAV

4.7

Integral form
Used in the Interpretation of
Lab Rate Data

Space time or Mean Residence Time= is the time necessary to process one reactor
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm volume of fluid based on entrance conditions.

t B =t +t D

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At constant volume batch reactor


i.e constant density reaction mixture.
N
NAo = CAo * V then; equations 4.4 and 4.5 become ( Ci = i ) :
V

dC A
dt

rA =

dC A
..4.8.(Reaction Time)
C Ao r
A

t=

CA

Evaluation of Reaction Time Graphically:

From equation 4.7 plot


vs. X and evaluate the area under the curve

r
A
to estimate reaction time

1
rA

t = N Ao

X (t )

dX
rAV

Area
X

X1

t=

N Ao
* Area
V

Or
1
From equation 4.7 plot
vs. CA and evaluate the area under the curve
rA
to estimate reaction time

dC A
C Ao r
A

t=

1
rA

t = Area

Area
CA

CA

CA

CAo

Example

[Reactor Sizing and Design]


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..University
..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Evaluation of Reaction Time Numerically:


Need rA = f (C A )

to size reactors or calculate reaction time

o For the reactions in which the rate depends only on the concentration of
one species then rA = f (CA)
First order and Irreversible :-

A B

rA = kC A

dC A
1 C A dC A
=
C Ao kC
k C Ao C A
A

t=

CA

1 C
t = . ln A
k C Ao

C A = C Ao e kt
Second order and Irreversible :-

A B

rA = kC A2

dC A
1 C A dC A
=

C Ao kC 2
k C Ao C A2
A

t=

CA

1 1
1

t =

k C A C Ao

CA =

C Ao
1 + C Ao kt

nth order and Irreversible :-

A B

kt =

rA = kC An
1
n +1
C An +1 C Ao
n +1

C A = C Ao 1 + (n 1)kC

1
n +1 1 n
Ao

Example
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Bimolecular Reactions
o when the rate law depends on more than one species , we must relate the
concentrations of the different species to eac2h other "as a function of
conversion rA = f ( X ) ". This relationship is most easily established with
the aid of a Stoichiometric table.
In formulating our stoichiornetsic table, we shall take species A component as
our basis of calculation (i.e.. limiting reactant) and then divide through by the
stoichiometric coefficient of A , in order to put everything on a basis of "pet mole
of A ".
Stoichiornetsic table presents the following information
o Column I: the particular species
o Column 2: the number of moles of each species initially present
o Column 3: the change in the number of moles brought about by reaction
o Column 4: the number of moles remaining in the system at time t
o Column 5: concentrations as a function of conversion of each species

Consider the general reaction;

Stoichiometry set up of equations with A as basis

b
c
d
A + B C + D
a
a
a
The rate law is :

a b CCc C Dd

rA = k A C AC B
K
C

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Constant Volume (Constant Density) V = V0


liquid-phase and some of gas phase reaction system fall into this category.
Stoichiometric Table Batch System

Specie

Initial

Change

NAo

NBo = NAo B

-(b/a)NAo X

NB = NAo[
B (b/a)X]

NCo = NAo C

+(c/a)NAo X

NC = NAo[
C +(c/a)X]

NDo = NAo D

+(d/a)NAo X

ND = NAo[
D +(d/a)X]

-NAo X

Remaining

NI = NAo

NA = NAo(1 X)

NI = NAo I

NTo = NAo i

Concentration
C A = C A 0 (1 X )

X
a

CC = C A0 C + X
a

C D = C A0 D + X
a

CIo
C B = C A0 B

NT = NTo +
NAoX

Where

i = Nio/NAo = Cio/CAo= yio/yAo


= (d/a) + (c/a) (b/a) - 1

Express table in terms of concentrations

Concentration (batch):

Ci =

Ni
V

CA =

N A N A0 (1 X )
=
= C A0 (1 X )
V
V0

CB =

N B N A0
b
b

=
B X = C A0 B X
V
V0
a
a

N D N A0
c
c

=
C + X = C A0 C + X
V
V0
a
a

N
N
d
d

C D = D = A0 D + X = C A0 D + X
V
V0
a
a

CC =

Mole balance equation and the rate law are coupled and then solved
Example
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..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Variable Volume (Variable Density, but with Constant T and P )


Individual concentration can be determined by expressing the volume for
batch system as a function of conversion using the equation of state:

PV=ZNTRT..at any time in the reaction


PoVo=ZoNToRToat any time =0;when reaction is initiated
Then,
N
V = V0 T
NT 0

T0

P0

Z 0

.4.9

Change in the total number of moles during reaction in gas phase reaction system,
but with constant temperature and pressure, and the compressibility factor will not
change significantly during the course of the reaction ,

N
V = V0 T
NT 0
Where

NT = NTo +
NAoX

= (d/a) + (c/a) (b/a) 1


= (change in total number of mole) / (mole of A reacted)

N
NT
= 1+ Ao X
NT 0
NT 0
y Ao =

N Ao
NT 0

N Ao
= y Ao 4.10a.
NT 0

Then

NT
= 1 + X
NT 0

N T N To
..4.10b
NT 0 X

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At complete conversion i.e X=1 , NT= NTf ; therefore ,

N Tf N To
NT 0

.4.11

= (change in total number of mole for complete conversion ) / (total moles fed)
Then the volume as a function of conversion :

V = V0 (1 + X ) .4.12

Concentration at variable volume or density

Specie
N
CA = A
V

N A0 (1 X )
V

N
CB = B
V

N B 0 ( B - (b/a) X )
V

N
CC = C
V

N Co ( C + (c/a) X )
V

N
CD = D
V

N D 0 ( D - (d/a) X )
V

N
CI = I
V

N Ao I
V

C A0 (1 X )
(1 + X )

N B0 ( B - (b/a)X )
Vo (1 + X )

C B 0 ( B - (b/a) X )
(1 + X )

N Co ( C + (c/a) X )
Vo (1 + X )

CCo ( C + (c/a)X )
(1 + X )

C D 0 ( D - (d/a)X )
(1 + X )

N A0 (1 X )
Vo (1 + X )

N D 0 ( D - (d/a)X )
Vo (1 + X )

N Ao I
Vo (1 + X )

C Ao I
(1 + X )

Example

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..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Non-Isothermal Operation

Chemical reactors can liberate or absorb very large amounts of energy , and the handling of
this energy is a major concern in reaction engineering. It is important to estimate the
temperature increase or decrease in an adiabatic reactor in which no heat is add or
removed, and exothermic reactor and also the composition of the reaction mixture at any
time.
Energy Balance
Heat Generated by
Reaction

H r (T ) (rAV )

Heat Addition and


Removal by wall

Q& = UA(Ta T )

Heat Accumulated by
Reaction

dT

V C p,i Ci

dt

T = reaction temperature K
Ta= wall temperature K
TR= reference temperature K
A = heat transfer area m2
Cpi = specific heat KJ/Kmol
U = overall heat transfer KJ/s.m2.K
H r =enthalpy change in the reaction per mole of Areacting
The number of moles of species i at any X is =
Then energy balance is :

N i = N A0 ( i + i X )

dT

H r (T ) ( rAV ) + UA(Ta T ) = C p ,i N i

dt

H r (T ) ( rAV ) + UA(Ta T ) = N A 0 ( i C p ,i + CpX )

dT
dt

.4.13
Energy and mole balance equations with the rate law are coupled and then solved

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Mole balance equation

N Ao

dX
= r AV
dt

H r is calculated as
T

H r (T ) = H ro (TR ) + C p dT
TR

The rate law is required as a function of temperature and composition


Variable Volume (Variable Density ,T and/or P)
"Variable T in non-isothermal"
The volume for batch system as a function of conversion as :-

N
V = V0 T
NT 0

T0

P0

Z 0

T P
V = V0 (1 + X ) 0
T0 P

Z 0

If the compressibility factor will not change significantly during the course of the
reaction Zo=Z

T P
V = V0 (1 + X ) 0
T0 P

Concentration at variable volume (density , T and/or P )

Specie
N
CA = A
V

N A0 (1 X )
V

N A 0 (1 X ) To

V o (1 + X ) T

N
CB = B
V

N B 0 ( B - (b/a) X )
V

N B 0 ( B - (b/a) X ) To

Vo (1 + X )
T

Po

C B 0 ( B - (b/a) X ) To

(1 + X )
T

Po

N
CC = C
V

N Co ( C + (c/a) X )
V

N Co ( C + (c/a) X ) To

V o (1 + X )
T

Po

C Co ( C + (c/a) X ) To

(1 + X )
T

Po

N
CD = D
V

N D 0 ( D - (d/a) X )
V

N D 0 ( D - (d/a) X ) To

V o (1 + X )
T

Po

C D 0 ( D - (d/a) X ) To

(1 + X )
T

Po

N
CI = I
V

N Ao I
V

N Ao I To

V o (1 + X ) T

Po

Po

C A0 (1 X ) To

(1 + X ) T

C Ao I To

(1 + X ) T

Po

Po

Example
[Reactor Sizing and Design]
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]..
..University
..University of TechnologyTechnology-Chemical Engineering DepartmentDepartment-Dr.Farah AlAl-Sudani

Adiabatic Operation of a Batch Reactor

A batch reactor is usually well mixed, so that may neglect the special variation in
temperature and species concentration .
Batch reactors operated adiabatically are often used to determine the reaction
orders, activation energies, and specific reaction rates of exothermic reactions by
monitoring the temperature-time trajectories for different initial conditions.

In adiabatic operation of a batch reactor Q& = 0

H r (T ) ( rAV ) = (C p ,i N i )

dT
dt

H r (T ) ( rAV ) = N A0 ( i C p ,i + CpX )

dT
dt

.4.14
Energy and mole balance equations with the rate law are coupled and then
solved:

C
X =
i

p ,i

(T To )

H r (T )

T = To +

H r (T )X
i C p,i + CpX

;Where To = initial temperature

Example

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Equilibrium Conversion
The highest conversion that can be achieved in reversible reactions is the
equilibrium conversion XEB. For endothermic reactions, the equilibrium
conversion increases with increasing temperature up to a maximum of 1.0.
For exothermic reactions, the equilibrium conversion decreases with increasing
temperature
Figure ( ) show the variation of the concentration equilibrium constant as a
function of temperature for an exothermic reaction the corresponding equilibrium
conversion XEB as a function of temperature.

Figure ( ) show the variation of the concentration equilibrium constant and


equilibrium conversion as a function of temperature for an exothermic reaction.
To determine the maximum conversion that can be achieved in an exothermic
reaction carried out adiabatically, we find the intersection of the equilibrium
conversion as a function of temperature ,with temperature conversion
relationships from the energy balance

X EB =

C
i

p ,i

(T To )

..4.15

H r (T )

Graphical solution of equilibriurn


and energy balance equations to
obtain the adiabatic temperature
and the adiabatic equilibriurn
conversion XEB.
Example
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