REACTION ENGINEERING 1 CHE502

TUTORIAL - Topic 6: Multiple Reactions

1. Determine the instantaneous selectivity, SD/U, for the liquid phase reactions:

Sketch the selectivity as a function of the concentration of A. Is there an optimum and if so what
is it?

2. Reactant A decomposes by three simultaneous reactions to form three products, one that is
desired B and two that are undesired X and Y.
A→X -r1A=rX=k1=0.0003 mol/dm3.s
A→B -r2A=rB=k2CA=(0.0017 s-1)CA
A→Y -r3A=rY=k3CA2=(0.01 dm3/mol.s)CA2
(i)Determine the rate selectivity parameter, SD/U , volume of reactor, VCSTR and conversion; if the
reaction carried out to maximize selectivity of desired product for an entering concentration of A
is 0.4M and a volumetric flow rate of 2.0 dm3/s in CSTR.
(ii)Calculate the final conversion
(iii)Calculate the exit concentration of X, B and Y.

3. For the following reactions, suggest your reactor system and condition to maximize the
selectivity of your desired product.
(a) A+B→D -rA1=10exp(-8,000 K/T)CACB
A+B→U -rA2=100exp(-1,000 K/T)CA½CB3/2

(b) A+B→D -rA1=100exp(-1,000 K/T)CACB

A+B→U -rA2=106exp(-8,000 K/T) CACB

4. Problem 6-6 pg 363 (Fogler 4th Edition)

5. The oxidation of propanol to form an aldehyde, B is carried out in CSTR, on a catalyst of 4 wt %

Cu-2 wt % Cr on Al2O3. Unfortunately, the aldehyde, B is also oxidized on this catalyst to form
carbon dioxide. Derive the concentration, CB of the aldehyde, B as a function of space time.

CH3CH2CH2OH→B→CO2

6. Problem 6-14 pg 368 (Fogler 4th Edition)