CL 208

Chemical Reaction Engineering-I

 Multiple reactions
 Single reaction
 only one rate expression to describe its kinetic behaviour
 Size requirement
 Multiple reaction
 More than one rate expressions to describe the kinetic
behaviour
 Can be of different types. Let us categorise them in
 Parallel reactions
 Series reactions
 Size requirement and distribution of reaction products
Finally, we ignore expansion effects in this chapter; thus, we take Ɛ = 0 throughout. This means that we may2use
the terms mean residence time, reactor holding time, space time, and reciprocal space velocity interchangeably.
 Parallel (competing) Reactions
 Reactant is consumed by two or more different pathways to form different products

For example, Oxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide and CO2 / H2O

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Series Reactions
 Also called consecutive reactions
 Reactant forms an intermediate product which reacts further to form
another product

 Diethanolamine is the desired product

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Complex Reactions
 Combination of series and parallel reactions

Butadiene (C4H6) from ethanol (ethylene, acetaldehyde, butadiene)

INDEPENDENT REACTIONS

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 Potpourri of Reactions

If rate equations are known for the individual reactions, we can quantitatively determine
product distribution and reactor-size requirements

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Desired and Undesired Reactions

A  D (kd)
A  U (ku)
ADU
 Minimize the formation of U and maximize that of D
 Greater the amount of U, greater the cost of separation

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Selectivity
 Indication of preference of one product over another

 Instantaneous selectivity
 Based on rate of reaction

 Overall selectivity
 Based on molar flow rate at the exit

 For batch reactor overall selectivity is in terms of number of moles at the

end of reaction time.
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Yield
 Instantaneous yield

 Overall Yield
 Based on molar flow rates (moles in case of batch reactor)

Fogler

Flow reactor Batch reactor

Levenspiel

For Ɛ = 0
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Yield
 For PFR

 For N CSTRs put together

 When two or more reactants are involved, the fractional

yield can be based on one of the reactants consumed or all
of the reactants consumed

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 Yield
 Instantaneous yield(can be found from rates expressions) v CA curve
Area under the curve is CR.

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 Yield
 Shape of the Instantaneous yield vs CA curve determines which type of flow gives the
best product distribution.
 Contacting pattern with the largest area produces most R

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Selectivity and Yield

 Compare instantaneous and overall selectivity (and yield) for a CSTR

 Overall selectivity and yield are important in determining profits

 Instantaneous yield and selectivity give insights in choosing reactors and

reaction schemes that will help maximise profit.

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 Parallel Reaction: Product distribution
Single reactant

 We would like to have this ratio as large as possible.

 At a given T, we can control only CA.
 Depending upon value of a1-a2, we need to keep CA low or high. 14
Parallel Reaction: Product distribution

 when a1 > a2
 High concentration of A will favour the reaction.
 For gas phase, run without inerts and at high P to keep CA high.
 For liquid phase, use of diluents should be kept to minimum.
 use batch or plug flow reactors
 CA starts at high value and drops progressively.
 CSTR, CA is always at its lowest value.

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Parallel Reaction: Product distribution

 when a1 < a2
 CA should be as low as possible.
 Use inerts/diluents to make concentration low.
 Use CSTR so that the concentration is maintained at lowest level
 Decrease P in the gas phase system.

 when a1 = a2
 No effect of concentration

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 Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions
Two reactants

Consider 4 cases both high, both low, or one high and the other low

When you have two or more reactants, combinations of high and low reactant
concentrations can be obtained by controlling the concentration of feed
materials, by having certain components in excess, and by using the correct
contacting pattern of reacting fluids 17
Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions
In case of non-continuous operations

In any case, the use of the proper contacting pattern is the critical factor in
obtaining a favorable distribution of products for multiple reactions.

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Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions

Or high pressures (if gas phase) and reduce inerts

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Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions

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Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions

 A feed diluted with inerts

 Low pressure (gas phase)

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Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions

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Reactor Selection and Operating Conditions: Summary

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 Contacting Patterns for reactions in Parallel
Problem 7.1

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 Problem 7.2 Product Distribution for parallel reactions

Attempt to solve the problem by performing the numerical steps given in the solution of book .
Raise the doubt in the group
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Problem 7.2 Product Distribution for parallel reactions

 Derive expression for instantaneous yield

 What are the concentration of A and B at the inlet
 For plug flow CRf = 2.86 mol/lt, CSf = 9-2.86 = 6.14 mol/lt
 For CSTR CRf = CSf = 0.5 mol/lt
 For the last reactor, assume CB = 1 mol/ lt throughout. After mixing of streams
at the inlet, what is CA0?
 CRf = 7.85 mol/lt ;CSf = 1.15 mol/lt

Similarly attempt to solve for problem 7.3 and 7.4 and raise the doubt if any in the group

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Parallel Reactions: Maximizing D
 Role of temperature

 when ED > EU
 kD will increase with T more rapidly than kU
 Operate at Highest possible T

 when ED < EU
 kU will increase with T more rapidly than kD
 Operate at low T but not so low that desired reaction does not proceed
to any significant extent.
 Role of catalyst
 can depress or accelerate the specific reactions
 Most effective way of controlling product distribution

 Will be discussed in more detail in Chpater: 9 : effect of temperature on 27

reaction/product distribution