CHE 354-001 Chemical Reactor Design Homework #6

Spring 2021 Due 3/10/21

1. The elementary, gas-phase reaction A + B ↔ C + 2D is carried out in a 30-L membrane
reactor. The feed enters at 100 L/min, FA0 = FB0 = 100 mol/min. Under the reaction
conditions, kA = 12 L/mol/min and KC = 0.2 mol/L. Both species B and D can diffuse
through the membrane with kC,B = 2 min-1 and kC,D = 50 min-1. Pressure drop in the reactor is
significant, with α = 0.03 L-1.
a. Plot and analyze the molar flow rates of each species, the conversion, pressure ratio (y),
and the flow rates of B and D through the membrane down the length of the reactor.
b. Compare the conversion profiles in a 30-L conventional PFR with those in the membrane
reactor in part (a).
c. Would the conversion of A be greater if C were diffusing out (with kC,C = 50 min-1)
instead of D?

2. The elementary, liquid phase reaction A + B ↔ C + D is carried out isothermally at 300 K, at

which KC = 5.1 and kA = 9 x 10-4 L/mol/min. Initially, there is 250 L pure species A (CA0 =
12 mol/L), and species B (15 mol/L) is fed at a rate of 0.25 L/min.
a. Plot the equilibrium conversion of species A as a function of time for 0 ≤ Xe ≤ 0.99.
b. Plot and analyze the conversion of species A, concentration of each species, and number
of moles of each species as a function of time up to 1500 min.
c. Re-work part (b) assuming that species D evaporates as soon as it forms. Assume
constant density (1000 kg/m3) and that species D has a molecular weight of 80 g/mol.
Also include a plot of V over time.

3. Optional bonus problem (3 pts extra credit): Fogler P6-2.

Note: I set the due date for 3/10 to give you one week to work on the homework, but I
STRONGLY suggest you work it as soon as possible, since we have already covered all of this
material.