ENS6171 Reaction Engineering (2020) Lab-1

Lab 1: Project Description

Session Time: 12:30–14:30, Wednesday, 26th August 2020 (Week 5)

Venue: JO27: 109

NOTES:
1. Please read this carefully and familiarise the calculation and procedures because there is no
reading time in the Lab session.
2. The full Lab-1 session is two hours, including the first 10 min as the Lab induction and
pre-lab test, and the last 10 min as the cleaning-up time.
3. Please make sure each group member has read the lab description, due to the safety
procedures as extra care needs to be taken since it is a chemical engineering lab with
various hazardous chemicals and equipments.
4. Two random members from each group will be chosen at the beginning of the lab for a
pre-lab test. The test will include two random questions from the lab manual which will
require short oral answers. 20% penalty will applicable to the ENTIRE GROUP upon
incorrect answers from the fellow group members.
5. Please read carefully the three handouts and ensure appropriate clothing has been worn
throughout the lab session. This includes fully enclosed foot wares, full length trousers
and/or skirt, full sleeved tops and tied hair if long. One will not be allowed to perform the
experiment if the following requirements are not met which will eventually lead to zero
mark for this lab.
6. Please note that the lab experiment will be done as a group but the final lab report needs to
be submitted individually.

1. Backgrounds
This lab will include two parts: Effect of heat in chemical reactions and Reactor sizing and
design.

Effect of heat in chemical reactions

Understand the basic concept for batch reactor (adiabatic reaction and isothermic reaction) and
continuous-stirred tank reactor (CSTR), and a few applications of these types of reactors in the
industry. Get familiar with the experimental setup of reaction engineering testing rig. In this lab
section, students will carry out experiments using the configuration of a batch reactor. For the
batch reactor, students investigate the increasing temperature caused by the conversion-process
and the increased conversion due to the increasing temperature.

Reactor sizing and design

In CSTR, students will investigate the configuration, dimensions and acquire the understanding
on the influences of the retention time and the temperature to the conversion-process. After
experiments, students will present their findings with discussion in a report.

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ENS6171 Reaction Engineering (2020) Lab-1

2. Project team
Please conduct this experiment as an allocated project team. The team is arranged by the lecturer.
Each team member is expected to have an equal contribution.

Team member and schedule

ENS6171 Lab Group 1

1) Hamza AKHTAR (10508278 )

Email: hakhtar@our.ecu.edu.au

2) Syed Asad ALI (10441610 )

Email: saali3@our.ecu.edu.au

3) Santosh Kumar BISWAKARMA (10465813 )

Email: sbiswaka@our.ecu.edu.au

4) Kusal DARANIYAGALA (10504171 )

Email: pdaraniy@our.ecu.edu.au

5) Stefany DOS SANTOS LOPES ( 10504841 )

Email: stefanyd@our.ecu.edu.au

6) Gladman DUBE ( 10482281 )

Email: gladmand@our.ecu.edu.au

7) Ali EMAMI ( 10507797 )

Email: alie@our.ecu.edu.au

ENS6171 Lab Group 2

1) GIRIDHAR SANKAR ( 10492941 )

Email: giridhar@our.ecu.edu.au

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2) Jesvin JOHN ( 10492677 )

Email: jesvinj@our.ecu.edu.au

3) Asiri Hasun SAMARAKOON ( 10495351 )

Email: asiris@our.ecu.edu.au

4) Bilal SHAKEEL ( 10445369 )

Email: asiris@our.ecu.edu.au

5) Muhammad SOHAIL ( 10478258 )

Email: msohail0@our.ecu.edu.au

6) Nauman TAHIR ( 10484324 )

Email: ntahir@our.ecu.edu.au

7) Syed Muhammad Bilal Hussain ZAIDI ( 10484722 )

Email: smzaidi0@our.ecu.edu.au

3. Team tasks
(1) In the allocated time slot under supervision, the team will carry out the following
experiments:

(i) As of 5.1.2 Performing the Experiments in Appendix I. Demonstrate the

increasing temperature caused by the conversion-process of the two reactants.
(ii) Preparation of reagents with designated concentrations. Attach the batch reactor
trainer (CE310.04: adiabatic) to the collecting tray of testing rig, connect all the
tubing from pump to reactor using quick connection, visual check of any leakage
of chemical solutions, convert conductivity into conversion using the proposed
equation, detailed experiments could be found in Appendix I. Screen print the
parameter profile during experiment.
(iii) As of 5.2.2 Performing the Experiments in Appendix I. Study the influence of the
increasing temperature caused by the conversion-process of the two reactants.
(iv) Preparation of reagents with designated concentrations. Attach the batch reactor
trainer (CE310.04: Isothermal) to the collecting tray of testing rig. Detailed
experiments could be found in Appendix I.
(v) Get familiar with the Stirred Tank Reactor (CE310.01): Investigate the
configuration, connect/disconnect the hoses, pumps, and the sensors, take relevant
measurements of the components of the reactor and photographs for reference.
(vi) Clean-up and return everything to it was.

(2) You will also need to analyse and interpret the experimental results, plot the conversion
against time for the batch reactor. For CSTR, describe the configuration of the
experimental rig, using the dimensions make an accurate drawing of the reactor including
the dimensions (using CAD or hand drawn with an appropriate scale) and the potential
functions in the industries.

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4. Individual Lab report

Title and Contents

Each student should submit an individual Lab report.

Your report should have the title of “Performing chemical reactions in batch and CSTR reactors
at a bench scale: key parameters”. It should contain:
(3) Title page
(4) Executive summary
(5) Table of contents
(6) Key information presented in numbered sections and subsection in appropriate headings,
which must include, but not limited to:
* Introduction
* Methods
* Results
* Discussion
* Conclusion
* Appendix (CSTR drawings and photographs)
• Contribution of each team member (a short paragraph describing specific contribution
from each team members).

Length
The main body of your report (i.e. excluding the Cover page, Executive summary, Table of
contents, and Appendix) must not exceed 6 pages. There is no minimum page requirement. The
‘Executive summary’ and ‘Introduction’ sections should be brief (no more than half pages for
each section).

5. Report submission
You report must be submitted via Turnitin link in the folder. The deadline is as follows;
11:00 am, Thursday, 3rd September 2020

Late submission without a justifiable reason will be penalized with the loss of 10% of full report
marks for each working day after the deadline. Similarity index will be checked.

6. Marking and feedbacks

The full mark of the reports will be 10, which will be allocated to the followings:
• Performance in carrying out the experiments mark 3
• Competency in Summary, Introduction, and Conclusion sections mark 2
• Clarity and depth in explanation of experiment process and results mark 3
• Overall structure, formality and presentation of the report mark 2

Your report will be marked. A marking sheet together with the feedback comments will be
provided for your reference upon requested.

Continued overleaf for Appendix I

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

100.0 250.0 120.0 mS

250.0

0 1
M C
Temp. Controller

Pump1

Heater Water pump

100.0 0 1

0 1
Stirrer

Pump2

1 2

Experiment Instructions

Please read and follow the safety regulations before the first installation!

Publication-no.: 918.000 00 D 310 02 (A) DTP_4

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

Table of Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Unit Description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.1 Unit Layout and Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.2 Setting up, Operation, Disposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Measured data acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

3 Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3.1 Riscs for personal safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2 Riscs for unit and function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4 Theoretical Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

5 Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.1 Batch Reactor (CE310.04), Adiabatic Reaction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.2 Batch Reactor (CE 310.04), Isothermic Reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
5.3 Stirrer Tank Reactor (CE 310.01) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.4 Tubular Flow Reactor (CE310.02). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.5 Stirred Tanks in Series (CE 310.03) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

6.1 Working Sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

6.2 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
6.3 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

1 Introduction

The CE 310 trainer is a compact sealed table

unit that facilitates the investigation of the pro-
cess-related properties of various chemical reac-
tors. The convenient dimensions make the unit
practical and handy to use in the laboratory, how-
ever they nevertheless permit the study of the prin-
ciples of industrial plants.
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

The unit enables various types of reactors to be

charged with two liquid chemicals, and also en-
ables the reaction temperature to be influenced by
heating or cooling. The objective is to observe the
effects of these changes on the conversion of the
reactants in the respective reactor.

The following reactors are available:

– CE 310.01 Continuous Stirrer
Tank Reactor
– CE 310.02 Tubular Flow Reactor
– CE 310.03 Stirred Tanks in Series
– CE 310.04 Batch Reactor

There are two storage tanks on the unit for the liq-
uid chemicals. With the aid of two hose pumps of
adjustable speed, the reactants are pumped
through the respective closed reactor. The conver-
sion of the reactants and the reaction temperature
are recorded using a combined conductivity and
temperature measuring unit. Due to the usage of
these electronic sensors, PC data acquisition is
possible.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

To be able to bring the reactors to the correct tem-

perature, an electric heater and regulated water
tank are provided. Using a centrifugal pump, the
hot water can be pumped in a circuit through the
respective heat exchanger device in the reactor.
The associated supply hoses are equipped with
self-sealing, rapid action couplings.

Reaction product produced is collected in a stain-

less steel bath in the unit and is to be disposed of in
an appropriate manner after the experiments.

Due to its clear layout, the unit is easy to operate

and is ideally suited to laboratory experiments.
The system is only intended to be used for training
and experimental purposes.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

2 Unit Description

2.1 Unit Layout and Function

1 100.0 250.0
250.0
120.0 mS

0 1
M C
Temp. Controller

Pump1 6
Heater Water pump

100.0
8 0 1
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

0 1
Stirrer

Pump2
5

1 2

2 3

1 Tank
Abb. 2.2 General View CE 310 2 Hose pump
3 Base of the device
4 Sleve terminals for CE 310.03
20 5 Water drain cock
6 Switch box
9 7 Water tank
10 8 Special steel trough
100.0 250.0 120.0 mS
19
250.0
25.0°C
9 % Display Pump 1
0 1 P

11 Temp. Controller
M C
10 Speed Pump 1
Pump1
11 On/ Off switch Pump 1
Heater Water pump

18 12 Pump 2 analogous to Pump 1

100.0
12 0 1
13 Water connections
0 1
Stirrer
17 14 Switch for heater
Pump2
15 Switch for stirrer
13 16 Speed stirrer
17 Master switch
18 Water pump
14 15 16 19 Measurind device for temperature
and conductivity
20 Temperatur controller
Fig. 2.1 Switch box

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

The CE 310 Chemical Reactors Trainer is used

to compare the conversion of reactants during a
Switch-box Water-tank saponification reaction in various types of reactor.
Various reactor models, available as accessories,
Temperature-sensor
can be fitted to the base (3) of the unit. Two tanks
(1), one behind the other, contain the liquid chemi-
cals. The two reactants can be fed to the respec-
tive experiment reactor using two pumps (2) fitted
to the front of the base. The pump hoses are
equipped with self-sealing rapid action couplings
so that the objects of the experiments can be inter-
changed easily. The switch box (6) contains
switches and adjusters for the pump and stirrer
speed, a combined conductivity and temperature
measuring unit (19) for the measurement of the
conversion of the reactants, and an industrial regu-
Heater lator (20) for provision of hot water. Behind the
switch box there is a water tank (7) with an electri-
Fig. 2.3 Water-tank and rear of the cal heater and a centrifugal pump with which a
switch box heating circuit can be run.
The product of the reaction produced is collected
in a stainless steel tray (8) that is let into the base
of the unit, and can be disposed of as appropriate
after the experiment.

The following reactor models can be used as the

object of the experiment:
– CE 310.01 Continuous Stirrer Tank Reactor
– CE 310.02 Tubular Flow Reactor
– CE 310.03 Stirred Tanks in Series
– CE 310.04 Batch Reactor

The switch box contains two control groups for

the two pumps, each group has a switch (11). An
adjusting potentiometer (10) on each group per-
mits the volumetric flow rate of each pump to be

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

adjusted individually from 0% to 100%. Using the
X5 associated four digit displays, it is possible to read
Temperatur/
Conductivity
the corresponding value. An industrial controller
(20) is used to adjust and regulate the water tem-
X4
Stirrer
perature in the heating circuit. The current water
temperature and the heating temperature set are
displayed on the display for the regulator. Using
the associated switch below the regulator housing,
it is possible to switch the heater (14) on or off as
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

Fig. 2.4 Connections of the switch required. A hot water pump is installed in the
box at the rear side. switch box, this can be placed in operation using
the pump switch (18). The combined measur-
X4: Stirrer
X5: Conductivity-Sensor ing unit (19) for the conductivity and tempera-
ture of the experimental solution is already ad-
justed and the parameters set. Further changes
are not necessary.
As some of the experimental reactors are
equipped with a stirrer, on the switch box there is
an adjuster with a switch (15) and potentiometer
(16) using which the corresponding stirrer speed
can be adjusted. The stirrer is connected electri-
cally to the switch box via the socket.

The trainer is switched completely on or off, includ-

ing all components, using the master switch (17).

The respective reactor can be connected to the hot

water system using the hoses supplied via the wa-
ter connections (13) with rapid action couplings.

The combined conductivity and temperature

measuring sensor is plugged into the adapter
(Fig 2.4) and is then ready for use without any fur-
ther action. There are sensor insertion points on
the reactors for recording results and ensuring cor-
Fig. 2.5 Combined Conductivity and rect measurements.
Temperature Sensor

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

Short instruction - Temperature controller

The cTRON temperature controller is a product of
the company JUMO.

Display and operating elements

(1) Red 7-segment display (factory-setting:
Process value); 4-digit, configurable decimal
place (automatic adjustment on display over-
flow)
(2) Green 7-segment display (factory-setting:
Set point value); 4-digit, configurable
decimal place, serves also for operator guide
(display of parameter and level symbols)
(3) Signals, yellow LED Switching states of the
Fig. 2.6 Display and operating
elements of the temperature binary outputs 1...4 (if configured;
controller display lit = ON)
(4) Keys
Programming, one level deeper
leave level / function key
Value reduction / previous parameter
Value increase / next parameter
(5) Signals, green LED
• Manual mode active
• Ramp function active (if configured)
• Timer active (if configured)

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

Changing to the manual mode

In the manual mode, the controller output value
can be changed manually.
1. Change to the manual mode using function
key (> 2s) (ex-factory setting).
Þ The output value is displayed in percent in
the lower display. The "Manual mode active"
LED is also lit.
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

2. Change the output value using and

With a modulating controller, the actuator is
opened or closed using the keys.
The various levels can be accessed in the manual
mode.
The setup program can be used to configure the
default output value on a changeover. The manual
mode can also be inhibited.
The controller automatically changes to manual
mode in the event of overrange/ underrange and
probe break.

Manual mode exit

1. Exit the manual mode using function
key (> 2s)

Further details of the cTRON controller see "Oper-

ating Manual" of the company JUMO.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

2.2 Setting up, Operation, Disposal

– Fill the rear of the two chemical tanks with

2.3% sodium hydroxide and label. In future
this tank is always to be used for the hydrox-
ide, also ensure that the same pump is also
always used for this tank.
– Make up a 5% solution from 1 part by volume
acetic ether and 19 parts by volume distilled
water, mix thoroughly. Fill the front chemical
tank with this solution and label. In future this
tank is always to be used for the acetic solu-
tion, also ensure that the same pump is also
always used for this tank.
– Close the outlet valve on the hot water tank
and fill the tank with water up to approx. 40
mm below the upper edge.
– Connect the combined conductivity and tem-
perature sensor to the adapter (X5).
– Ensure that the unit master switch, the two
pump switches, the switch for the heater reg-
ulator, the switch for the hot water pump and
the stirrer switch are all switched off.
– Connect the unit to the mains electricity sup-
ply.

Dispose of the chemical compound collected dur-

ing the experiments in the collecting tray in an ap-
propriate manner. Under no circumstances allow
the mixture to flow into the mains drains.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

2.3 Measured data acquisition

The CE 310.10 PC-based measured data acquisi-

tion module is available as an accessory for this
CE 310 demonstration unit. Performing experiments
with this module has numerous advantages:

– Measured values for conductivity and tem-

perature are available as data and can be
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

processed or saved directly.

– Clear screen interfaces illustrate the relation-
ships and assist in understanding
– Measured value tables and measuring
charts can be output to a printer

2.3.1 Hardware and software installation

A separate document is supplied describing the in-

stallation of the PCI measured data acquisition
card, the LABVIEW runtime software and the
actual application program.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

Symbol Description

Dangerous electrical
voltage

Dangerous chemical fume

Danger of burns

Risk of Fire

Dangerous electrical
voltage

Notice

18 3 Safety Instructions
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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

3.1 Riscs for personal safety

WARNING
Caustic Soda
Burns on the skin possible.
Wear protective gloves and protective glasses.
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

WARNING
Irritating chemical vapours
Do not inhale directly.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

WARNING
Danger of scalding.
Hot reaction products at the outlet of the device.
Do not touch in operation.

WARNING
Dangerous electric Voltage
There is the danger of an electric shock.
Before opening the switchbox, main switch off and
pull mains plug connection out.

WARNING
Dangerous flammable solvent
No smoking, no open flames.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

3.2 Riscs for unit and function

NOTICE
Working with the chemicals or disposing the
chemicals please note the national standards and
directions.

NOTICE
Caustic Soda
Damage to the device possible through spilled
chemicals.
Immediately wash away splashes.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

4 Theoretical Principles

As a rule, chemical processes are not spontane-

ous and are incomplete. Indeed, in the majority of
cases the reaction products only formed gradually.
The speed of the reaction can be very varied, as
reactants only react with one another if they meet
with a sufficiently large amount of energy. An in-
crease in the temperature therefore increases the
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

conversion of the reactants. The time for which the

reactants are in contact is a further criterion.
The conversion of the reactants is thus dependent on:
• The nature of the reactants
• The concentration and mixing of the reactant
• The time that the reactants are in contact
• The reaction temperature

For each chemical reaction, there exists a process

that splits the product of the reaction back into the
original reactants. This counter reaction is, in turn,
temperature dependent. It thus sets an equilibrium
between the concentrations of the initial reactants
and the product. This situation is termed dynamic
as both reactions occur side by side without inter-
ruption, however the reactant concentration does
not change.
The response time and position of this equilibrium
can be influenced, for example, by:
• Change in the time for which the reactants
are in contact or the duration of the period in
the reactor.
• Change of the reaction temperature.
These relationships are to be checked based on
the saponification of an ether with sodium
hydroxide.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

The following reaction occurs:

-
®
CH 3 COO CH 2 CH 3 + OH + Na + HOCH 2 CH 3 + CH 3 COO -
+ Na +
¬

®
acetic ether + sodiumhydroxide ethanol + sodiumacetate
¬

The ether molecules are split and each disintegra-

tes into an acetate ion and an ethanol molecule.
During this process the hydroxide ions in the sodi-
um hydroxide are consumed. The progress of the
reaction and conversion of the reactants can thus
be tracked extremely well by the change in the
hydroxide concentration. Alternatively, a conducti-
vity measurement or volumetric analysis with acid
can be used.
From the conductivity values, the percentage con-
version of the reactants S can be calculated with
the aid of the following equation:

( k - ke )
S = ( 1 - ) 100 %
( ko - ke )

k: Actual measured value for conductivity

k o : Initial conductivity of the 2.3% sodium hydroxide
ke : Conductivity of the end product produced
(sodium acetate solution 1 20 molar, ~ 1mS/cm)

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

5 Experiments

5.1 Batch Reactor (CE310.04), Adiabatic Reaction

A batch reactor is in general designed as a vacuum

sleeve vessel and is closed. It cannot be used con-
tinuously. Due to its properties, a reaction in the
batch reactor can either be adiabatic, or isothermic
using external temperature regulation. In the case
of heavily exothermic reactions, there is a risk of
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

uncontrolled acceleration or uncontrolled inhibi-

tion of the reaction and thus an unstable reaction.
By combining the possible methods of operating
the batch reactor, the correct stability conditions
Fig. 5.1 Batch reactor 0.95 ltr. can be found for each reaction and thus a runaway
of the reaction on the operation of a continuous re-
actor can be avoided.

5.1.1 Task of the Experiment

Demonstrate the increasing temperature caused

by the conversion-process of the two reactants.

5.1.2 Performing the Experiments

On performing this experiment, ensure that all re-

actants and parts of the unit involved are at room
temperature.
– Attach the CE 310.04 Batch Reactor to the
CE 310 trainer.
– Ensure that all lower level switches on the
CE 310 main unit are switched off.
– Switch on the unit CE 310 only at the master
switch on.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

– Prepare a glass beaker with 400 ml of 2.3%

sodium hydroxide, measure, using the mea-
suring sensor, the conductivity and tempera-
ture of the solution and note.
– Prepare a glass beaker with 400 ml of 5 %
ethyl acetate solution, measure, using the
measuring sensor, the conductivity and tem-
perature of the solution and note.
– Insert the conductivity measuring sensor in
the measuring opening (4) in the lid and con-
nect the stirrer.
5 4 3
– Adjust the stirrer to a medium speed, how-
ever do not switch on yet.
– Remove the rubber bung of the lid. First fill the
sodium hydroxide with the help of the funnel
through the hole (in the lid) into the reaction tank.
6 1 6 – After that fill the ethyl acetate solution with
3
2 the help of the funnel through the hole (5)
into the reaction tank.

Fig. 5.2 Reaction tank with lid seen

from above
1 Stirrer motor
2 Connector of the stirrer
3 Water inlet/ outlet
6 Fixing the reaction tank
– Close the hole in the lid with rubber bung the
and switch on the stirrer.
– Continuously note the conductivity and tem-
perature values for approx. three minutes.

Time Measured Conductivity Conversion of Reactants Reaction Temperature

in s in mS/cm in % in °C
10 47,5 68,4 20,9
20 46,5 69 20,9
30 43,3 71,2 20,9
40 40,4 73,2 21,2
50 38,5 74,5 21,3
60 37,6 75,1 21,5
90 35,5 76,5 21,7
120 34 77,6 21,8
180 33,2 78,1 21,9

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

After the end of the experiment:

– Empty reaction vessel and clean.
– Rinse measuring sensor with water.
– Dispose of reaction product correctly.

5.1.3 Evaluation of Experiments

All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

– Convert measured results for conductivity

into percentage conversion of reactants and,
together with the measured values for
temperature, plot on a graph against time.
Compare with the result of the isothermic
experiment that follows.

The process heat produced by the reaction

obviously accelerates the conversion of the
reactants.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

5.2 Batch Reactor (CE 310.04), Isothermic Reaction

5.2.1 Task of the experiment

Study the influence of the increasing temperature

caused by the conversion-process of the two
reactants.

5.2.2 Performing the Experiments

On performing this experiment, ensure that all re-

actants and parts of the unit involved, especially
the water in the heating circuit, are at room temper-
ature.
– Attach the CE 310.04 Batch Reactor to the
CE 310 trainer and open it.
– Ensure that all lower level switches on the CE
310 main unit are switched off and switch on
Fig. 5.3 Batch reactor 0.95 ltr. the unit at the master switch.
– Prepare a glass beaker with 400 ml of 2.3%
sodium hydroxide, using the measuring sen-
sor, measure the conductivity and tempera-
ture and note.
– Prepare a glass beaker with 400 ml of 5%
ethyl acetate solution, using the measuring
sensor, measure the conductivity and tem-
perature and note.
– Insert the conductivity measuring sensor in
the measuring opening on the lid and con-
nect the stirrer.
– Adjust the stirrer to a medium speed, how-
ever do not switch on yet
– Connect the water hoses from the heating
system to the connections on the lid and to
the switch housing, switch on the pump.

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CE 310 CHEMICAL REACTORS TRAINER

– Remove the rubber bung of the lid. First fill the

sodium hydroxide with the help of the funnel
through the hole (in the lid) into the reaction tank.
– After that fill the ethyl acetate solution with
the help of the funnel through the hole (in the
lid) into the reaction tank.
– Close the hole in the lid with rubber bung the
and switch on the stirrer.
All Rights Reserved G.U.N.T. Gerätebau GmbH, Barsbüttel, Germany 05/2000

– Close lid immediately and switch on the stirrer.

– Continuously note the conductivity and tem-
perature values for approx. three minutes.

Time Measured Conductivity Conversion of Reactants Reaction Temperature

in s in mS/cm in % in °C
10 65,2 43,6 20,5
20 49,5 67 20,5
30 47,2 68,6 20,7
40 44,7 70,3 20,8
50 42 72,1 20,8
60 41 72,8 20,8
90 38,2 74,7 20,7
120 36,7 75,7 20,6
180 35,1 76,8 20,5

After the end of the experiment:

– Empty reaction vessel and clean
– Rinse measuring sensor with water
– Dispose of reaction product correctly

5 Experiments 27