CH-5010: Chemical Reactor Theory

July – Nov. 2023

Problem Sheet – 8
Thursday, 5th October 2023

Problem 1: Very Slow Reaction Case

Consider aqueous-phase partial oxidation of methane: !!"
"$"
CH! + H" O" → CH# OH + H" O !!#
Let 𝑃$%! = 10 bar and 𝐶%" &" = 1 M. "!# "!%

1. Given that the diffusion of CH4 in water is fast. Based on what

you know about diffusion, what is the partial pressure of CH4 at the interface?
(a) 𝑃'(! ,* ≈ 0 (b) 𝑃'(! ,* < 10 (c) 𝑃'(! ,* ≈ 10 (d) 𝑃'(! ,* > 10

2. If Henry’s constant is ℋ = 0.0012 mol/(L.bar), what is the value of 𝐶+,* ?

3. The reaction rate is given by: 𝑟 = 𝑘𝐶'(! 𝐶(" ," (in mol/L.s)
What is the net reaction rate (including mass transfer) in mol/s? The reaction is carried out in a
beaker containing 10 ml solution and the surface area is 20 cm2 and height of liquid is 2 cm.
0.5 cm

4. Also compute the Hatta number: 𝛾 = 𝐿 6𝑘/𝒟

Diffusivity of methane: 𝒟'(! ,- = 0.1 cm2/s and 𝒟'(! ,- = 3 × 10./ cm2/s.

At low temperature, 𝑘 = 2.5 × 10.0 s–1 is the intrinsic reaction rate.

CH-5010: Chemical Reactor Theory

 CH-5010: Chemical Reactor Theory
July – Nov. 2023
Problem 2: Instantaneous Reaction
Another regime, common in polar or ionic
solvents, is that of instantaneous reaction. As soon as
gas A and liquid B are in contact, they react completely,
as shown in the adjoining figure.

Part-1: Ignore resistance in gas film

The governing equation for A dissolved in liquid film is:
1 " $#
𝒟+ = 0 with [𝐶+ ]234 = 0.
12 "

• Show that the concentration of A in the liquid film varies linearly

• Compute the net flux of A in the film.
• In the same manner, compute net flux of B in the film.
• For the reaction A + B → Products, equate the fluxes of A and B. Eliminate 𝑦5 and show that
𝒟$ $$%
the net flux of A is given by: 𝑘6 𝐶+7 ?1 + 𝒟# $#&
@

CH-5010: Chemical Reactor Theory