ChE 440/640

September 7, 2016

Todays topics
Reaction conversion
Batch reactors

A batch reaction A 2 B starts with CA0 =

1.0 mol/L and CB0 = 0. The reactor has a
constant (liquid) volume. After 25 minutes,
CB = 1.4 mol/L. What is the
conversion
of A?
25%
25%
25%
25%

A. 30%
B. 35%
C. 65%
D. 70%
30%

35%

65%

70%

Highlights of 2.2

Batch system: Rate In = Rate Out = 0

Rate of Generation = rA V
Rate of Generation = rA V
Rate of accumulation =
= rA V

Mole
balance
for batch
system

Highlights of 2.2
Definition of conversion X
Moles of A = Starting moles moles lost by reaction
For a batch system:
NA(t) = NA0 NA0 X(t) = NA0 [1 X(t)]

Combine mole balance and

definition of conversion
d NA
rA V =
dt
NA(t) = NA0 (1 X(t))
d NA
dX
dt = -NA0 dt

ADVANCED CALCULUS
Which parameters change with
time t?

Add rate law

-rA = k1 CA (for example)
Rewrite concentrations in terms of
Conversion
Usually: CA = CA0 (1 - X)
Finally integrate to find X(t)
(or t as a function of X)

Your turn
A batch reactor of volume V = 5 L is
fed with 10 moles of reactant A. A
decays by a first order reaction: A
B. The rate constant is k1 = 0.0025 h1
. After 30 days, find:
Concentration of A
Moles of A
Conversion of A

Summary
Find X(t)

Find X(V)

Find X(W)

Find X(V)

Solve for V

"Levenspiel plots"

Levenspiel plot

To get 80% conversion, which reactor is smaller?

To get 80% conversion, which reactor is smaller?

For next time

Finish reading Chapter 2
Second homework assignment is due