Reactors and Mixers

CHE 141
Course Objectives

Use residence time and/or space velocities as

criteria in CSTR sizing.
Apply chemical engineering principles to
design of reactors and mixers
Introduction
 The reactor is the heart of a chemical process, where
chemical reactions are carried out to transform feeds into
products.
 Reactors are usually designed as special items and
generally proprietary.
 General Types:
Fixed Bed Reactors  PLUG FLOW
Agitated Vessel  CSTR
Reactor Sizing Parameters
 Residence Time  determined from reaction kinetics

 Space Velocity (GHSV = Gas Hourly Space Velocity, LHSV =

Liquid Hourly Space Velocity)

 Weight or Mass Space Velocity (WHSV = Weight Hourly

Space Velocity)
CSTR Design
Agitators
Agitators
Page 18-29, Perry’s, 8th ed.
Page 18-12, Perry’s, 7th ed.
Problem

A fixed bed reactor is used to hydrotreat an olefinic

stream of LPG. From the pilot plant data, the
required superficial velocity across a reactor should
be 0.01 m/s and the residence time should be 10
minutes. Estimate the required dimension of a fixed
bed reactor which will process 3000 m3/day of
olefinic LPG.

Given:

Superficial velocity = 0.01 m/s

Residence time = 10 minutes
Feed = 3000 m3/day