THE CONTINUOUS STIRRED-TANK REACTOR (CSTR)

where is the rate of reaction of per unit volume, is the

reaction rate constant (with units of reciprocal time),
and is the molar concentration of species . For single-
phase reactions, the rate constant is typically a strong
function of reaction temperature given by the Arrhenius
relation,

where is the frequency factor, is the activation energy,

and R is the gas constant. The expressions in Eqs. 2-62
and 2-63 are based on theoretical considerations, but
model parameters and are usually determined by
fitting experimental data.
For these assumptions, the unsteady-state mass balance for the CSTR is

Because and are constant, Eq. 2-64 reduces to

Thus, even though the inlet and outlet flow rates may change due to upstream or
downstream conditions, Eq. 2-65 must be satisfied at all times. In Fig. 2.6, both
flow rates are denoted by the symbol q. For the stated assumptions, the
unsteady-state component balances for species A (in molar concentration units)
is
The rate of heat transfer from the reactor contents to the coolant is given by

where U is the overall heat transfer coefficient and A is the heat transfer area.
Both of these model parameters are assumed to be constant.
where is the heat of reaction per mole of A that is reacted.

1. More complicated rate expressions are considered. For example, a mass

action kinetics model for a second-order, irreversible reaction, 2A → B, is
given by
EXAMPLE 2.5
To illustrate how the CSTR can exhibit nonlinear dynamic behavior, we simulate
the effect of a step change in the coolant temperature in positive and negative
directions. Table 2.3 shows the parameters and nominal operating condition for the
CSTR based on Eqs. 2-66 and 2-68 for the exothermic, irreversible first-order
reaction A → B. The two state variables of the ODEs are the concentration of A ()
and the reactor temperature T. The manipulated input variable is the jacket water
temperature, . Two cases are simulated, one based on increased cooling by
changing Tc from 300 to 290 K and one reducing the cooling rate by increasing Tc
from 300 to 305 K. These model equations are solved in MATLAB with a
numerical integrator (ode15s) over a 10-min horizon. The decrease in Tc results in
an increase in .
At a jacket temperature of 305 K,
the reactor model has an
oscillatory response. The
oscillations are characterized by
apparent reaction run-away with a
temperature spike. However, when
the concentration drops to a low
value, the reactor then cools until
the concentration builds, then there
is another temperature rise. It is
not unusual for chemical reactors
to exhibit such widely different
behaviors for different directional
changes in the operating
conditions.
 EXERCISES
1// A perfectly stirred, constant-volume tank has
two input streams, both consisting of the same
liquid. The temperature and flow rate of each of
the streams can vary with time.
(a) Derive a dynamic model that will describe
transient operation. Make a degrees of freedom
analysis assuming that both Streams 1 and 2 come
from upstream units (i.e., their flow rates and
temperatures are known functions of time).
(b) Simplify your model, if possible, to one or
more differential equations by eliminating any
algebraic equations. Also, simplify any
derivatives of products of variables.
Notes: denotes mass flow rate for stream .
Liquid properties are constant (not functions of
temperature).
2// A completely enclosed stirred-tank heating process
is used to heat an incoming stream whose flow rate
varies. The heating rate from this coil and the volume
are both
constant.
(a) Develop a mathematical model (differential and
algebraic equations) that describes the exit
temperature if heat losses to the ambient occur and if
the ambient temperature () and the incoming stream’s
temperature () both can vary.
(b) Discuss qualitatively what you expect to happen
as and increase (or decrease). Justify by reference to
your model.
Notes:
ρ and are constants. , the overall heat transfer
coefficient, is constant. As is the surface area for heat
losses to ambient. > Ta (inlet temperature is higher
than ambient temperature).
3// Two tanks are connected together in the
following unusual way in Fig. E2.3.

(a) Develop a model for this system that can

be used to find as functions of time for any
given variations in inputs.

(b) Perform a degrees of freedom analysis.

Identify all input and output variables.
Notes:
The density of the incoming liquid, ρ, is
constant. The cross-sectional areas of the
two tanks are and . is positive for flow
from Tank 1 to Tank 2. The two valves are
linear with resistances and .