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CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020

Department of Chemical Engineering


University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #1 — Reaction Kinetics I

1. A reaction has the stoichiometric equation A + B = 2R. What is the order of the reaction?

2. Given the reaction 2NO2 + 12 O2 = N2 O5 , what is the relation between the rates of formation and disap-
pearance of the three components of the reaction?

3. A reaction with stoichiometric equation 12 A + B = R + 12 S has the following rate expression


0.5
−rA = 2 CA CB

What is the rate expression for this reaction if the stoichiometric equation is written as A + 2B = 2R + S?

4. A certain reaction has a rate given by


2
−rA = 0.005 CA , mol cm−3 min−1

If the concentration is to be expressed in mol L−1 and time in hours, what would be the value and units of
the rate constant?

5. For a gas reaction at 400 K the rate is reported as


dpA
− = 3.66 p2A , atm h−1
dt

(a) What are the units of the rate constant?


(b) What is the value of the rate constant for this reaction if the rate equation is expressed as
1 dNA
−rA = − 2
= k CA , mol L−1 h−1
V dt

6. For the reaction


2A + 3B −→
←− C + 4D + 2F
the rate of loss of A is 5 moles per unit volume per unit time.

(a) What is the rate of disappearance of B?


(b) What is the rate of appearance of C, D and F.

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CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #2 — Reaction Kinetics 2

1. If −rA = −(dCA /dt) = 0.2 mol L−1 s−1 when CA = 1 mol L−1 , what is the rate of reaction when
CA = 10 mol L−1 .
Note: The order of the reaction is not known.

2. Liquid A decomposes by first-order kinetics, and in a batch reactor 50% of A is converted in a 5-minute
run. How much longer would it take to reach 75% conversion?

3. Repeat the previous problem for second-order kinetics.

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4. A 10-minute experimental run shows that 75% of liquid reactant is converted to product by a 2 order rate.
What would be the amount converted in a half-hour run?

5. In a homogeneous isothermal liquid polymerization, 20% of the monomer disappears in 34 min for initial
monomer concentration of 0.04 mol L−1 and also for 0.8 mol L−1 . What is the rate of disappearance of the
monomer?

6. After 8 minutes in a batch reactor, reactant A (CA0 = 1 mol L−1 ) is 80% converted; after 18 minutes,
conversion is 90%. Find the rate equation to represent this reaction.

7. Find the overall order of the irreversible reaction

2H2 + 2NO −→ N2 + 2H2 O

from the following constant-volume data using equimolar amounts of hydrogen and nitric oxide:

Initial total pressure, mm Hg: 200 240 280 320 326


Half-life, s: 265 186 115 104 67

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8. The first-order reversible liquid reaction

A −→
←− R, CA0 = 0.5 mol L−1 , CR0 = 0

takes place in a batch reactor. After 8 minutes, conversion of A is 33.3% while equilibrium conversion is
66.7%. Find the rate equation for this reaction.

9. Some PH3 (g) is introduced into a flask at 600o C containing inert gas. The PH3 proceeds to decompose
into P4 (g) and H2 (g) and the reaction goes essentially to completion. The total pressure is given below as
a function of time.

Time, s: 0 60 120 ∞
Pressure, mm Hg: 262.40 272.90 275.53 276.40

Show the order of the reaction and calculate the reaction rate constant. Give its units.

10. At 500 K, the rate of a reaction is 10 times the rate at 400 K. Find the activation energy.

11. Given two rate constants k1 and k2 at temperatures of T1 (K) and T2 (K), derive an expression for E/R,
the activation energy.
Use your expression to determine E/R, the activation energy and the frequency factor from the data below:

T (o C) 11.3 37.8
k (L mol−1 min−1 ) 0.542 3.30
Use your expression to predict k at 23.4 o C and 30.8 o C.

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CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #3 — Reaction Kinetics 3

1. In order to study the photochemical decay of aqueous bromine in bright sunlight, a small quantity of liquid
bromine was dissolved in water contained in a glass jar and placed in direct sunlight. The following data
were obtained at 25o C:

Time (min): 10 20 30 40 50 60
Br2 Conc. (ppm): 2.45 1.74 1.23 0.88 0.62 0.44

(a) Determine whether the reaction is zero order, first order or second order, and calculate the rate constant.
(19 marks)
(b) Assuming identical exposure conditions, calculate the required hourly rate of injection of bromine (in
kg) into a sunlit body of water, 90 m3 in volume, in order to maintain a sterilizing level of bromine of
1.0 ppm. (6 marks)

Mol. Wt. of bromine = 160; 1 ppm ≡ 1 milligram per litre. Mid-term 2007

2. (a) The stoichiometry of the liquid phase reaction between cyanopentane-methylbenzene (A) and chlorine
(B) in acetic acid solvent may be represented by the equation:
A k
A + B −→ products
The reaction was studied in a batch reactor at 30o C and the following results were obtained:
time, t (min): 0 11.5 70 130 193 248
fractional conversion of B, XB : 0 0.0508 0.2467 0.4186 0.5278 0.6007
CA0 = 0.03131 mol L−1 and CB0 = 0.01778 mol L−1
Show that the rate law is of the form −rA = kA CA CB . Determine the value of kA and indicate its units.
(18 marks)
(b) The rule of thumb that the rate of reaction doubles for a 10 K increase in temperature occurs only
at a specific temperature for a given activation energy. Show that the relationship between activation
energy E, and temperature T , for which the rule holds is
 1/2
10E
T =
R ln 2

for moderate to high temperatures, with R being the Universal gas constant. Neglect any variation of
concentration with temperature. (7 marks)
December 2007

3. (a) Phosphine decomposes by the following stoichiometric equation:

4PH3 −→ P4 + 6H2

At a given instant, phosphine decomposes at the rate of 10 × 10−5 mol L−1 s−1 . Calculate the rates of
appearance of phosphorus and hydrogen. (5 marks)

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(b) At 1100 K, nonane thermally cracks 20 times as rapidly as at 1000 K. Find the activation energy (E/R)
for the decomposition. (5 marks)
(c) A gas A decomposes to form a gas B according to the reaction
k
A −→ 2B

The reaction is first order with respect to A. The decomposition is carried out in an isothermal constant
pressure batch reactor starting with pure A. Show that
dV
= k(2V0 − V )
dt
Where V is the volume at any time t and V0 is the initial volume. Assume ideal gas behavior.
(5 marks)
(d) An aqueous feed containing reactant A (CAO = 1 mol L−1 ) enters a mixed flow reactor (volume = 2 L)

2A −→ R; 2
−rA = 0.05 CA mol L−1 S−1

Find the feed rate (L min−1 ) that will give an outlet concentration of CA = 0.5 mol L−1 . (5 marks)
(e) The irreversible gas phase reaction

A −→ 3B; k = 10−3 mol L−1 min−1

is to be carried out isothermally. The reaction is zero order, the feed concentration of A is 2 mol L−1
and the system contains 40% inerts. For an inlet volumetric flow rate of 2 L min−1 , calculate the
reactor volume needed to achieve 80% conversion in a plug flow reactor. (5 marks)

December 2011

4. The kinetics of the homogeneous gas phase irreversible reaction A −→ 2 B are being investigated in a tubular
reactor. Vapour A is mixed with an inert gas at the inlet of the reactor such that the feed composition is
50 mol % A and 50 mol % inert gas. The temperature T (K) and pressure 1 bar are maintained constant
throughout the reactor, which consists of a cylindrical pipe 12 mm diameter and 1.5 m long.
The following results were obtained :-

Temperature, T Feed Rate of Reactant A, FA0 Fractional Conversion of A, XA


(K) (kmol s−1 )

700 2 × 10−6 0.58


700 1 × 10−6 0.80
720 2 × 10−6 0.83

Using the above data,


(a) Check whether the reaction is first order. (15 marks)
(b) Calculate the activation energy. (10 marks)
R = 8.314 Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 .
1 bar = 105 Pa

December 2012

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5. The following gaseous elementary reaction is given by

A(g) + B(g) −→ 2C(g)

When A and B are introduced into a constant volume reactor each at an initial concentration of
3.00 × 10−2 mol L−1 at 375 o C, it is found that at this temperature the conversion is 10% after 10 minutes.

If the reactor is operated at 450 o C with the same initial concentrations, how long will it take to achieve a
conversion of 10 %?
The activation energy has been found to be 162.2 kJ mol−1
R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1 (25 marks)

December 2013

6. A convenient laboratory technique for measuring the kinetics of ideal gas-phase single reactions is to follow
the change in total pressure, PT in a container of constant volume V , and temperature T . The concentration
of the various species can be calculated from the total pressure change. Consider the reaction

aA + bB + · · · −→ qQ + sS + · · ·

(a) By making up a stoichiometric table, show that the extent of reaction, ξ can be found from
V PT − PT 0
ξ=
RT ∆α
where PT 0 is the initial pressure, ∆α = q + s + · · · − a − b − · · ·, and R is the Universal Gas Constant.
(7 marks)
(b) Hence show that the partial pressure for the jth species pj , can be found from
αj
pj = pj0 + (PT − PT 0 )
∆α
(3 marks)
(c) Use the method to determine the rate constant for the first-order decomposition of di-t-butyl peroxide:

(CH3 )3 COOC(CH3 )3 −→ 2(CH3 )2 CO + C2 H6

using data given below provided by J.H. Raley, F.E. Rust, and W.E. Vaughn [J. Am. Chem. Soc. , 70,
98 (1948)), and obtained at 154.6o C in the presence of nitrogen, which was used to feed the peroxide
to the reactor.
Time (min) 0 2 5 8 12 17 21 ∞
Total Pressure (mm Hg) 173.5 187.3 205.3 222.9 244.4 268.7 286.8 491.8
(15 marks)

Mid-term 2015

7. (a) The gas phase reaction:


2A + 2B −→ C + 2D
is second order in A and first order in B. This reaction is carried out in a constant volume batch reactor
at 300o C. At time t, the rate of production of C is 2.6 kPa s−1 , and the partial pressures of A and B
are, respectively, 13 and 11 kPa. Calculate the rate constant (with respect to species A), kA , in terms
of:
(i) kPa and s.
(ii) mol, L and s. (13 marks )

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(b) Rate constants for the decomposition of N2 O5 at various temperatures are as follows:
Temperature, T (K): 298.2 318.2 338.2
Rate constant, k × 103 (s−1 ): 0.0346 0.498 4.87
(i) Determine the activation energy and the pre exponential factor for this reaction.
(ii) If the reaction occurs isothermally in a constant volume batch reactor, at what temperature should
it take place to achieve 80% decomposition in 100 seconds? (12 marks )

R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1 (Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 ) Mid-term 2015

8. (a) The gas-phase reaction 2A −→ 4B + C was studied in a constant-volume batch reactor maintained at
a fixed temperature. The following results were obtained:
Time (min) 0 20 40 60 80 ∞
Total Pressure (kPa) 66.6 84.6 97.3 106.1 112.2 126.6
Assuming that only A and inert gas were present at time zero and that the reaction went to completion,
determine:
(i) The partial pressure of A at time zero.
(ii) The order of the reaction and the rate constant kA . (20 marks)

(b) Develop the relationship between the half life (t1/2 ) of a first order reaction, and the reaction rate
constant (k).
The radioactive isotope Plutonium-238 has a half-life of 86 years. Determine the rate constant for the
first order radioactive decay of Plutonium-238. (5 marks)

Mid-term 2016

9. The decomposition of diazobenzene liberates nitrogen. The reaction is irreversible in nature and follows a
first order mechanism.
C6 H5 N2 Cl (aq.) −→ C6 H5 Cl (aq.) + N2 (g)
The volume of nitrogen liberated at various times is shown in the following table:

time, t (min) : 6 12 18 24 30
volume N2 liberated (cm3 at 50o C, 1 bar) : 19.3 32.6 41.3 46.5 50.3

It is observed that on complete decomposition of diazobenzene, the volume of nitrogen liberated is 58.3 cm3 .
Calculate the rate constant for the reaction.
1 bar = 105 Pa
R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1 (Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 ). (25 marks)

Mid-term 2016

10. (a) Develop an expression for the half life of an nth order reaction taking place at constant volume and
constant temperature.
The following data give the time for 50% decomposition of a given initial charge of N2 O5 in a constant
volume reactor at various temperatures.
Assuming that each run had the same initial concentration of N2 O5 and each run was carried out
isothermally, determine the activation energy:

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Temperature (o C) Half Life (s)

300 3.9 × 10−5


200 3.9 × 10−3
150 8.8 × 10−2
100 4.6
50 816

(13 marks)

(b) A gas phase dimerization


2A −→ B
takes place in a constant volume reactor. The following data were obtained at 440 o C:
Time (s) Total pressure (kPa)

0 82.7
100 71.1
200 64.4
300 60.4
400 57.4
500 55.4
Show that the reaction is second order and determine the rate constant for these conditions.

(12 marks)

December 2016

11. (a) The kinetics of the reaction A −→ R was studied in a batch reactor and the following concentration,
CA versus time, t data was obtained –
t (min) 0 0.5 2 5 10 20 30
CA (mol L−1 ) 10.0 9.834 9.340 8.381 6.869 4.262 2.321
From theoretical considerations of the reaction, the following rate law has been proposed –
k1 C A
−rA =
1 + k2 C A
(i) From the proposed rate law, deduce the order of the reaction at a very high concentration of A
and deduce the order of the reaction as the concentration of A approaches zero. (4 marks)
(ii) Using the integral method of data analysis, determine whether the data fits the proposed rate law
and the value of the constants k1 and k2 . (14 marks)

(b) For a homogeneous first order gas phase reaction

SO2 Cl2 −→ SO2 + Cl2

The half life is 445 seconds. Calculate the time required for the concentration of SO2 Cl2 to be reduced
to 2% of the original value (7 marks)
Mid-term 2017

12. With the aid of a stoichiometric table, derive the relationship between the total system pressure, π, and the
partial pressure pi of any species i, taking part in an isothermal gas phase reaction. (8 marks)

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The gas phase reaction
A k
2A −→ B
is carried out in a constant volume batch reactor at 500 K. The following results were obtained:

Time (min) 0 1 10 30 90 1500


Total Pressure (kPa) 60.0 52.5 42.8 41.05 40.36 40.0
Assuming that only A and inert gas were present at time zero
(a) Show that the reaction is elementary and determine the value of kA (in kPa and min). (12 marks)
(b) Determine the value of kA in mol, L and min. (5 marks)
State any assumptions made.
R = 8.314 kPa L mol−1 K−1 Mid-term 2017

13. (a) N2 + 3H2 −→ 2NH3


The above reaction is taking place in a flow reactor with an equimolar feed of H2 and N2 .
(i) In terms of the fractional conversion of H2 (XH2 ) and the molar feed rate of H2 (FH2 ,0 ) write
expressions for the molar flow of H2 , N2 and NH3 out of the reactor. (5 marks)
(ii) If the inlet pressure is 16.4 atm and the reactor temperature is 1727o C, calculate the concentration
of NH3 and H2 in mol L−1 at the outlet for a conversion of 60%.
R = 0.08206 atm L mol−1 K−1 (5 marks)

(b) In the decomposition of dinitrogen pentoxide, N2 O5 (N2 O5 −→ products) at 45o C, the partial pressure
of N2 O5 was 148 mm Hg after 2000 s and 62 mm Hg after 4000 s. Calculate the first order rate constant.
(5 marks)

(c) Derive an expression for the half life of an nth order reaction.
The thermal decomposition of a gaseous substance was studied at various initial pressures, p0 . The
following values for the half life, t1/2 were obtained:
t1/2 (min): 105 235 950
p0 (mm Hg): 750 500 250
Determine the order of the reaction. (10 marks)
December 2017

14. (a) Ortho- and para-hydrogen differ in their relative alignment of nuclear spins. A. Farkas has reported (Z.
Physikal. Chem. B10, 419 (1930)) the following half-life data for this nth order reaction at 923 K.
p-H2 −→ o-H2
Initial pressure of p-H2 (kPa) 6.67 13.33 26.66 53.33
Half-life (s) 648 450 318 222
Determine the order of this reaction and the value of the rate constant. (12 marks)

(b) Consider the elementary isomerization reaction:


k1
−→
A ←− B
k2

If the concentration of A, CA varies with time t, as follows -


t (hours) 0 1 2 3 4 ∞
CA (mol L−1 ) 1.00 0.725 0.568 0.456 0.395 0.300
Calculate the rate constants k1 and k2 and the equilibrium constant KC , assuming that pure A was
present at t = 0. (13 marks)
Mid-term 2018

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CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #4 — Ideal Reactors 1

1. An aqueous reactant A at 1 mol L−1 enters a plug flow reactor having a volume of 24 cm3 and undergoes
the following reaction
A −→ R
The exit concentration of A is measured at various feed rates. From the following data, find the rate of
reaction at CA = 0.4 mol L−1

volumetric flow rate, v (cm3 s−1 ) 1 6 24


conversion of A, XA 0.96 0.80 0.50

2. An aqueous feed containing reactant A (CA0 = 1 mol L−1 ) enters a mixed flow reactor (V = 2 L) and
undergoes the following reaction
2A −→ R; 2
−rA = 0.05CA , mol L−1 s−1
Find the feed rate (L min−1 ) that will give an outlet concentration of CA = 0.5 mol L−1 .

3. A homogeneous liquid phase reaction


2
A −→ R; −rA = kCA
takes place with 50% conversion in a mixed reactor.
(a) What will be the conversion if this reactor is replaced by one 6 times as large — all else remaining
unchanged.
(b) What will be the conversion if the original reactor is replaced by a plug flow reactor of equal size — all
else remaining unchanged.

4. Assuming a stoichiometry A −→ R for a first order gas phase reaction, the size of a plug flow reactor
needed for a given duty (99% conversion of pure A) was calculated to be 32 L. In fact, the stoichiometry is
A −→ 3R. What is the correct reactor volume?

5. The homogeneous gas phase A −→ 3R follows second order kinetics. For a feed rate of 4 m3 h−1 of pure A
at 5 atm and 350o C, an experimental reactor consisting of a 2.5 cm ID pipe, 2 m long, gives 60% conversion
of the feed. A commercial plant is to treat 320 m3 h−1 of feed consisting of 50% A, 50% inerts at 25 atm
and 350o C to obtain 80% conversion.
(a) How many 2 m lengths of 2.5 cm ID pipe are required?
(b) Should they be placed in parallel or series?
Assume plug flow, negligible pressure drop and ideal gas behaviour. R = 0.08206 m3 atm kmol−1 K−1 .

1
CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies
ASSIGNMENT #5 — Ideal Reactors 2
1. By drawing reference to the performance equation for a PFR for the case where the feed enters the reactor
partially converted, derive the performance equation for a recycle reactor :
Z XAf
V dXA
=
(R + 1)FA0 ( R+1 )XAf −rA
R

For the irreversible first-order liquid-phase reaction (CA0 = 10 mol L−1 ) conversion is 90% in a plug flow
reactor. If two-thirds of the stream leaving the reactor is recycled to the reactor entrance, and the throughput
to the whole reactor-recycle system is kept unchanged, what is the conversion of the stream leaving the
system?
Comment on the finding. December 2000

2. A steady stream of SO2 Cl2 is passed through a tube 2 cm in diameter and 1 meter long. Decomposition
into SO2 and Cl2 occurs, and the temperature is maintained at 700 K, at which value the rate constant is
6.6 × 10−2 s−1 . Calculate the partial pressure of Cl2 in the exit gas stream, if the pressure is constant at
100 kPa, and the feed rate of SO2 Cl2 is 1 L min−1 measured at 0o Cand 100 kPa.
Universal Gas Constant, R = 8.314 kPa L mol−1 K−1 (25 marks)
December 2004

3. Propionic acid is to be produced in a backmix reactor. The reaction is


C2 H5 COONa + HCl −→←− C2 H5 COOH + NaCl
The reaction is known to be elementary, second order and reversible with equilibrium constant K = 16.
Laboratory investigations were carried out by feeding equimolar solutions of sodium propionate (A) and
hydrochloric acid (B) to a CSTR with a volume of 2 litres. The following results were obtained:

CA0 = CB0 = 5.4 g mol/L


vA = vB = 0.520 L/min
XA = 0.1
(a) Use the above data to determine the rate law.
(b) It is intended to operate a plant to process 40 L/min of A at a concentration of 325 kg A/m3 and
40 L/min of B at a concentration of 123.6 kg B/m3 . The temperature is the same as in the laboratory
scale. Calculate the volume of the CSTR required to obtain a 75% conversion of A.
Molecular weight of A = 96 Molecular weight of B = 36.5 (25 marks)
December 2011

4. Consider the following liquid phase elementary reversible reaction:


A + B −→
←− C + D
(a) Show that:
2
(1 − XA )2 − EXA
2
 
−rA = k1 CA0
for an equimolar feed of A and B and no C and D in the feed.
−rA = rate of disappearance of A
CA0 = initial concentration of A
k1 , k2 = forward and reverse rate constants
XA = fractional conversion of A
 2
E = 1−X
XAE
AE

XAE = equilibrium conversion (10 marks)

1
(b) A and B are fed to a CSTR in equimolar proportions. The reaction occurs at constant temperature.
Using the following data:
Space Time Fractional Conversion XA
30.0 0.5
14.8 0.4

determine the equilibrium conversion (15 marks)


December 2012

5. The liquid phase reversible reaction A −→


←− B carried out in an isothermal plug flow reactor. Pure A is fed to
the reactor and the conversion is 55%. The reaction is elementary and the equilibrium constant KC = 5.8.

If a second identical plug flow reactor operating at the same temperature is placed downstream of the first
reactor, what overall conversion will be obtained if

(i) The reactors are connected in series. (15 marks)


(ii) The products from the first reactor are separated (assume perfect separation) and only unconverted A
is fed to the second reactor. (10 marks)
December 2012

6. A solution of an ester R.COOR0 is to be hydrolysed with an excess of caustic soda solution.Two stirred
tanks of equal size will be used. The ester and caustic soda solutions flow separately into the first tank
at rates of 0.004 and 0.001 m3 s−1 and with concentrations of 0.02 and 1.0 kmol m−3 respectively. The
reaction:
R.COOR0 + NaOH −→ R.COONa + R0 OH
is second order with a rate constant of 0.033 m3 kmol−1 s−1 at the temperature at which both tanks operate.
Determine the volume of the tanks required to effect 95 per cent conversion of the ester. (25 marks)

December 2015

7. Propane is oxidized according to the stoichiometry

C3 H8 + 4O2 −→ 4H2 O + 2CO + CO2

at constant temperature and pressure. A dilute propane stream containing 1 mole propane per 20 moles air
at 2 atm and 350o C is available to be oxidized to CO for subsequent use.
Compute the maximum feed rate in litres per hour, measured at feed conditions, that can be processed if
it is required to oxidize at least 3/4 of the propane. The reactor consists of a 7.5 metre section of 10 cm ID
steel pipe.
−1
At the conditions of reaction, -rpropane = 500 Cpropane CO2 [mol L min−1 ].
Assume plug flow and ideal gas conditions. Take air to be 21% O2 and 79% N2 by volume.
State clearly and with some justification any simplifying assumptions made. Solve your integral numerically
using Simpson’s one-third rule with four strips.
R = 0.08206 atm L mol−1 K−1 . (25 marks)

Midterm 2016

2
8. 9.5 m3 h−1 of meta-xylene are being isomerized by first order kinetics to a mixture of ortho-xylene, meta-
xylene, and para-xylene in a plug flow reactor (PFR) of volume 28 m3 . The reaction is carried out at 400 o C
and 22 atm. Under these conditions, 37% of the meta-xylene fed to the reactor is isomerized.
Problems with the feed compressor result in a drop in pressure while the original mass flowrate of meta-
xylene continues to be processed, and results in a lower conversion value – 27.1%.
It is decided that to overcome this reduction in conversion, the original PFR will be replaced with a larger
one, while continuing to process the same mass flowrate of meta-xylene at the new (reduced) pressure.
What size reactor should be installed in order to return the conversion to the original value of 37%?
Universal Gas Constant, R = 8.314 Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 ; 1 atm = 1.01325 × 10−5 Pa (25 marks)

December 2016

9. For the liquid-phase reaction represented by A −→ products carried out (separately) in a batch reactor and
in a CSTR, show, for the same rate of production, conversion, and temperature in the two reactors,
(a) that the ratio Vbatch /VCSTR decreases as the order of the reaction (n) increases for a given batch reactor
downtime ratio a = td /tr ; to do this by illustration, calculate the the ratio for XA = 0.8, a = 1 and
n = 1/2, 1 and 2; (15 marks)
(b) that the ratio in (a) becomes 1+a at low conversion, independent of the order of the reaction.

Hint: L’Hôpital’s Theorem: If two functions f (x) and g(x) both become zero at x = a, then the limit of
their quotient is equal to the limit of the quotient of the separate derivatives, if the limit exits, or is
+∞ or −∞. (10 marks)
December 2016

10. It is desired to decompose sulfuryl chloride (SO2 Cl2 ) into sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) and chlorine (Cl2 ) in a PFR
operating at steady state. The reaction can be considered to be irreversible and elementary, with a rate
constant k of 0.0264 min−1 at 321o C.
Calculate the reactor volume required to produce 90 per cent decomposition when operating at 321o C, and
at atmospheric pressure with a feed rate of 22.7 kg h−1 . It may be assumed that the system follows the
ideal-gas law.

Molecular Weight of SO2 Cl2 – 135, R = 8.314 Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 , 1 atm = 1.01325 × 105 Pa
(25 marks)
Midterm 2017

11. The decomposition of nitrous oxide, N2 O proceeds as a second-order reaction,


k
2N2 O −→ 2N2 + O2

The reverse reaction is negligible. At 895o C, the value of the rate constant, k is 7.38 L mol−1 s−1 .

Calculate the time to decompose 90% per cent of the N2 O at 895o C:


(a) When the volume is kept constant, initial pressure 1 atm. (12 marks)
(b) When the pressure is kept constant at 1 atm. (13 marks)
1 atm = 1.01325 × 105 Pa
R = 8.314 Pa m3 mol−1 K−1 December 2017

3
12. Sketch the conversion-time and rate-concentration curves for an autocatalytic reaction, noting any significant
aspects of the sketches. (5 marks)
An autocatalytic reaction A −→ B is carried out in the liquid phase with the reaction rate given by kCA CB .
A solution containing l kmol m−3 of A is to be 99% decomposed in a reactor system. 10 m3 h−1 of the
solution is to be treated and at the reaction temperature, k = 4.2 × 10−4 m3 kmol−1 s−1 . With the aid of a
diagram, demonstrate which configuration of reactors (plug flow and stirred tank) would give the minimum
total volume and calculate this volume.
Any assumptions made should be clearly stated. (20 marks)
December 2017

13. Acetaldehyde decomposes according to the homogeneous vapour phase reaction:


CH3 CHO −→ CH4 + CO

The reaction is irreversible and second order in acetaldehyde concentration. A small laboratory batch
reactor is filled with pure acetaldehyde at 500o C and 1 atmosphere and sealed. The temperature is kept
constant. After 10 minutes the total pressure has risen to 1.3 atmospheres. What is the rate constant?
What would be the pressure after a further 10 minutes?
An equimolar mixture of acetaldehyde and nitrogen at 1 atmosphere is passed through an isothermal plug
flow reactor at 500o C. If the volumetric feed rate measured at reactor inlet conditions is 0.5 litre per minute
and the required conversion is 50%, estimate the reactor volume.
R = 0.08206 L atm mol−1 K−1
Z XA
dXA XA
=
0 (1 − XA )2 1 − XA
Z XA
XA dXA XA
= + ln(1 − XA )
0 (1 − XA )2 1 − XA
Z XA 2
XA dXA XA
2
= XA + + 2 ln(1 − XA )
0 (1 − XA ) 1 − XA
(25 marks)

Midterm 2018

14. (a) A first order reaction is taking place in a series of N equal size continuous stirrred tank reactors.
Develop an expression for the outlet concentration of reactant A from the N th tank. Define all terms
in your analysis. Assume constant density. Show that the behaviour of this system approaches the
behaviour of a plug flow reactor as N −→ ∞. (10 marks)
(b) A chemical reaction is taking place in three unequal size CSTRs connected in series. Assume that rate
data are available as -rA vs CA where −rA = rate of disappearance of reactant A, and CA = concen-
tration of reactant A.
Show how the outlet concentration of reactant A may be determined graphically for a constant density
system. (5 marks)
(c) You are asked to choose a single ideal reactor (CTSR or PFR) to carry out the constant density liquid
phase reaction
A −→ B + C
The rate law is
1/2
4 CA
rB = kmol m−3 h−1
1 + CA
Indicate which reactor you would recommend for the desired conversion of:
(i) 25 %
(ii) 90 %
The initial concentration of A is 4 kmol m−3 . Draw diagrams to illustrate your answer.
(10 marks)
December 2018

4
CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #6 — Multiple Reactions

1. Consider a model reaction scheme in which a substance A reacts with a second substance B to give a desired
product P, but B also undergoes a simultaneous side reaction to give an unwanted product Q (all reactions
take place in the liquid phase):
A + B −→ P; −rA = k1 CA CB
2B −→ Q; −rB = k2 CB2
Let a single CSTR be used to make these products. A and B are mixed in equimolar proportions such that
each has a concentration C0 in the combined stream fed at a volumetric flowrate v to the reactor. If the
rate constants are both equal to k and the total conversion of B is 0.95,
(a) Calculate the conversion of A. (12 marks)
(b) Show that the volume of the reactor will be approximately 69v/kC0 . (3 marks)
(c) Calculate the overall fractional yield, Φ (i.e. all the P formed/all the B reacted). (5 marks)
(d) What is the essential requirement to favour the production of P as opposed to that of Q? Suggest any
alternative modes of contacting the reactants A and B which would give better yields than either a
single CSTR or a simple tubular reactor. (5 marks)
December 2005

2. A plant produces a chemical A, which is not toxic, but which slowly hydrolyzes in H2 O to form a highly
toxic substance B. This chemical A also slowly oxidizes in the presence of air to form a harmless chemical C.
Due to an accident on the plant, a steady stream of A starts leaking into a nearby river. The concentration
of A in the river at the source of the leak is 2 × 10−5 mol L−1 and the river can be assumed to be flowing in
plug flow at a velocity u of 8 km h−1 . It can also be assumed that the water is saturated with O2 which is
replenished as fast as it is consumed. The pseudo first-order rate constants for the hydrolysis and oxidation
reactions are respectively k1 = 0.111 h−1 and k2 = 0.284 h−1 .
(a) Derive expressions for the concentrations of A, B and C in the river, as a function of distance L,
downstream of the source of the leak. (16 marks)
(b) Determine the maximum possible concentration of the toxic chemical. (3 marks)
(c) At what distance downstream of the leak will the concentration of A have dropped to half that of the
concentration at the source of the leak? (2 marks)
(d) At what distance downstream of the leak will the concentrations of A and B be equal? (3 marks)
(e) The intermediate B is highly toxic to leaf cutting ants and caterpillars, but only moderately toxic to
humans. How and under what conditions should this chemical A be applied? (1 mark)
December 2007

3. The following elementary liquid phase reactions were investigated in a perfectly mixed flow reactor:
1 k 2 k
A −→ R −→ S
3 k
A −→ P

For a feed rate of 100 mol min−1 of pure A and a space time of 20 min, 80% of A was converted. The
product composition in mol % were as follows:

A − 20%; R − 50%; S − 20% and P − 10%

1
(a) Find k1 , k2 , k3 . [12 marks]
(b) For the set of rate constants obtained in (a), determine the space time which should be used in order to
maximize the moles of R produced per mole of A fed. Calculate the composition of the product at this
optimum value. [13 marks]
December 2008

4. (a) The following elementary liquid phase reactions take place in a CSTR:
k1 2 k
A −→ R −→ S
The feed consists of pure A with concentration CA0 . Determine an expression for τmax such that the
concentration of R at the exit is a maximum.
V
τ=
v
where: V - volume of reactor
v - volumetric feed rate (10 marks)
1 k
(b) A −→ B
2 k
2B −→ C
The above reactions take place in the liquid phase in a CSTR. The volume of the reactor is 1000 L and
the volumetric flow rate is 167 L min−1 .
The rate equations are:
−rA (mol L−1 min−1 ) = k1 CA ; k1 = 0.50 min−1
−1 −1
−rC (mol L min ) = k2 CB ; 2
k2 = 1.0 L mol−1 min−1
What are the concentrations of A, B and C leaving the reactor if the feed concentrations are
CA0 = 5 mol L−1 , CB0 = CC0 = 0 (15 marks)
December 2009

5. (a) Suppose a species A undergoes (liquid-phase) reaction according to the following kinetic scheme:
Reaction Desired? Rate Law Activation Energy

A −→ B no rB = k1 CA EA1

2
2A −→ A2 yes rA2 = k2 CA EA2 < EA1
(i) Does a favourable product distribution result from relatively high or relatively low CA . Explain
briefly.
(ii) Does a favourable product distribution result from relatively high or relatively low T . Explain
briefly.
(iii) Does a favourable (i.e. small) reactor size result from high or low CA . Explain briefly.
(iv) Does a favourable reactor size result from high or low T . Explain briefly.
(v) Which type of reactor, PFR or single-stage CSTR, should be chosen for this situation, and should
it be operated at high, low, or optimal T to achieve favourable product distribution with small size
of reactor. Explain briefly. (13 marks)
(b) The following elementary liquid phase reaction is to take place in a CSTR:
k k
1
A −→ 2
R −→ S k1 = 1 min−1 , k2 = 0.75 min−1
For a feed consisting of pure A (CA0 = 10 mol l−1 , v0 = 100 l min−1 ), determine:
(i) The size of CSTR which should be used to maximize the production of R.
(ii) The molar flowrate of R leaving the reactor in part (i). (12 marks)
December 2010

2
1k 2k
6. The process A −→ B −→ C is carried out in a tubular reactor with plug flow. Both reactions are of first
order. The feed consists of pure A. Using the following data:
Initial concentration CAO = 0.05 kmole m3
Volumetric flow rate v = 0.15 m3 h−1
Diameter of reactor d = 5.17 x 10−2 m
k1 = 172.5 h−1
Calculate the length of the tube to maximize the yield of B in the case where k2 = k1 /2. What are the exit
concentrations of A, B and C?
Note: For the first-order linear differential equation y 0 + P y = Q, the solution is
R Z R
ye P dx = Qe P dx dx + const.

(25 marks)
December 2011

7. The liquid phase isomerization


1 k 2 k
A −→ B −→ C
takes place in two CSTR’s of equal volume, V connected in series and operating at the same temperature.
−1
(a) Assuming that the volumetric flow rate is 100 L min , calculate the concentration of B and C in the
product stream from the second reactor. (15 marks)
(b) Assuming that B is the desired product, calculate the volumetric flow rate that maximizes the concen-
tration of B in the product stream from the second reactor. (10 marks)
−1
Data: k1 = k2 — 0.2 min
CA0 — 2.0 mol L−1
CB0 = CC0 — 0
V — 500 L
December 2014

8. (a) For the reversible consecutive reactions


k1 k3
−→ −→
A ←− R ←− S
k2 k4

taking place in a steady-state, constant-volume perfectly mixed reactor, show that the concentration of
R, when the feed contains only A at concentration CA0 , is
1 k τ
CR 1+k1 τ
= 2 k3 k4 τ 2
CA0 1 + (k2 + k3 )τ − k1+k
1 k2 τ

− 1+k4 τ

(15 marks)
(b) If both reactions are irreversible, show that the result in (a) reduces to
CR k1 τ
=
CA0 (1 + k1 τ )(1 + k3 τ )

(5 marks)
(c) If the first reaction is very rapid, it is always close to its equilibrium as R is reacting further to form
S. Explain how this can be represented by k1 → ∞ but the equilibrium constant K12 = k1 /k2 finite.
Find the expression for CR /CA0 in this case by appropriately reducing the results from part (a).
(5 marks)

December 2016

3
9.
1 k
A −→ C
2k 3 k
A −→ B −→ C
4 k
F −→ B+D
Compounds A and F can react according to the above mechanism. All reaction steps are irreversible and
first order except for the formation of B from F which is second order in F. D is an insoluble gas which
separates in the reactor.
A liquid mixture containing equimolar quantities of A and F (CA0 = CF0 = 0.4 mol L−1 ) in an inert solvent
is fed to a well mixed reactor. Assume no volume change due to reaction.
(a) Write down the maximum possible molar concentration of C. (Hint: What will be CA and CF if
maximum possible CC is achieved?) (7 marks)
(b) It the volumetric feed rate is 2 L min−1 , calculate the concentration of C leaving the reactor and express
it as a percentage of the maximum.
Data: k1 = 0.01 min−1 ; k2 = 0.02min−1
−1
k3 = 0.07 min ; k4 = 0.5 L mol−1 min−1
Reactor volume = 120 L (18 marks)

December 2017

10. (a) The intermediate R is to be produced in a flow reactor by the following reaction:

1 k 2 k
A −→ R −→ S

For k1 /k2 = 3 and k1 = 2 s−1 , calculate the value of the space time, τ for a perfectly mixed reactor for
maximum production of R.
On the basis of the optimum value of τ , calculate the conversion of A and the values of the ratios of the
concentrations CR /CA0 and CS /CA0 . (13 marks)

(b) The reactions


1 k
A −→ R
k2
A −→ 2S

are to be carried out isothermally in a plug-flow reactor. Because of market considerations, it is desired
to make two moles of R per mole of S. If the rate constants for these two first order reactions are
 
20, 130
k1 = 6 × 1014 exp − s−1
T
 
18, 620
13
k2 = 3.7 × 10 exp − s−1
T

find the temperature at which the reactor should be operated, assuming constant density.
(12 marks)

December 2018

4
CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #7 — Non-Isothermal Reactions

1. An elementary reversible gas phase reaction:


k1
A−→
←− B
k2

is to be carried out adiabatically in a CSTR to obtain 45% conversion of A. Pure A is to be fed to the reactor at
a rate of 10 mol min−1 at a pressure of 2.87 atm and 77o C. Calculate the temperature of the exit stream and the
reactor volume.
Data:
Forward reaction rate constant, k1 = 0.001 h−1 at 0o C
Forward reaction activation energy, EA1 = 41 840 J mol−1
Heat of reaction: ∆Hr = -83680 J (mol A)−1 at 27o C
Equilibrium constant at 127o C = 25 000
Heat capacity of A: 83.7 J mol−1 K−1
Heat capacity of B: 125.5 J mol−1 K−1
Universal gas constant, R = 0.08206 L atm mol−1 K−1 = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1
December 2000

2. Normal butane is to be isomerized to isobutane in a plug-flow reactor. The reaction, which is elementary and
reversible, is to be carried out adiabatically in the liquid phase under high pressure and using essentially trace
amounts of a liquid catalyst. Calculate the volume of the PFR necessary to process 163 kmol h−1 at 70% conversion
of a mixture of 90 mol % n-butane and 10 mol % i-pentane, the latter which is considered an inert. The feed enters
the PFR at 330 K.
Data:
Heat of reaction, ∆Hr = -6 900 J per mol of n-butane reacted at 25o C
Heat capacity of n-butane, cpn−B = 141 J mol−1 K−1
Heat capacity of i-butane, cpi−B = 141 J mol−1 K−1
Heat capacity of n-pentane, cpn−P = 161 J mol−1 K−1
Equilibrium constant, KC at 60o C = 3.03
Initial concentration of n-butane, Cn−B,0 = 9.3 kmol m−3
Forward reaction rate constant, k1 = 1.0615 × 1011 exp(−7 902/T ) h−1
Universal gas constant, R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1
(Evaluate any integral using Simpson’s rule and 5 points) (25 marks)

December 2007

3. A CSTR is to be used for the polymerization of styrene (A). The reactor is fed with a monomer flow at 300 K. The
space time, τ is 2 h. The reaction can be assumed to be approximately first order with the rate constant, k expressed
by
k = 1010 exp(−10, 000/T ) h−1
Laboratory-scale experiments carried out in an adiabatic batch reactor showed that when the monomer reacted
completely, a temperature rise of 400o C was recorded.
If the CSTR is to be operated at 413 K to reach the desired distribution of molecular weight, what conversion level
of the monomer can be achieved?
In order to maintain the reactor temperature at 413 K, it would be necessary to have the CSTR surrounded by
a cooling jacket. What temperature should the cooling jacket be, if the heat transfer parameter, α = U A/ρ v cP
assumes the value of 10?
(U is the overall heat transfer coefficient, A is the heat transfer area and v is the volumetric flow rate. The density,
ρ and mass specific heat capacity, cP of the reacting mixture, and the heat of reaction ∆Hr , are all assumed to be
constant throughout the process.) [25 marks]

December 2010

1
4. The decomposition of phosphine takes place according to :

4PH3 −→ P4 + 6H2

The reaction is irreversible, endothermic and first order. The rate constant k varies with temperature as follows:

k = 8.318 exp(−45487/T )

where k is in s−1 and T in K. It is proposed to produce phosphorous by the decomposition of phospine at a feed rate
of 45 kg h−1 in a tubular reactor operating at atmospheric pressure. The highest temperature that can be used is
680 o C at which temperature the phosphorous is a vapour .
(a) Estimate the conversion expected in a tubular of volume 2.83 m3 operating isothermally at 680 o C.
(18 marks)
o
(b) If the reactor is operated adiabatically with an inlet temperature T0 = 680 C, the following equations must be
solved:
dFA
dV
= −(−rA ) for FA = FA0 at V = 0

dT (−∆H)(−rA )
dV
= P for T = T0 at V = 0
Fi Cpi

where A refers to phosphine.


Discuss very briefly the data you will need and how you will solve the above set of equations.
Atomic weight of phosphorous = 31
R = 0.08206 m3 atm kmol−1 K−1 (7 marks)
December 2012

5. (a) An exothermic elementary reaction takes place in the liquid phase in a CSTR:

A + 2B −→ 2C + D

If the reactor is operated adiabatically, determine the reactor volume required to achieve 35 % conversion of A.
Data:
∆Hr = −370.1 kJ mol−1 Feed Temperature = 303K
CpA = 84.5 J mol−1 K−1 FA0 = 10 mol min−1
−1 −1
CpB = 137 J mol K FB0 = 30 mol min−1
−1 −1
CpC = 170 J mol K v = 1000 L min−1
CpD = 75 J mol−1 K−1
 
40 × 103 1 1

Rate constant k = 0.090 exp − L2 mol−2 min−1
8.314 303 T
(15 marks)
(b) If the above reactor operated non adiabatically by cooling and the feed volumetric flow rate is changed to 100 L
min−1 , determine the reactor volume.
Additional Data:
For the cooling coil U Ac =9 000 J min−1 K−1
Cooling water temp. = 323 K (constant)
(10 marks)

December 2013

6. An elementary liquid phase reaction occurs in a CSTR having a volume of 1200 L and is heated by a steam jacket

A + B −→ C; −rA = kCA CB

The feed temperature is 27 o C and the volumetric feed rate of 30 L min−1 . The inlet concentrations of A and B are
2 mol L−1 . If the conversion is A is 60 %
(a) calculate the reactor temperature required to achieve this. (15 marks)

2
(b) determine the temperature of the steam in the jacket required to maintain the reactor temperature
(10 marks)
Data:
Activation Energy = 10,000 J mol−1
Rate constant at 27o C = 0.01725 L mol−1 min−1
∆Hr assumed constant = 41840 J mol−1 of A
Heat Capacity of mixture = 4184 J L−1 K−1
Reactor heat transfer area = 6 m2
Heat transfer coefficient U = 70 W m−2 K−1
Universal Gas constant R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1
December 2014

7. The first order exothermic liquid phase reaction:

A −→ products

is taking place in an adiabatic batch reactor.


(a) Show that:
ρcp
XA = (T − T0 )
−∆Hr CA0
where:
XA - fractional conversion of A
ρ - density of liquid mixture (assumed constant with reaction), kg m−3
cp - specific heat of liquid mixture (assumed constant), kJ kg−1 K−1
∆Hr - heat of reaction (assumed constant with temperature), kJ (kmol A)−1
T - temperature in the reactor at any conversion XA , K
T0 - initial temperature, K
CA0 - initial concentration of A, kmol m−3 (9 marks)

(b) Determine the time required to achieve a conversion of 80% of A for the following conditions:
ρ = 1070 kg m−3 CA0 = 0.3 kmol m−3
cp = 3.8 kJ kg−1 K−1 T0 = 15 o C
∆Hr = -210,000 kJ (kmol A)−1

Rate constant, k = 5.542 × 105 exp(−5714/T ) s−1

Evaluate any integral using Simpson’s rule with five points. (16 marks)

December 2015

8. The elementary irreversible gas-phase reaction:


k
A −→ B + C

is carried out adiabatically in a PFR. Pure A enters the reactor at a volumetric flow rate v0 of 20 L s−1 , at a pressure
P0 of 10 atm and a temperature T0 of 450 K. It is required to achieve 80% conversion of A. Assuming negligible
pressure drop, determine
(a) The exit temperature.
(b) The volume of the PFR necessary to achieve this conversion.
Data:
average molar heat capacity of species A, C̄P,A = 40 J mol−1 K−1
average molar heat capacity of species B, C̄P,B = 25 J mol−1 K−1
average molar heat capacity of species C, C̄P,C = 15 J mol−1 K−1
heat of reaction (at 273 K) per mole of A reacted, ∆Hr,273 = -20 kJ mol−1

E 1 1 −1
h i
k = 0.133 exp − s
R 450 T
with E = 31.4 kJ mol−1
Note: R = 8.314 J mol−1 K−1 = 0.08206 atm L mol−1 K−1 .
Evaluate any integral using Simpson’s rule with five points. (25 marks)

December 2016

3
9. An exothermic first order liquid phase reaction A −→ R was conducted in a PFR, with pure A entering the reactor.
Determine the reactor volume required for 90% conversion of A, if the process is adiabatic.
Data: Heat capacity of A, cpA = 143.75 J mol−1 K−1
Heat capacity of R, cpR = 264.1 J mol−1 K−1
Initial concentration of A, CA0 = 2.5 mol L−1
Reaction rate constant, k = 2.1 × 107 exp(−6500/T ) min−1
Volumetric flow rate, v = 3600 L h−1
Heat of reaction, ∆Hr = -19 000 J per mol of A reacted at 325 K
Initial temperature, T0 = 325 K
(Evaluate any integral using Simpson’s rule and 5 points). [25 marks]

December 2017

k
A
10. A first order, liquid phase, endothermic reaction, A −→ products, takes place in a CSTR. The feed concentration is
1.25 mol A L , the volumetric flowrate of the feed is 20 L s−1 , and the volume of the reactor is 20 m3 . The enthalpy
−1

of reaction at 300 K is 50 kJ mol A −1 , the specific heat of the reacting mixture is 3 J g−1 K−1 and its density is
900 g L−1 .
(a) If the feed temperature (T0 ) is 300 K, at what temperature (Tc ) must a heating coil in the tank be maintained
to keep the temperature (T ) of the reaction in the tank the same as T0 ? What conversion is obtained? At 300
K the rate constant kA = 4 × 10−3 s−1 . For the coil, assume U A = 10 kJ s−1 K−1 . (17 marks)
(b) If there were no heating coil in the tank, what should the feed temperature (T0 ) be to achieve the same result.
(8 marks)
December 2018

4
CHNG 3004 Chemical Reaction Engineering I — 2019-2020
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of the West Indies

ASSIGNMENT #8 — Residence Time Distribution

1. An elementary liquid phase reaction A −→ products is taking place in a given reactor. The reaction is first order and
if plug flow existed conversion would be 71.3%. The flow characteristics of the vessel is given by the non-normalized
C curve show below:
T ime(s) Tracer Conc.
0 0.0
120 6.5
240 12.5
360 12.5
480 10.0
600 5.0
720 2.5
840 1.0
960 0.0

(a) Find the number of tanks-in-series which will represent the reactor and the conversion expected assuming that
the tanks-in series model holds.
(b) Find the conversion by direct application of the tracer curve. August 1996

2. A pulse tracer is injected into a vessel and the concentration of tracer is the effluent is given below:
time (min) 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Conc. (mmol L−1 ) 0 0 12 35 22 11 5 2.7 0.6 0
The volumetric flow rate through the vessel is 150 L min−1 .
(a) How much tracer (in moles) was injected into the vessel? (5 marks)
(b) What is the volume of fluid in the vessel during the test? (5 marks)
−1
(c) If a first order liquid phase reaction with rate constant k = 0.040 min is taking place in the vessel, estimate
the conversion. The volumetric flow rate is 150 L min−1 (10 marks)
(d) If the vessel behaved as a plug flow reactor, what will be the conversion? (5 marks)
December 2009

3. The F(t) curve for a vessel obtained from a step input of tracer was found to be
F(t) = 0 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 0.4
F(t) = 1- exp[-1.25(t - 0.4)] for t ≥ 0.4
where t is in minutes.
(a) Calculate the mean residence time in the vessel t̄. (10 marks)
(b) If the vessel is used as a reactor to carry out a first order reaction A −→ products, calculate the conversion
expected for isothermal operation with a rate constant equal to 0.8 min−1 . Use the segregated flow model.
(7 marks)
(c) If this reaction is carried out in a reaction system consisting of a CSTR (space time = 0.8 min) followed by a
PFR (space time = 0.4 min), what will be the overall conversion. Use material balances.
(6 marks)
(d) Comment on the answers in (a), (b) and (c). (2 marks)
eax
Z  
1
x eax dx = x−
a a
December 2014

1
4. (a) By taking a material balance, derive the C(≡ E) curve for an ideal CSTR. Sketch this curve, noting any
significant aspects of the sketch. (8 marks)
(b) Using the results obtained in part (a), or otherwise, derive the F curve for an ideal CSTR. Sketch this curve,
noting any significant aspects of the sketch. (4 marks)
(c) The E curve for a vessel obtained from a pulse input of tracer was found to be
E=0 for 0 ≤ t ≤ 0.4
E = 1.25 exp[-1.25(t - 0.4)] for t ≥ 0.4
where t is in minutes. Calculate the mean residence time in the vessel t̄, and sketch this curve, noting any
significant aspects of the sketch. (8 marks)
(d) If the vessel in (c) is used as a reactor to carry out a first order reaction A −→ products, calculate the conversion
expected for isothermal operation with a rate constant equal to 1.2 min−1 . Use the segregated flow model.
(5 marks)

eax
Z  
ax 1
x e dx = x−
a a
December 2016

5. (a) Describe how the stimulus-response technique may be used to investigate the type of mixing occurring in a
vessel. How may this information be used to predict the conversion which will occur in the vessel? What should
be the desirable properties of the tracer used? (5 marks)
(b) A first-order reaction with rate constant k = 0.10 s−1 is carried out in a reactor for which the residence time
distribution data is available below:
time (sec) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
tracer concentration (mol L−1 ) 0 0 1 4 11 10 7 4 2 0.5 0
(i) Calculate the mean residence time of the fluid in the reactor. (10 marks)
(ii) Calculate the degree of conversion of the reactant exiting the vessel. (10 marks)

December 2017

6. The results of a pulse-tracer experiment in a fixed bed (catalytic) reactor are as follows:
time (sec) 0 48 96 144 192 240 288 336 384
tracer concentration (mol L−1 ) 0 0 0 0.1 5.0 10.0 8.0 4.0 0
(a) Calculate the mean residence time (t̄) and variance (σθ2 ) of the reactor from the results given above. (12 marks)
(b) If the reactor is used for a first-order isomerization reaction for which the rate constant is k = 0.0075 s−1 , what
conversion of reactant (A) would be obtained at the outlet? (9 marks)
(c) What conversion would be obtained if the reactor behaved as a PFR? (4 marks)
December 2018

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