Chapter 4 - Introduction to Reactor Design

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Questions and Answers

What type of reactors are represented by the symbols in Figure 4.4?

Batch reactors (correct)

Flow reactors

Continuous stirred-tank reactors

Packed-bed reactors

What is the relationship between CA and XA in reaction kinetics?

XA is always greater than CA

XA is always equal to CA

The relationship depends on several factors (correct)

CA is always proportional to XA

What is a characteristic of Special Case 1 in reactor design?

It is used for highly exothermic reactions

It includes most liquid reactions and some gas reactions (correct)

It involves gas reactions at varying temperatures

It is only applicable to packed-bed reactors

What is an essential factor in making decisions in reactor design?

Good engineering judgment Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Figures 4.4 and 4.5?

To show the symbols used for batch and flow reactors Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of reactor design that requires consideration?

Both the reliability and completeness of data Signup and view all the answers

What is not mentioned as a factor affecting the relationship between CA and XA?

Fluid flow patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the reaction type represented by the equation aA + bB → rR with inerts iI?

General chemical reaction Signup and view all the answers

What does the rate equation describe?

The progress of a homogeneous reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of integrating the rate equation in reactor design?

To predict the performance of a reactor Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the temperature and composition of the reacting fluid in a reactor?

The endothermic or exothermic character of the reaction, the rate of heat addition or removal, and the flow pattern of fluid through the vessel Signup and view all the answers

What is the main problem of reactor design?

To treat the many factors that affect reactor performance Signup and view all the answers

What are the three general types of equipment in which homogeneous reactions are effected?

Batch, steady-state flow, and unsteady-state flow Signup and view all the answers

Why is the integration of the rate equation necessary in reactor design?

Because the conditions in the reactor vary with position and time Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the performance of a reactor?

Many factors, including the temperature and composition of the reacting fluid, the rate of heat addition or removal, and the flow pattern of fluid through the vessel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a reactor?

To carry out a homogeneous reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a batch reactor in small-scale experimental studies?

Low supporting equipment needs Signup and view all the answers

What type of reactor is ideal for industrial purposes when large quantities of material are to be processed and the rate of reaction is fairly high to extremely high?

Steady-state flow reactor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a semibatch reactor?

Reaction proceeds as reactants are added Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of steady-state flow reactors in the industry?

Oil industry Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difficulty in analyzing semibatch reactors?

It is more difficult to analyze than other reactor types Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of steady-state flow reactors in terms of product quality control?

Extremely good product quality control Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of batch reactors in terms of composition and volume?

Composition is unchanged with time and volume is constant Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of semibatch reactors in the laboratory?

Calorimetric titrations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reactor Types and Characteristics

Batch reactor:
- Simple and needs little supporting equipment
- Ideal for small-scale experimental studies on reaction kinetics
- Used industrially for treating small amounts of material
Steady-state flow reactor:
- Ideal for industrial purposes when large quantities of material are to be processed
- Requires great supporting equipment needs
- Offers extremely good product quality control
- Widely used in the oil industry
Semibatch reactor:
- Flexible system but more difficult to analyze than other reactor types
- Offers good control of reaction speed
- Used in various applications, from laboratory to steel production

Reactor Design Considerations

Goal of reactor design: determine the best size and type of reactor and method of operation for a given job
Factors to consider:
- Temperature and composition of the reacting fluid may vary from point to point within the reactor
- Endothermic or exothermic character of the reaction
- Rate of heat addition or removal from the system
- Flow pattern of fluid through the vessel

Rate Equation and Reactor Performance

Rate equation: a mathematical expression that describes the progress of a homogeneous reaction
The rate equation is an intensive measure of how rapidly a component forms or disappears in a given environment
Integration of the rate equation is necessary to predict reactor performance
Many factors must be accounted for in predicting reactor performance

Symbols and Relationships

Symbols used to describe batch and flow reactors (Figs. 4.4 and 4.5)
Relationship between concentration (CA) and conversion (XA) depends on several factors
Three special cases of constant density batch and flow systems, including most liquid reactions and gas reactions run at constant temperature and density

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Description

This quiz covers the characteristics and uses of batch reactors and steady-state flow reactors in industrial and experimental settings. Learn about their advantages and limitations.