CSTR in

Series.

instrutec
h

INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

Figure1: CSTR in series.

Technical data:
Three CSTR are connected in series.
Volume of Each CSTR:
2 LITERS Approx. Volume can be adjusted to 500 ml, 1000 ml & 1500 ml by
changing height of outlet pipe. Three marks are given on outlet tube.
Feed tank volume: 15 liters each.
A common agitation system is given all CSTR connected in series to maintain
uniform agitation.

INTRODUCTION
In CSTR in series, three CSTR are connected in series arrangement, i.e. the
exit of the first CSTR becomes the feed to the second CSTR. This
arrangement gives higher conversion as compared with conversion from the
single CSTR. The basic principles of three CSTR still the same as single CSTR
although the equation used in the analysis will be slightly different.
The concept of Damkohler number, Da, which is dimensionless number,
allows us to find a quick estimate on the degree of conversion that can be
achieved in a CSTR.
Objectives:
1. To find the rate of reaction or rate constant in a Continuous Stirred Tank
Reactor in series.
2. To determine the order of chemical reactions for series reactor.
3. To study the dynamics behavior of CSTR in series by using pulse input of
tracer material.

THEORY
Damkohler number, Da, can be defined as the ratio of the rate of reaction A
to the rate pf
Convective transport of A at the entrance of the reactor:

The value of Damkohler number gives an idea on the conversion inside a

reactor. Usually,
Da = 0.1 gives a conversion of less than 10% and Da = 10 gives a
conversion of greater than
90%.

The design equation of CSTR in series also differs slightly from single CSTR. If
a first order
Reaction takes place in 2 CSTR in series, the effluent concentration from the
first reactor
is given by:

Where,

Mole balance on second reactor can be given as:

Therefore, n reactors in series (all reactors of same volume) given as:

Taking it as basis, we can determine the conversion in nth reactor connected in

series with same volume.

The saponification reaction between ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide

proceed as
follow:
NaOH + H3COOC2H5 CH3COONa + C2H5OH
Sodium Hydroxide + Ethyl Acetate Sodium Acetate + Ethyl Alcohol

This reaction is an elementary reaction.

Preparation of the calibration curve for Conversion vs. pH:

1. Prepare the following solutions and determine the pH values for each of
them.

Conversion [%]
0.00
0.25

Solutions
1-L of 0.05M NaOH

pH

1-L of 0.075M NaOH + 1-L of 0.025M Sodium Acetate

0.50

1-L of 0.05M NaOH + 1-L of 0.05M Sodium Acetate

0.75

1-L of 0.025M NaOH + 1-L of 0.075M Sodium Acetate

2.

1.00 1-L of 0.05M Sodium Acetate

Determine the slope and y-axis intercept from the plot of conversion vs pH.

Reactants Preparation
1. Prepare 1 liter of 0.25 M standard HCl and 1 liter of 0.1 M standard NaOH.
2. Prepare 0.1 M NaOH solution in feed tank T1 and 0.1 M Ethyl acetate in
feed tank T2.
3. Confirm the concentration of your 0.1 M NaOH solution by titrating a small
amount of it with standard 0.25 M HCl using phenolphthalein as indicator.
Procedure:
1. Be sure that all outlet valves of feed tanks are closed & air vent valves
open.
2. Open feed valve & fill up known quantity of known concentration
solution.
3. Close feed valve & vent valve. Start to supply air to tank with max.
Pressure of 1.5 kg/cm2. (Adjust pressure regulator accordingly).
4. Slowly open rota- meter valve & now open feed tank outlet valve
gradually. Please note that control flow rate by using feed tank outlet
valve as much as possible.
5. Maintain desired flow rate.
6. Gradually increase stirrer speed & set it so that system should not
vibrate.
7. Note down pH reading.
8. Repeat procedure for different flow rates, different volume & different
agitator RPM.
9. Take a samples & titrate against standard solution.

10.
11.

Drain feed tanks & reactor after experimentation.

Fill up water in both feed tanks. Inter connect two feed tanks in

series.
12.
Start air supply.
13.
Allow all the three CSTR filled up to desired height & now start
stirrer.
14.
Give a pulse input & note pH reading with respect to time.
15.
Observe dynamic behavior of system after pulse change input.
16.
Plot a graph of pH v/s RTD.

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

1. After each experiment, drain off any liquids from the reactor and make
sure that the
reactor and tubings are cleaned properly. Flush with de-ionized water as
necessary.
Note: NaOH and Ethyl acetate are corrosive and they may damage the
tubings and the
rig in the long run.
2. Dispose all liquids immediately after each experiment. Do not leave any
reactants or
product in the tank over a long period of time.
3. Wipe off any spillage from the unit immediately.
IMPORTANT: It is essential when handling these chemicals to wear
protective clothing,
gloves and safety spectacles.
4. Always plug in all cables into appropriate sockets before switching on the
main power
on the control panel. Inspect all cables for any damage to avoid electrical
shock.
Replace if necessary.

5. DO NOT switch on the stirrer unless it is fully submerged in the liquid.

Always maintain
liquid level above the height of the stirrer to avoid damage to the stirrer.
6. Make sure that the stirrer assembly is secured properly. Avoid excessive
load to the
electrical motor to prevent damage. Never run stirrer at very high RPM.
7. Inspect the unit, including tubings and fittings, periodically for leakage and
worn out.
Leakage might cause damage to equipment by corrosive chemical in the
long run.