Quiz # 3 (Ch.

E-505 Advanced Reaction Engineering)

Take Home (Submission deadline: December 23, 2016 at 5:00PM)

Solve the following numerical Problems.
1. Consider a CSTR that is used to carry out a reversible isomerization reaction of the type
A B
Where, both the forward and reverse reactions are first-order.
Data:
Feed is pure species A

k f =8.83 10 exp (

6290 K
)
T

k r =4.17 1015 exp (

CpA = 1255 J/moleK

CpB = 1172J/moleK

14947 K
)
T

Where T is given in degrees Kelvin

i. Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? What is the standard enthalpy change for the
reaction?
ii. What is the equilibrium fraction conversion at340K?
iii. What conversion is achieved if = 480 sec and the reactor temperature is 340 K?
iv. For = 480 sec, sketch the curve of fraction conversion versus reactor temperature over
the range 320 to 370 K.
v. Derive the equation for the curve describing the energy balance on the CSTR for
adiabatic operation. Substitute variables into this expression to obtain a relation between
XA, Tin, Tout.
vi. In order to maximize production of B when = 480 sec, what inlet temperature should be
specified?
2. A dissociation reaction of the type A B + C is being studied in a pilot plant reactor having a
volume of 0.5m3.The reaction involves ideal gases with the following heat capacities.
CpA= 160 J/moleK
CpB= 120 J/mole-K
CpC= 120 J/mole-K
Pure A is charged to the reactor at 400 kPa and 330K. The reaction is first-order in species A.
The variation of the reaction rate constant with temperature is given below.
Temperature (K)
Rate Constant, k (ksec-1)

330
0.330

340
0.462

350
0.641

360
0.902

370
1.27

380
1.98

The standard heat of reaction is -11.63 kJ / mole. Determine the times necessary to achieve 90%
conversion in a constant volume batch reactor under adiabatic conditions and under isothermal
conditions.