GUJARAT TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Chandkheda, Ahmedabad
Affiliated

G H Patel College of Engineering & Technology

A Report On
Prototype Model for different type of Reactor in Series
Under subject of
Chemical Reaction Engineering-I (2160506)
B. E., Semester VI
(Chemical Engineering)
Submitted by:
Group:
Sr. Name of Student Enrolment No.
1. Dhaval Maru 140110105018
2. Raghuveer Mer 140110105019
3. Momin Ovais 140110105020
4. Zeall Panara 140110105022

Academic year
(2016-2017)

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Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................3

2. Reactors of Different type in series........................................................................4

2.1 CSTR-PFR-CSTR in series ..............................................................................4

2.2 PFR-CSTR-PFR in series .................................................................................7

3. References ..........................................................................................................10

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1. Introduction
In chemical Engineering chemical reactors are vessels designed to contain chemical reactions.
Also referred to as a reaction vessel, the reactants contained are substances that changes from after
a chemical reaction.

The reactors used for water treatment can be categorized based on the operation pattern, hydraulic
characteristics, unit operation occurring, and entrance/exit conditions.

Reactors used for carrying out chemical or physical reactions can be characterized as ideal or non
ideal, according to the nature of the hydraulic and mixing conditions. In contrast with non ideal
reactor, ideal reactors are assumed to have uniform mixing and hydraulic conditions, depending
on the specific reactor configurations [2].

There are three main basic models used to estimate the most important process variables of
different chemical reactors:

1) Batch reactor model

2) Continuous stirred-tank rector model(CSTR)
3) Plug flow reactor model (PFR)
CSTR and PFR are probably the two most widely-accepted reactor regimes used for water
treatment or analysis plants such as settling tanks, activated sludge reactor basins, aerated lagoons,
oxidation ponds, and high-rate anaerobic digesters.
For example, the CSTR/PFR concepts were used in the design and performance evaluation of
waste stabilization pond. Nevertheless, the choice between PFR and CSTR would be made as a
function of the desired application. For example, in the mixing of coagulants, the intense mixing
provide by CSTRs is desirable to disperse the reactants quickly [1].

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2. Reactors of Different type in series
Many times reactors are connected in series so that exit stream of one reactor serves as the feed
stream for another reactor (next reactor). We can have either same type of reactors in series or
different type of reactors in series and that too with equal or unequal sizes [2].
2.1 CSTR-PFR-CSTR in series
2.2 PFR-CSTR-PFR in series
2.1 CSTR-PFR-CSTR in series
Consider a system of reactors in series as shown in figure 1.1 in which a mixed flow reactors/CSTR
is followed by a Plug Flow Reactor(PFR) which in turn is followed by another mixed flow reactor
[2]
.

Fig. 1.1 Different types of reactors in series - (CSTR-PFR-CSTR in series)

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 Fig.1.2 Graphical design procedure for CSTR-PFR-CSTR in series

For the rector sequence shown in figure 1.2 the relationships between conversion and molar
flowrates are given by the following equation.

1 = 0 0 1 = 0 (1 1 )
Similarly,
2 = 0 (1 2 )

3 = 0 (1 3 )
Where,
2, .., 2
2 =

A material balance (on mole basis) of reactant A for the mixed flow reactor at the end of our reactor
system Gives,
In =Out + Disappearance

2 = 3 + (3 ) 3
Rearranging gives
2 3
3 =
()3

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Substituting for 2 and 3 , the above equation becomes
0 (12 ) 0 (13 )
3 =
()3
3 3 2
= . (1)
0 ()3

The corresponding rate of reaction ()3 is evaluated at the conversion 3.

Similarly, for the first reactor (CSTR), the performance equation is

1 1 0
= ... (2)
0 ()1

For the intermediate /middle reactor (PFR), the performance equation is

2
= 2 . (3)
0 1 ()

1 is the conversion from the first order , 2 is the intermediate conversion and 3 is the overall
conversion of A.

These relationships are represented in graphical form in figure 1.2. this allows us to predict the
overall conversion for such system, or conversion at intermediate points between the individual
reactors. These intermediate conversions may be needed to determine the duty of inter-stage heat
exchangers.

Best arrangement of a set of ideal reactors

For the most effective use of a given set of reactors we have the following general rules,

1. For a reaction whose rate-concentration curve rises monotonically (any nth-order reaction,
n>0) the reactors should be connected in series. They should be ordered so as to keep the
concentration of reactant as high as possible if the rate-concentration curve is concave (n>1),
and as low as possible if the curve is convex (n<1). As an example, for the case of figure 1.2
the ordering of units should be plug, small mixed, large mixed, for n>1; the reserve order
should be used when n<1.
2. For reaction where the rate-concentration curve passes through a maximum or minimum the
arrangement of units depends on the actual shape of curve, the conversion level desired, and
the units available. No simple rules can be suggested.

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3. Whatever may be the kinetics and the reactor system, an examination of the 1() vs.

[1]
curve is a good way to find the best arrangement of units .

2.2 PFR-CSTR-PFR in series

Consider a system of reactors in series as shown in figure 1.1 in which a Plug Flow Reactor(PFR)
mixed flow reactors/CSTR which in turn is followed by another mixed flow reactor.

Fig. 1.3 PFR followed by CSTR followed by PFR (PFR CSTR-PFR in series)

Fig.1.4 Graphical design for series for reactors PFR-CSTR-PFR in series

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For the rector sequence shown in figure 1.3 the relationships between conversion and molar
flowrates are given by the following equation.

1 = 0 0 1 = 0 (1 1

Similarly,

2 = 0 (1 2 )

3 = 0 (1 3 )

Where,

2, .., 2
2 =

A material balance (on mole basis) of reactant A for the mixed flow reactor at the end of our reactor
system Gives,
In =Out + Disappearance

1 = 2 + (2 ) 2

Rearranging gives
1 2
2 =
()2

Substituting for 2 and 3 , the above equation becomes

0 (11 ) 0 (12 )
2 =
()2

For the intermediate /middle reactor (CSTR), the performance equation is

2 2 1
= ..(1)
0 ()2

for the first reactor (CSTR), the performance equation is

1
= 1 ..(2)
0 0 ()

Similarly, for third reactor (PFR), the performance equation is

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 3
= 3 . ..(3)
0 2 ()

Consider two different reactors in series: a CSTR connected to a PFR. There are two ways in which
these reactors can be put in series as shown in figure 1.5

(a) Scheme-I

(b) Scheme-II

Fig 1.5 Different types of reactors in series

If the size of each rectors is fixed then a different final conversion, (2 ), will be obtained based on
whether the CSTR or the PFR is placed first. If the intermediate and overall conversion are the
fixed, then the individual reactor volumes as well as total volume can be different for different
arrangements. [2]

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3. References
[1] Chemical Reaction Engineering by OCTAVE LEVENSPIEL, 3rd edition, Wiley publications.

[2] Chemical reaction Engineering-1 by K.A. GAVHANE, Revised edition, Nirali Prakashan.

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