Problem Set 2

Prelim
ChE 71

1. Consider the tank of perfectly mixed liquid shown into which flows a liquid stream at a rate of F0 (ft3/sec)
and a density of 0 (lbm/ft3). The volumetric holdup of liquid in the tank is V (ft3) and its density is 
(lbm/ft3). The flow rate from the tank id F (ft3/sec) and its density is, of course, the same as that of the
tank’s contents. Write a total continuity equation for the liquid phase in the tank.
F0
0

V,  F


2. Write the component continuity equations describing the CSTR of Problem 1 with:
a. Simultaneous reactions (first-order, isothermal)
A 
k1
B
A 
k2
C

b. Reversible reaction (first-order, isothermal)

A 
k1
B
k2

3. Write the component continuity equations for a perfectly mixed batch reactor (no inflow or outflow)
with first-order isothermal reactions:
a. Consecutive
b. Simultaneous
c. Reversible

4. Write an energy equation for a CSTR in which consecutive first-order reactions

A 
k1
B 
k2
C
λ1 λ2

occur with exothermic heats of 1 and 2.

5. A fluid of constant density  is pumped into a cone-shaped tank of total volume HR2/3. The flow out of
the bottom of the tank is proportional to the square root of the height h of liquid in the tank. Derive the
equations describing the system.

6. A perfectly mixed, isothermal CSTR has an outlet weir. The flow rate over the weir is proportional to the
height of liquid over the weir, hF, to the 3/2 power. The weir height is hw (ft). The cross-sectional area of
the tank is A (ft2). Assume constant density.

A first-order reaction takes place in the tank. Derive the equations describing the system.

1
 F0 hF
CA0

F = KF (hF)3/2

hw
V
CA

7. Model a mixing tank with two feedstreams, as shown below. Assume that there are two components, A
and B. C represents the concentration of A. (C1 is the mass concentration of A in stream 1 and C2 is the
mass concentration of A in stream 2). Model the following cases:
a. Constant volume, constant density
b. Constant volume, density varies linearly with concentrations
c. Variable volume, density varies linearly with concentrations
F1 F2
C1 C2

F
C

8. Consider the system shown below of two stirred chemical reactors separated by a plug-flow dead time
of D seconds. Assume:
a. Constant holdups V1 and V2 and throughput F
b. Constant density
c. Isothermal operation at temperatures T1 and T2
d. First-order kinetics with simultaneous reactions
A 
k
1j
B
A 
k
2j
C

Note: kij is the specific reaction rate for the ith reaction (I = 1, 2) occurring in the jth tank (j = 1, 2). No
reaction occurs in the plug-flow section. Write equation describing the system.

F V1 V2
CA0 CA1 Dead Time CA2
T1 T2
D

2
9. Develop the equations describing a batch distillation column during the start-up period when no product
is withdrawn and the column is coming to equilibrium conditions. Reflux drum and tray holdups are not
negligible but can be assumed constant.
Assume a binary, equimolal-overflow, constant-relative-volatility system. The initial composition on all
trays and in the reflux drum is the same as the material charged to the still pot x B0. The amount of
material charged to the still pot is MB0.

10. An ice cube is dropped into a hot, perfectly mixed, insulated cup of coffee. Develop the equations
describing the dynamics of the system. List all assumptions and define all terms.

11. An isothermal, irreversible reaction A  

k
B takes place in the liquid phase in a constant-volume
reactor. The mixing is not perfect. Observation of the flow patterns indicate that a two-tank system with
back mixing, as shown in the sketch below, should approximate the imperfect mixing.
Assuming F and FR are constant, write the equation describing the system

FR
F V1 V2 F
CA0 CA1 CA2 CA2

F + FR

12. The liquid in a jacketed, nonisothermal CSTR is stirred by an agitator whose mass is significant compared
with reaction mass. The mass of the reactor wall and the mass of the jacket wall are significant. Write
the energy equations for the system.