In: Mechanical Engineering
The gas phase reaction: 2A+B = 3C , is carried out in an isothermal packed bed reactor. The rate is first order with respect to reactants A and B (second order overall) with the rate constant of 14 [liter2 /mole kg of catalyst sec.]. The feed is 50% A, 25 % B and 25 % inert at temperature of 500 K and P = 18 atm and a total flow rate of 20 mole/sec. The exit pressure is measured to be 6 atm. To produce 12 mole/sec of product C,
a) Write the relevant equations and using POLYMATH, give the profile of pressure and conversion along the catalyst bed till its exit, where the conditions are given above (Pexit = 6atm, Fc=12 mole/sec)
b) Calculate the amount of catalyst needed
c) Calculate the amount of catalyst needed, if the pressure drop in the reactor is ignored.