Question

Reagent A undergoes an essentially irreversible isomerization reaction that obeys first-order kinetics. A --> B Both A and B are liquids at room temperature and both have extremely high boiling points. Pure A at 20^oC is fed into the reactor.

Data:

Reaction rate expression: r = k.C_A

Rate constant at 163 °C = 0.8 hr^-1

Activation energy = 30,000 cal/gmole

Heat of reaction = — 83 cal/g

Molecular weight = 250

C_pA=C_pB=0.5 cal/g.^oC p_A=p_B= 0.9 g/cm3

a) Determine the CSTR volume and heat transfer rate necessary to produce 150 kg/h of B with 60% conversion of A if the reactor is operated at 160^oC.

b) Calculate the CSTR volume and temperature to achieve the same conversion if the reactor is operated adiabatically

Answer 1