Question

Part I The elementary gas phase reaction (CH₃)₃COOC(CH₃)₃ --> C₂H₆ + 2CH3COCH3 is carried out isothermally in a flow reactor. The reaction rate constant at 50⁰C is 1x10^-4 min^-1 and the activation energy is 85 kJ/mol. Pure di-tert-butyl peroxide enters the reactor at 10 atm and 127^oC and a molar flowrate of 2.5 mol/min. Calculate the reactor volume and space time to achieve 90% conversion in;

a) PF reactor

b) CSTR reactor

c) Propose the diameter (D_t) and length (L) for PF reactor.

Part II Assume that the reactor is filled with spherical beads to improve turbulence and heat transfer. The ratio of reactor dimeter to the diameter of the beads should be greater than 20. The void fraction of spherical packing and particle density and the viscosity of reaction mixture are given as 0.3, 2.4 g/cm³ and 0.01 cp respectively.

d) Calculate the required reactor length by assuming negligible pressure drop.

e) Calculate the amount of packing required (volume and mass).

f) Calculate the pressure drop and plot pressure vs. lenght.

Answer 1