Question

What are the circumstances in which it might be useful to use a semi-batch reactor over a simple batch reactor?

Answer 1

Circumstances where the semi-batch reactor is used over a simple batch reactor-

1. Semi-batch reactors are used primarily for liquid phase reaction.

2. Semi-batch reactor has an advantage of temperature control by regulation of feed rate and capability of minimizing unwanted side reactions through maintenance of low concentration of one of the reactant.

3. In a simple batch reactor, reactants are filled within a single stirred tank at time=0 and the reaction proceeds. In a semi-batch reactor, there is the partial filling of reactants as time progresses. So the semi-batch reactor is flexible system and it provides good control of reaction speed because the reaction proceeds as the reactants are added.