Question

Two CSTRs with volumes V1= 100 m^3 and V2= 30 m^3 are available at a chemical plant. A vacation student suggests that these reactors be used in series for the isothermal irreversible liquid-phase reaction

A + B ? products

The reaction is first order with respect to each of the reactants A and B with rate constant, k2= 0.011 dm^3mol-1min-1. The feed is equimolar in A and B, CA0= CB0= 1.5 mol dm-3 and the volumetric flow rate, v0= 20 dm^3min-1.

Determine which CSTR should be used as the first stage to give the higher overall conversion.

Answer 1