Reactor sizing (CSTR & PFR) worksheet with answers

Free printable Reactor sizing (CSTR & PFR) worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.5 min⁻¹Q = 50 L/minX = 95%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.5 min⁻¹ is carried out in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) fed at 50 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 95% conversion of A.

Q = 50 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 95%
V = L
2.Easy
τ = ?k = 0.08 min⁻¹X = 60%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction with k = 0.08 min⁻¹ runs in a CSTR at steady state. What space time τ is needed to reach 60% conversion?

k = 0.08 min⁻¹X = 60%
τ = min
3.Medium
Q = 25 L/minX = 95%V = ?, k = 0.15 min⁻¹

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.15 min⁻¹ is carried out in a plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 25 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 95% conversion of A.

Q = 25 L/mink = 0.15 min⁻¹X = 95%
V = L
4.Medium
Q = 50 L/minCA0​ = 1.5 mol/LCA​ = ?V = 800 L, k = 0.2 min⁻¹

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.2 min⁻¹) runs in an 800 L plug-flow reactor (PFR). The feed enters at 50 L/min with CA0 = 1.5 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 800 LQ = 50 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹CA0 = 1.5 mol/L
CA = mol/L
5.Hard
V = 250 LQ = 40 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.5 min⁻¹) runs in a 250 L CSTR fed at 40 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 250 LQ = 40 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
Q = 50 L/minX = ?V = 1000 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.08 min⁻¹) runs in a 1000 L plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 50 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 1000 LQ = 50 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 1900 L
  2. 2. τ = 18.75 min
  3. 3. V = 499.3 L
  4. 4. CA = 0.06114 mol/L
  5. 5. X = 75.76 %
  6. 6. X = 79.81 %

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