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 = 20 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 20 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 = 20 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 95%
V = L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.3 min⁻¹Q = 40 L/minX = 70%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.3 min⁻¹ is carried out in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) fed at 40 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 70% conversion of A.

Q = 40 L/mink = 0.3 min⁻¹X = 70%
V = L
3.Medium
Q = 100 L/minX = 80%V = ?, k = 0.2 min⁻¹

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.2 min⁻¹ is carried out in a plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 100 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 80% conversion of A.

Q = 100 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹X = 80%
V = L
4.Medium
Q = 20 L/minX = 90%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 20 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 90% conversion of A.

Q = 20 L/mink = 0.15 min⁻¹X = 90%
V = L
5.Hard
V = 800 LQ = 80 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.2 min⁻¹) runs in an 800 L CSTR fed at 80 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 800 LQ = 80 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 150 LQ = 5 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.12 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 L CSTR fed at 5 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 150 LQ = 5 L/mink = 0.12 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 760 L
  2. 2. V = 311.1 L
  3. 3. V = 804.7 L
  4. 4. V = 307 L
  5. 5. X = 66.67 %
  6. 6. X = 78.26 %

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