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 = 0.1 min⁻¹Q = 25 L/minX = 85%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.1 min⁻¹ is carried out in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) fed at 25 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 85% conversion of A.

Q = 25 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹X = 85%
V = L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.4 min⁻¹Q = 20 L/minX = 90%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.4 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 90% conversion of A.

Q = 20 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹X = 90%
V = L
3.Medium
Q = 40 L/minX = 85%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 40 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 85% conversion of A.

Q = 40 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹X = 85%
V = L
4.Medium
Q = 25 L/minX = 70%V = ?, k = 0.5 min⁻¹

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.5 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 70% conversion of A.

Q = 25 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 70%
V = L
5.Hard
V = 500 LQ = 80 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.08 min⁻¹) runs in a 500 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 = 500 LQ = 80 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 200 LQ = 100 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.5 min⁻¹) runs in a 200 L CSTR fed at 100 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 200 LQ = 100 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 1417 L
  2. 2. V = 450 L
  3. 3. V = 379.4 L
  4. 4. V = 60.2 L
  5. 5. X = 33.33 %
  6. 6. X = 50 %

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