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 = 0.05 min⁻¹Q = 40 L/minX = 50%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.05 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 50% conversion of A.

Q = 40 L/mink = 0.05 min⁻¹X = 50%
V = L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.25 min⁻¹Q = 10 L/minX = 80%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.25 min⁻¹ is carried out in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) fed at 10 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 = 10 L/mink = 0.25 min⁻¹X = 80%
V = L
3.Medium
QX = 95%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 95% conversion. How many times larger must a CSTR be than a PFR for the same feed rate, rate constant and conversion? Find the ratio VCSTR/VPFR.

X = 95%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.Medium
Q = 5 L/minCA0​ = 1 mol/LCA​ = ?V = 150 L, k = 0.05 min⁻¹

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.05 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 L plug-flow reactor (PFR). The feed enters at 5 L/min with CA0 = 1 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 150 LQ = 5 L/mink = 0.05 min⁻¹CA0 = 1 mol/L
CA = mol/L
5.Hard
V = 2000 LV = 2000 LQ = 100 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.4 min⁻¹) runs in two equal CSTRs in series, each of 2000 L. The feed rate is 100 L/min, the density is constant and the reactors are at steady state. Find the overall conversion X in percent.

V = 2000 L (×2)Q = 100 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 150 LQ = 100 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.4 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 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 = 150 LQ = 100 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 800 L
  2. 2. V = 160 L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 6.342
  4. 4. CA = 0.2231 mol/L
  5. 5. X = 98.77 %
  6. 6. X = 37.5 %

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