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 = 10 L/minX = 90%

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 10 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 = 10 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹X = 90%
V = L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.5 min⁻¹Q = 10 L/minX = 70%

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 10 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 = 10 L/mink = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 70%
V = L
3.Medium
Q = 80 L/minX = 95%V = ?, k = 0.25 min⁻¹

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.25 min⁻¹ is carried out in a plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 80 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 = 80 L/mink = 0.25 min⁻¹X = 95%
V = L
4.Medium
QX = 50%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 50% 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 = 50%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
5.Hard
Q = 20 L/minX = ?V = 500 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.08 min⁻¹) runs in a 500 L plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 20 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 500 LQ = 20 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 2000 LQ = 50 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.25 min⁻¹) runs in a 2000 L CSTR fed at 50 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 2000 LQ = 50 L/mink = 0.25 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 900 L
  2. 2. V = 46.67 L
  3. 3. V = 958.6 L
  4. 4. VCSTR/VPFR = 1.443
  5. 5. X = 86.47 %
  6. 6. X = 90.91 %

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