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
τ = ?k = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 95%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction with k = 0.5 min⁻¹ runs in a CSTR at steady state. What space time τ is needed to reach 95% conversion?

k = 0.5 min⁻¹X = 95%
τ = min
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.3 min⁻¹Q = 5 L/minX = 80%

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 5 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 = 5 L/mink = 0.3 min⁻¹X = 80%
V = L
3.Medium
Q = 5 L/minCA0​ = 1 mol/LCA​ = ?V = 100 L, k = 0.12 min⁻¹

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.12 min⁻¹) runs in a 100 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 = 100 LQ = 5 L/mink = 0.12 min⁻¹CA0 = 1 mol/L
CA = mol/L
4.Medium
Q = 20 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 20 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 = 20 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹X = 85%
V = L
5.Hard
V = 150 LQ = 20 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.3 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 L CSTR fed at 20 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 150 LQ = 20 L/mink = 0.3 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 2000 LQ = 10 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.12 min⁻¹) runs in a 2000 L CSTR fed at 10 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 2000 LQ = 10 L/mink = 0.12 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. τ = 38 min
  2. 2. V = 66.67 L
  3. 3. CA = 0.09072 mol/L
  4. 4. V = 189.7 L
  5. 5. X = 69.23 %
  6. 6. X = 96 %

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