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 = 1000 L, k = 0.2 min⁻¹Q = 40 L/minCA0​ = 0.5 mol/LCA​ = ?

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.2 min⁻¹) runs in a 1000 L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The feed enters at 40 L/min with CA0 = 0.5 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 1000 LQ = 40 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹CA0 = 0.5 mol/L
CA = mol/L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.12 min⁻¹Q = 80 L/minX = 50%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.12 min⁻¹ is carried out in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) fed at 80 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 = 80 L/mink = 0.12 min⁻¹X = 50%
V = L
3.Medium
QX = 75%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 75% 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 = 75%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.Medium
Q = 40 L/minX = 50%V = ?, k = 0.08 min⁻¹

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.08 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 50% conversion of A.

Q = 40 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹X = 50%
V = L
5.Hard
Q = 10 L/minX = ?V = 100 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.15 min⁻¹) runs in a 100 L plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 10 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 100 LQ = 10 L/mink = 0.15 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
Q = 40 L/minX = ?V = 2000 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.05 min⁻¹) runs in a 2000 L plug-flow reactor (PFR) fed at 40 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 2000 LQ = 40 L/mink = 0.05 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. CA = 0.08333 mol/L
  2. 2. V = 666.7 L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 2.164
  4. 4. V = 346.6 L
  5. 5. X = 77.69 %
  6. 6. X = 91.79 %

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