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 = 0.08 min⁻¹Q = 80 L/minX = 75%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.08 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 75% conversion of A.

Q = 80 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹X = 75%
V = L
2.Easy
V = 50 L, k = 0.4 min⁻¹Q = 50 L/minCA0​ = 2.5 mol/LCA​ = ?

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.4 min⁻¹) runs in a 50 L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The feed enters at 50 L/min with CA0 = 2.5 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 50 LQ = 50 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹CA0 = 2.5 mol/L
CA = mol/L
3.Medium
QX = 60%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 60% 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 = 60%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.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 =
5.Hard
Q = 20 L/minX = ?V = 500 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.05 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 = 0.05 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 100 LQ = 10 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.08 min⁻¹) runs in a 100 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 = 100 LQ = 10 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. V = 3000 L
  2. 2. CA = 1.786 mol/L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 1.637
  4. 4. VCSTR/VPFR = 2.164
  5. 5. X = 71.35 %
  6. 6. X = 44.44 %

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