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 = 100 L, k = 0.12 min⁻¹Q = 20 L/minCA0​ = 1.5 mol/LCA​ = ?

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.12 min⁻¹) runs in a 100 L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The feed enters at 20 L/min with CA0 = 1.5 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 100 LQ = 20 L/mink = 0.12 min⁻¹CA0 = 1.5 mol/L
CA = mol/L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.1 min⁻¹Q = 40 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 40 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 = 40 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹X = 90%
V = L
3.Medium
QX = 85%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 85% 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 = 85%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.Medium
Q = 50 L/minX = 80%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 50 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 = 50 L/mink = 0.25 min⁻¹X = 80%
V = L
5.Hard
V = 1500 LV = 1500 LQ = 50 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.3 min⁻¹) runs in two equal CSTRs in series, each of 1500 L. The feed rate is 50 L/min, the density is constant and the reactors are at steady state. Find the overall conversion X in percent.

V = 1500 L (×2)Q = 50 L/mink = 0.3 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 100 LV = 100 LQ = 40 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.1 min⁻¹) runs in two equal CSTRs in series, each of 100 L. The feed rate is 40 L/min, the density is constant and the reactors are at steady state. Find the overall conversion X in percent.

V = 100 L (×2)Q = 40 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. CA = 0.9375 mol/L
  2. 2. V = 3600 L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 2.987
  4. 4. V = 321.9 L
  5. 5. X = 99 %
  6. 6. X = 36 %

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