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 = 200 L, k = 0.1 min⁻¹Q = 5 L/minCA0​ = 2 mol/LCA​ = ?

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.1 min⁻¹) runs in a 200 L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The feed enters at 5 L/min with CA0 = 2 mol/L. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the outlet concentration CA.

V = 200 LQ = 5 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹CA0 = 2 mol/L
CA = mol/L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.4 min⁻¹Q = 5 L/minX = 75%

A first-order liquid-phase reaction A → B with k = 0.4 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 75% conversion of A.

Q = 5 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹X = 75%
V = L
3.Medium
QX = 80%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 80% 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 = 80%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.Medium
Q = 10 L/minX = 60%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 10 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the reactor volume V in litres for 60% conversion of A.

Q = 10 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹X = 60%
V = L
5.Hard
Q = 40 L/minX = ?V = 150 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.25 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 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 = 150 LQ = 40 L/mink = 0.25 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
V = 150 LQ = 5 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.08 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 L CSTR fed at 5 L/min. The density is constant and the reactor is at steady state. Find the conversion X in percent.

V = 150 LQ = 5 L/mink = 0.08 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. CA = 0.4 mol/L
  2. 2. V = 37.5 L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 2.485
  4. 4. V = 45.81 L
  5. 5. X = 60.84 %
  6. 6. X = 70.59 %

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