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 = 150 L, k = 0.1 min⁻¹Q = 100 L/minCA0​ = 1.5 mol/LCA​ = ?

A liquid-phase first-order reaction A → B (k = 0.1 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 L continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The feed enters at 100 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 = 150 LQ = 100 L/mink = 0.1 min⁻¹CA0 = 1.5 mol/L
CA = mol/L
2.Easy
V = ?, k = 0.4 min⁻¹Q = 50 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 50 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 = 50 L/mink = 0.4 min⁻¹X = 75%
V = L
3.Medium
QX = 70%same Q, k and X as the CSTR

A first-order liquid-phase reaction must reach 70% 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 = 70%first order, same k and Q
VCSTR/VPFR =
4.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 =
5.Hard
V = 150 LQ = 5 L/minX = ?

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.4 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 = 0.4 min⁻¹
X = %
6.Hard
Q = 20 L/minX = ?V = 150 L

A first-order liquid-phase reaction (k = 0.2 min⁻¹) runs in a 150 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 = 150 LQ = 20 L/mink = 0.2 min⁻¹
X = %

Answer key

  1. 1. CA = 1.304 mol/L
  2. 2. V = 375 L
  3. 3. VCSTR/VPFR = 1.938
  4. 4. VCSTR/VPFR = 2.987
  5. 5. X = 92.31 %
  6. 6. X = 77.69 %

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