4. Isothermal Reactor Design

Additional Homework Problems

CDP4-L_B

The reversible isomerization

A B

is to be carried out in a membrane reactor (IMRCF). Owing to the configuration of species B, it is able to diffuse out the walls of the membrane, while A cannot.

1. What is the equilibrium conversion assuming that B does not diffuse out of the reactor walls?
   
   
2. Plot the conversion profiles to compare a 100 dm³ conventional PFR with a 100 dm³ membrane reactor. What statements or generalizations can you make? What parameters have the greatest effect on the shape of the exit conversion plots in part (A)?
   
   
3. Plot the conversion and species concentrations and the molar flow rates down the length of the reactor.
   
   
4. Vary some of the parameters and write a paragraph describing your results.
   
   
5. Discuss how your curves would change if the temperature were increased significantly or decreased significantly for an exothermic reaction and for an endothermic reaction.

Additional Information

Specific reaction rate = 0.05 s^-1
Transport coefficient k_C = 0.3 s^-1
Equilibrium constant K_e = 0.5
Entering volumetric flow rate v₀ = 10 dm³/s
C_A0 = 0.2 mol/dm³

[3rd Ed. P4-30]