Additional Homework Problems

CDP12-BB

The following table was obtained from the data taken in a slurry reactor for the hydrogenation of methyl linoleate to form methyl oleate.

L + H2 O

S = solubility of H2 in the liquid mixture, mol/dm3
m = catalyst charge, g/dm3
-r'L = rate of reaction of methyl linoleate, mol/dm3min

  Catalyst Size  
   S/-r'L (min)     1/m (dm3/g)  
  A     4.2     0.01  
  A     7.5     0.02  
  B     1.5     0.01  
  B     2.5     0.03  
  B     3.0     0.04  
  1. Which catalyst size has the smaller effectiveness factor?

  2. If catalyst size A is to be used in the reactor at a concentration of 50 g/dm3, would a significant increase in the reaction be obtained if a more efficient gas sparger were used?

  3. If catalyst size B is to be used, what is the minimum catalyst charge that should be used to ensure that the combined diffusional resistances for the pellet are less than 50% of the total resistance?

[3rd Ed. P12-19]