Sample Membrane Reactor Problem

A membrane reactor is used for the reaction , where the membrane is permeable to product B, but not to reactant A or product C.

Additional Information:

P0 6.0 atm
T0 373 K
k 0.7 min-1
KC 0.05 mol/dm3
km 0.2 min-1
FA0 15 mol/min
FB0 = FC0 0 mol/min


Consider the following questions:

  1. What volume is required for the base case membrane reactor?
Solution


  1. What if the membrane transfer coefficient, km , were 0.002 min-1?
    Compare plots of molar flowrates versus volume and conversion
    versus volume for this case with your base case.
Solution


  1. What if the membrane transfer coefficient, km , were 20.0 min-1?
    Compare plots of molar flowrates versus volume and conversion
    versus volume for this case with your base case.
Solution


  1. What if the base case flowrate were changed from 15 mol/min to 5 mol/min?
    How would this affect the behavior of the membrane reactor?
Solution


  1. What if the base case flowrate were changed from 15 mol/min to 25 mol/min?
    How would this affect the behavior of the membrane reactor?
Solution