A microreactor similar to the one shown in Figure P4-19B from the MIT group is used to pro...

A microreactor similar to the one shown in Figure P4-19B from the MIT group is used to produce phosgene in the gas phase.

CO + Cl2→COCl2

A + B —>C

Microreactor (Courtesy of’S. K. Ajmera, M. W. Losey, K. F. Jensen,

The microreactor is 20 mm long, 500 µm in diameter, and packed with catalyst particles 35 pm in diameter. The entering pressure is 830 kPa (8.2 atm), and the entering flow to each microreactor is equimolar. The molar flow rate of CO is 2 x 10 5 mol/s and the volumetric flow is 2.83 x 10−7 rn-Vs. The weight of catalyst in one microreactor: W = 3.5 x 10−6 kg. The reactor is kept isothermal at 120 °C. Because the catalyst is also slightly different than the one in the rate law is different as well:

(a) Plot the molar flow rates FA, FB, and Fc, the conversion X, and pressure ratio v along the length (i.e., catalyst weight, IV) of the reactor.

(b) Calculate the number of microreactors in parallel needed to produce 10,000 kg/year phosgene.

(c) Repeat part (a) for the case when the catalyst weight remains the same but the particle diameter is cut in half. If possible compare your answer with part (a) and describe what you find, noting anything unusual.

(d) How would your answers to part (a) change if the reaction were reversible with Kc = 0.4 dm3/mol? Describe what you find.

(e) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an array of micro- reactors over using one conventional packed bed reactor that provides the same yield and conversion?

(f) Write a question that involves critical thinking, and explain why it involves critical thinking.

(g) Discuss what you learned from this problem and what you believe to be the point of the problem.

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