(Membrane reactor) The first-order, reversible reactionis taking place in a membrane react...

(Membrane reactor) The first-order, reversible reaction

is taking place in a membrane reactor. Pure A enters the reactor, and B diffuses through the membrane. Unfortunately, some of the reactant A also diffuses through the membrane.

(a) Plot and analyze the flow rates of A, B, and C down the reactor, as well as the flow rates of A and B through the membrane.

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(b) Compare the conversion profiles of a conventional PFR with those of a membrane reactor. What generalizations can you make?

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(c) Would the conversion of A be greater or smaller if C were diffusing out instead of B?

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(d) Discuss qualitatively how your curves would change if the temperature were increased significantly or decreased significantly for an exothermic reaction. Repeat the discussion for an endothermic reaction.

k = 10 min−1

KC = 0.01 mol2/dm6

kCA = 1 min−1

kCB = 40 minr−1

FA0 =100 mol/min

v0 = 100 dm3/min

Vreactor = 20 dm3