The liquefaction of Kentucky Coal No. 9 was carried out in a slurry reactor [D. D. Gertenb...

The liquefaction of Kentucky Coal No. 9 was carried out in a slurry reactor [D. D. Gertenbach, R. M. Baldwin, and R. L. Bain, Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., 21 , 490 (1982)]. The coal particles, which were less than 200

mesh, were dissolved in a - 250°C vacuum cut of recycle oil saturated with hydrogen at 400°C. Consider the reaction sequence

which is a modified version of the one given by Gertenbach et al. All reactions are first order. Calculate the molar flow •rate of each species as a function of space time in

(a) A plug-flow reactor.

(b) A CSTR.

(c) What is the point of this problem?

Entering concentration of coal: 2 kmol!m3

Entering flow rate: 10 dm3/min

At 400°C, k1 = 0.1 2 min- 1, k2 = 0.046 min- 1, k3 = 0.020 min- 1, k4 = 0.034 min- 1, k5 = 0.04 min- 1.