The elementary irreversible gas-phase reactionA→B + Cis carried out adiabatically in a PFR...

The elementary irreversible gas-phase reaction

A→B + C

is carried out adiabatically in a PFR packed with a catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at a volumetric flow rate of 20 dm3/s, at a pressure of 10 atm and a temperature of 450 K.

(a) Plot the conversion and temperature down the plug-flow reactor until an 80% conversion (if possible) is reached. (The maximum catalyst weight that can be packed into the PFR is 50 kg.) Assume that ΔP = 0.0.

(b) What catalyst weight is necessary to achieve 80% conversion in a CSTR?

(c) Write a question that requires critical thinking and then explain why your question requires critical thinking. [Hint: See Preface Section B.2.]

(d) Now take the pressure drop into account in the PFR.

The reactor can be packed with one of two particle sizes. Choose one.

α = 0.019/kg cat. for particle diameter D1

α = 0.0075/kg cat. for particle diameter D2

Plot the temperature, conversion, and pressure along the length of the reactor. Vary the parameters a and P0 to learn the ranges of values in which they dramatically affect the conversion.

Additional information:

All heats of formation are referenced to 273 K.