Question

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.

Additional information:

All heats of formation are referenced to 273 K.

Plot and then analyze 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

Answer 1

To analyze the conversion and temperature down a plug-flow reactor, we need to use the rate equation and integrate it to calculate the desired variables.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to plot and analyze the conversion and temperature down a plug-flow reactor, we can use the concept of reaction kinetics. The reaction A → B + C is irreversible, so the rate of reaction can be expressed as:

rate = -k * CA

Where k is the rate constant and CA is the concentration of A. Since the reaction is carried out adiabatically and in a packed bed reactor, there is no heat transfer and the pressure drop is negligible (ΔP = 0.0). The rate equation can then be integrated to calculate the conversion of A and the temperature profile along the reactor.