Classification laboratory reactors

Figure 5.4-16. Classification of laboratory reactors (adapted from Mills et al, 1992).

Figure 4. Classification of laboratory reactors according to the mode of operation.

Table I Classification of laboratory reactors for evaluation of reaction related parameters...

Another classification refers to the shape of the vessel. In the case of the laboratory vessel installed with a stirrer, the composition and temperature of die reaction is homogeneous in all parts of die vessel. This type of vessel is classified as a stiiTcd tank or well mixed reactor. Where there is no mixing in the direction of flow as in the cylindrical vessel, it is classified as a plug flow or tubular flow reactor. 

In this chapter, the reactor dynamics under adiabatic and isoperibolic conditions is analyzed, while the temperature-controlled case is addressed in Chap. 5. It must be pointed out that these conditions can be easily realized in laboratory investigations, e.g., in reaction calorimetry, but represent mere ideality at the industrial scale. Nevertheless, this classification is useful to recognize the main paths leading to runaway without the burden of a more complex mathematical approach. 

In this section we focus on the three main types of ideal reactors BR, CSTR, and PFR. Laboratory data are usually in the form of concentrations or partial pressures versus batch time (batch reactors), concentrations or partial pressures versus distance from reactor inlet or residence time (PFR), or rates versus residence time (CSTR). Rates can also be calculated from batch and PFR data by differentiating the concentration versus time or distance data, usually by numerical curve fitting first. It follows that a general classification of experimental methods is based on whether the data measure rates directly (differential or direct method) or indirectly (integral of indirect method). Table 7-13 shows the pros and cons of these methods. 

Another classification is according to shape. If the laboratory vessel is equipped with an efficient stirrer, the composition and temperature of the reaction mass will tend to be the same in all parts of the reactor. 

Figures 4.11.6 and 4.11.7 show the classification of laboratory-scale reactors by their mode of operation. For liquid-liquid reactions, homogeneously catalyzed reactions...

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