Performance Estimation Based on Measured RTD

The conversion at the end of an individual tube with a defined residence time can then be calculated easily. At the exit of the tubes, the various flows having different residence times are mixed the result is an average conversion or, respectively, an average reactant concentration. When RTD and kinetics are known, it follows that  

The presented method leads to exact values only for first order reaction (demonstrated in Examples 3.3-3.5) or for reactions in completely segregated systems (see Chapter 4). But, the proposed methods can be used also for a good estimation of reactor performances for reactions with 

Estimate the conversion for the first order reaction in a nonideal tubular flow reactor. The residence time distribution is characterized by measured E function. The mean residence time can be calculated with Equation 3.14 applying the trapezoidal method. Compare the result with the conversion that could be obtained in ideal PER and CSTR for the same mean residence of 10 min. -El = k cf, k = O.lSmin  

Example 3.4 Conversion in laminar flow tubular reactors. 

Estimate the conversion obtainable in a tubular reactor under laminar flow conditions neglecting radial diffusion for the reaction presented in Example 3.3. The mean residence time is f = 10 min. 

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