Significance of Residence Time Constructions

If a reaction involves the use of a very expensive catalyst, then it is sensible to develop a reactor structure that minimizes reactor volume (or catalyst mass), for a desired conversion, rather than objective functions involving concentration. In this way, reactor volume is the primary variable that must be optimized rather than concentration or conversion. 

However, all of the AR constructions discussed thus far have originated from viewing data in the phase plane (concentration space) only. Thus, the candidate regions produced from this perspective have catered toward problems involving concentration only. 

In keeping with this theme, let us now look at AR constructions involving reactor volume, in the form of residence time. AR constructions involving residence time are easily adapted from concepts in concentration space. In order to maintain the useful geometric properties of mixing for residence time constructions—which are necessary in AR theory—all that must be established is that there is compatibility of residence time with mixing operations (specifically linear mixing) and reaction operations (rate fields). 

---