Mathematical model of plug flow reactor
Introduction
The plug flow reactor(PFR), sometimes called continuous tubular reactor
PFRs are mainly use for gas phase reactions and may be packed with catalyst.
PFR is consist of a cylindrical pipe with openings on each end for reactants and products to
flow through.
PFR used in chemical process industry such as ( gasoline production, oil cracking)
Introduction
Advantage of using a PFR reactor
• a) High conversion per unit volume
• b) Low operating
• c) Continues operation
• d) Good heat transfer
Disadvantage of using a PFR reactor
• a) Undesired temperature gradients may exist
• b) The temperature are hard to control
• c) Shutdown and cleaning may be expensive
Mathematical model of PFR
Figure3: Mole balance of component i in a differential segment of V
Mathematical model of PFR
In order to model a PFR, a few assumptions need to be made
Assumptions
• a) that is operated at Steady state.
• b) Isothermal conditions
• c) We assume that the concentration varies in the axial direction through the
reactor
• d) The well-mixed assumption is applied, but only in the radial direction.
Mathematical model of PFR
Taking that mole balance from the following equation
In our case, there is no accumulation
Mathematical model of PFR
Now if we take the limit as V → 0, then
Mathematical model of PFR
In our case Let us consider the simple reaction,
A−−→B
as a simple first order rate law,
−rA = kCA
Mathematical model of PFR
At boundary condition when V=0
Mathematical model of PFR
Figure.4 Concentration of component A and B as a
function of volume in a PFR.
Mathematical model of PFR
Example
Consider a plug flow reactor operating steady state and constant temperature. The following
(first-order) reaction takes place and the rate constant is 5×10−4 s−1: A−−→products
If the inlet concentration is 0.1mol dm−3, the reactor volume 0.6m3 and the volumetric flow
0.3dm3 s−1, what is the outlet concentration?
Solution
From the following equation
We can calculate
Mathematical model of PFR
Conclusion
The key design equations have been derived for ideal plug flow reactors using the
assumptions involved in the ideal reactor definitions.
Additionally, the expressions have been derived to determine the volume
required to achieve a reactant concentration for 1st-order reactions.
The end
Thanks for your attention……..
