ChE 344

Chemical Reaction Engineering

Winter 1999
Exam I
Part 1 (80%)
Closed Book, Notes, Disk, and Web

Name_______________________________

Honor Code________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

1) ____/10 pts

2) ____/30 pts

3) ____/20 pts

4) ____/10 pts

5) ____/10 pts

Total ____/80 pts

(10 pts) 1) The trimerization
3A(g) → A3 (g,l)
is carried out isothermally and without pressure drop in a PFR at 298 K and 2
atm. As the concentration of A3 increases down the reactor and A3 begins to
condense. The vapor pressure of A 3 at 298 K is 0.5 atm. If an equal molar mixture
of A and inert, I, is fed to the reactor at what conversion of A will A3 begin to
condense?

W’99Exam I, Part 1
(30 pts) 2) In order to study the photochemical decay of aqueous bromine in bright sunlight,
a small quantity of liquid bromine was dissolved in water contained in a glass
battery jar and placed in direct sunlight. The following data were obtained:

Time (min) 10 20 30 40 50 60
ppm Br 2.45 1.74 1.23 0.88 0.62 0.44

a) Determine whether the reaction rate is zero-, first-, or second-order in

bromine, and calculate the reaction rate constant in units of your choice.

b) Assuming identical exposure conditions, calculate the required hourly rate of

injection of bromine (in pounds) into a sunlit body of water 25,000 gal in
volume in order to maintain a sterilizing level of bromine of 1.0 ppm.

(Note: ppm parts of bromine per million parts brominated water by weight. In
dilute aqueous solutions, 1 ppm=1 milligram per liter, molecular weight of
Br = 80 Daltons.)
1 gal 
→ 3.785 liters
1 lb 
→ 454 gms

W’99Exam I, Part 1
(20pts) 3) The irreversible elementary gas phase reaction
2A → B + C
is currently carried out in a packed bed reactor containing 100 kg of catalyst. The
entering pressure is 20 atm and the exit pressure is 4 atm. Currently 50%
conversion is achieved. It is proposed to add a CSTR with 200 Kg of catalyst
downstream of the PBR. There is no pressure drop in the CSTR. The flow rate
and temperature remain unchanged.

a) What would be the overall conversion in such an arrangement?

b) Is there a better way to carry out the reaction, and if so what is it?

Current

P0 = 20 P=4
100 KG
X = 0.5

Proposed

P0 = 20 P=4
100 KG
200 KG
X = 0.5 X=?

W’99Exam I, Part 1
(10 pts) 4) The following reactions were found to occur while trying to make a desired
product B

(1) A
→ B −rA1 = k1A C2A

A → X −rA2 = k 2A C A

A + X → Y −rA3 = k 3A C ACX

Species X and Y are both foul pollutants

a) What is the instantaneous selectivity of B with respect to the foul pollutants X

and Y?

b) How would you carry out this reaction to maximize the formation of B?

Additional Information
k1A = .5 e–10,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin
k2A = 50 e–20,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin
k3A = 100 e–5,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin

W’99Exam I, Part 1
(10 pts) 5) The catalytic reaction
A → B
to be carried out in a flow reaction system has the following rate law,
kCA
−rA =
(1+ K A CA )
2

where k = 1 min–1

KA = 1 dm3 /mol

The entering concentration of A is 2 mol/dm3 . What type of reactor or

combination of reactors would have the smallest volume to

a) achieve 50% conversion?

b) achieve 80% conversion?

W’99Exam I, Part 1
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 1999
Exam I
Part 1 (80%)
Solution
(10 pts) 1) The trimerization
3A(g) → A3 (g,l)
is carried out isothermally and without pressure drop in a PFR at 298 K and 2
atm. As the concentration of A3 increases down the reactor and A3 begins to
condense. The vapor pressure of A 3 at 298 K is 0.5 atm. If an equal molar mixture
of A and inert, I, is fed to the reactor at what conversion of A will A3 begin to
condense?

1
A (g) → A 3( g,l )
3
PV 0.5 atm
Condensation begins at y = = = 0.25
PT 2 atm

Species Entering Change Before Cond. After Cond.

A (g) FA0 – FA0 X FA = FA0 ( 1 − X) FA = FA0 ( 1 − X)

I(g ) FA0 --- FI = FA0 FI = FA0

A 3 (g,l ) --- FA0 X FA0 X FA 3 = y A3 ,e FT

FA 3 =
3 3
 2
FT = FA0 2 − X
 3 

X
FA 3 FA0
y A3 ,e = = 3 = 0.25
FT  2 
FA0 2 − X
 3 
X 1
=
6 − 2X 4
4X = 6 − 2X

6X = 6

X=1

1
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
(30 pts) 2) In order to study the photochemical decay of aqueous bromine in bright sunlight,
a small quantity of liquid bromine was dissolved in water contained in a glass
battery jar and placed in direct sunlight. The following data were obtained:

Time (min) 10 20 30 40 50 60
ppm Br 2.45 1.74 1.23 0.88 0.62 0.44

a) Determine whether the reaction rate is zero-, first-, or second-order in

bromine, and calculate the reaction rate constant in units of your choice.

b) Assuming identical exposure conditions, calculate the required hourly rate of

injection of bromine (in pounds) into a sunlit body of water 25,000 gal in
volume in order to maintain a sterilizing level of bromine of 1.0 ppm.

(Note: ppm parts of bromine per million parts brominated water by weight. In
dilute aqueous solutions, 1 ppm=1 milligram per liter, molecular weight of
Br = 80 Daltons.)
1 gal 
→ 3.785 liters Sunlight

1 lb 
→ 454 gms BR 
→ Products

Rate law: −rA = k C αA

dCA
Experiment MB: = rA ( batch)
dt
dCA
Experimental data provides CA vs. time, thus can be calculated
dt
dCA
Combine: =− k C αA
dt
 dC
ln − A  = lnk +α lnC A
 dt 
∆y
See plot for vs. t
∆x
Pick 2 points: 2.45, –0.080
at random and 0.88, –0.029
ln( +0.08) − ln( +0.029)
α=
ln (2.45) − ln(0.08 )

α = 0.99 ≈ 1
pick 0.88, – 0.029 ⇒ –3.54 = lnk + (0.99)( −0.1278 ) ⇒ lnk =−3.4134

k = 0.033 min −1

2
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
 Chart Estimate
t (C A)
X y ∆y ∆x ∆y/∆x dy/dx
10 2.45 –0.080
10 –0.71 –0.071
20 1.74 –0.060
10 –0.51 –0.051
30 1.23 –0.042
10 –0.35 –0.035
40 0.88 –0.029
10 –0.26 –0.026
50 0.62 –0.020
10 –0.18 –0.018
60 0.44 –0.015

Problem 2, part b
FA

M.B.: rate in – rate out + gen. = accum

dN A
= FA + rAV
dt
since the Br concentration is constant at 1 ppm, a steady state assumption is valid.
dN A
so = 0 ⇒ − rA V = FA , − rA = kC A
dt
0.033
FA = ⋅ (1 ppm ) ⋅ 25,000 gal
min
ppm ⋅ gal 60 min 3.785l 1g lb
FA = 825 × × × ×
miin 1 hr 1 gal 1000 mg 454g

FA = 0.41 lb hr

3
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
 4
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
(20pts) 3) The irreversible elementary gas phase reaction
2A → B + C
is currently carried out in a packed bed reactor containing 100 kg of catalyst. The
entering pressure is 20 atm and the exit pressure is 4 atm. Currently 50%
conversion is achieved. It is proposed to add a CSTR with 200 Kg of catalyst
downstream of the PBR. There is no pressure drop in the CSTR. The flow rate
and temperature remain unchanged.

a) What would be the overall conversion in such an arrangement?

b) Is there a better way to carry out the reaction, and if so what is it?

Current

P0 = 20 P=4
100 KG
X = 0.5

Proposed

P0 = 20 P=4
100 KG
200 KG
X = 0.5 X=?

FA0 ( Xout − X in ) P
= (1− αw)
12
a) CSTR: −rA′ out = Since ε = 0,
w P0
MB
dX  P 2
PBR: −rA′ = FA0   = 1− αw
dw  P0 
RL
 P 2  4
2
1−  1−
 P0   20 
−rA′ = kC 2A α= =
w 100
1 1
A → B + C α = 0.0096
2 2
ST
1 2
(1 − X ) P  T0  2 P  dX
CA = CA0 Combine: kC 2A0 (1− X ) = FA0
(1+ εX) P0  T   P0  dw

5
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
 ε = yA0 δ , y A0 = 1 , δ = 0 2
kC 2A0  P  dX
ε =0 dw =
P
FA0  P0  (1 − X) 2
CA = CA0 ( 1− X)
P0
2
kC A0 dX
(1−α w)dw =
FA0 (1− X)2
Integrate
100 0.5
kC 2A0  w2 1
w −α  =
FA0  2 
0
(1 − X ) 0

2
kC A0
(100 − 48 ) = 2 −1
FA0
2
kC A0 1
=
FA0 52
2
2 
P 
For CSTR kC 2A0 (1− X ) = ( X2 − 0.5 ) FA0 w
 P0 
2
wkC 2A0  P 
(1 − X 2 ) = X 2 − 0.5
FA0  P0 
200
⋅ ( 0.04)(1 − X 2 ) = X 2 − 0.5
2
52
2
13
( )
1− 2X 2 + X22 = X2 − 0.5
2 4 2
− X 2 + X 22 = X 2 − 0.5
13 13 13
2 2 17 17
X2 − X2 + =0
13 13 26
 17  2 4.2 17
⋅ ⋅
17  13  13 26 1.3077 ± 1.1435
X2 = ± =
13 2.2 0.3077
13
no
= 0.534 or 7.96
X 2 = 0.534
b) Want higher conversion
1) reduce pressure drop → use larger pellets
increase temperature → larger k
2) Use CSTR followed by PFR.

6
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
(10 pts) 4) The following reactions were found to occur while trying to make a desired
product B

(1) A
→ B −rA1 = k1A C2A

A → X −rA2 = k 2A C A

A + X → Y −rA3 = k 3A C ACX

Species X and Y are both foul pollutants

a) What is the instantaneous selectivity of B with respect to the foul pollutants X

and Y?

b) How would you carry out this reaction to maximize the formation of B?

Additional Information
k1A = .5 e–10,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin
k2A = 50 e–20,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin
k3A = 100 e–5,000/T min–1, T in degrees Kelvin

a)
rB =− rA1

rx = −rA2 + rA3

ry = −rA3

Selectivity of B with respect to x and y

rB −r k
S BXY = = A1 = 1A C A
rx + ry −rA2 k 2A

= 0.01 exp[10,000 /T ] CA

b) In order to maximize the formation of B, SBXY should be maximized.

⇒ High C A → use PFR

⇒ Low Temperature

7
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
(10 pts) 5) The catalytic reaction
A → B
to be carried out in a flow reaction system has the following rate law,
kCA
−rA =
(1+ K A CA )
2

where k = 1 min–1

KA = 1 dm3 /mol

The entering concentration of A is 2 mol/dm3 . What type of reactor or

combination of reactors would have the smallest volume to

a) achieve 50% conversion?

b) achieve 80% conversion?

CA = CA0 ( 1− X)

1 (1+ KA C A ) [1 + 2(1 − X)]

2 2
− = =
rA kCA 2( 1− X)

a) CSTR

8
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
 b) CSTR followed by a PFR

9
W’99Exam1,Part 1/Solution
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 1999
Exam I
Part 2 (20%)
Open Book, Notes, and Disk
Closed Web

Name_______________________________

I have neither given nor received aid on this examination nor have I spent more than one
hour working on Part 2 of this exam.

Signed____________________________________________

Start Time

Finish Time
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

A
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
  C C 
A→
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 0.2 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

B
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
 A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 5.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

C
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D
 2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 0.2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

D
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E
Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 10 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

E
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the
(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 20 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

F
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 10 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

G
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C BC C 
A → B + C
← r ′ = k C −
 K 1C 
1C 1C A

A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.
(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 15 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

H
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.
Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.8 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

I
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C BC C 
A → B + C
← r ′ = k C −
 K 1C 
1C 1C A

A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.
Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

J
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 1999
Exam I
Part 2 (20%)
Open Book, Notes, and Disk
Closed Web

Name_______________________________

I have neither given nor received aid on this examination nor have I spent more than one
hour working on Part 2 of this exam.

Signed____________________________________________

Start Time

Finish Time
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W= 9 kg

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W= 43

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

A
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 0.2 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

B
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
  C C 
A→
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 5.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

C
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
 A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 0.2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

D
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D
 2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 10 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

E
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E
Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 20 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

F
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the
(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 10 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

G
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 15 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.4 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

H
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C BC C 
A → B + C
← r ′ = k C −
 K 1C 
1C 1C A

A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.
(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.

Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 0.8 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

I
The gas phase reactions take place isothermally in a membrane reactor packed with
catalyst. Pure A enters the reactor at 24.6 atm and 500K and a flow rate of A of 10
mol/min
 C C 
A →
← B + C ′ = k1C C A − B C 
r1C
 K 1C 
A → D ′ = k 2D C A
r2D

2C + D 
→ 2E ′ = k 3E C 2C CD
r3E

Only species B diffuses out of the reactor through the membrane. At what point in
the reactor is the

(a) the concentration of B is a maximum at W=

(b) the concentration of C is a maximum at W=

(c) Explain why the curves look the way they do.

(d) Vary k1C (.1 to 1000) and write a paragraph describing what you. Explain
whether or not what you observe is reasonable.
Additional Information
Overall mass transfer coefficient kB = 1.0 dm3 /kg cat•min
k1C = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
K1C = 0.2 mol/dm3
k2D = 2 dm3 /kg cat•min
k3E = 5 dm9 /mol2 •kg cat•min
Wf = 100 kg

J
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 2000
Exam I
Solutions

Part 1, Closed Book

Name_______________________________

Honor Code___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Signed_____________________________________

[Don’t sign until the end of the exam]

1) ____/10 pts
2) ____/10 pts
3) ____/30 pts
4) ____/10 pts
5) ____/15 pts
6) ____/ 5 pts
Total 80 pts
(10%) 1) The adiabatic exothermic irreversible gas phase reaction
2A + B → 2C
is to be carried out in a flow reactor for an equilmolar feed of A and B.
Additional Information

500

400

FA0
300
−rA

(dm3 ) 200

100

0
0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
X
a) What is ε, the volume change parameter?
Equimolar feed of A and B. Base all calculations on limiting reactant, A.
= y Ao , y Ao = 0.5 , = 1−1 − .05 = −0.5
ε = -0.25
= ( 0.5)( −.5) = −0.25

b) What PFR volume is necessary to achieve 50% conversion?

500

400
FA0
300
−rA

(dm ) 3
200

100

0
0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
X

0.5
dx
VPFR = FAo ∫ = area under curve
0
−rA
VPFR = (100*0.5) + 0.5*(400*0.5) = 150

V1 = 150 dm3

V1 = ? X = 0.5

c) What CSTR volume is necessary to achieve 50% conversion?

CSTR, therefore volume calculated using conditions at the exit (i.e. X=0.5)
 500

400
FA0
300
−rA

(dm3 ) 200

100

0
0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
X

FAo ( Xout − Xin )

VCSTR = 0.5*100 = 50
−rAo,exit

V1 = 50 dm3

V1 = ?
X = 0.5

continued
d) What CSTR volume must be added to raise the conversion
in Part (c) to 80%? V2 = 150 dm3

V1 X = 0.5

V2 = ?
X = 0.8
 500

400

FA0
−rA 300

( dm3 ) 200

100

0
0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
X

FAo
V2 = (X2 − X1) * = (0.8 − 0.5)*(500) = 150
−rA
e) What PFR volume must be added to raise the conversion in
Part (c) to 80%? V2 = 90 dm3

V1 X = 0.5 X = 0.8
V2 = ?

500

400

FA0
300
−rA

( dm3 ) 200

100

0
0 .1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
X
0.8
FAodX
V2 = ∫ −rA
= (0.8 − 0.5)*(100) + 0.5*(0.8 − 0.5)*(400) = 90
0.5
(10%) 2) The elementary irreversible gas reaction

A (g) + B (g) → C(g,l )

is carried out isothermally in a PFR in which there is no pressure drop. As the reaction
proceeds the partial pressure of C builds up and a point is reached at which C begins to
condense. The vapor pressure of C is 0.4 atm. What is the rate of reaction at the point at
which C first starts to condense. The feed is equal molar in A and B, there are no inerts
or other species entering the reactor and the total pressure at the entrance is 2 atm.

Additional Information
CA 0 = 0.02 mol dm3
k A = 100 dm 3 mol-1 min −1

Ans
–rA = 2.56 mol/dm3 min

Find X where C begins to condense ( Xcond )

FA = FAo (1 − X)
FB = FAo (1 − X)
FC = FAo (X)
FT = FA + FB + FC = FAo (2 − X)
PC ,cond 0.4 F FAo X cond
yC ,cond = = = 0.2 = C ,cond =
PT 2 FT , cond FAo (2 − Xcond )
Xcond 0.4 1
= 0.2 ⇒ Xcond = =
2 − Xcond 1.2 3
Now proceed to the rate law
−rA = k A CACB
C (1 − X)
CA = Ao = CB
(1+ X)
= y Ao = 0.5*(1 −1− 1) = −0.5
mol 2
2 2 3 ) (1 −1/3) 2
(0.02
C (1− X) dm dm 3 mol
−rA = k A Ao
= 100 = 2.56
(1 + X)2
mol⋅ min (1+ (−1/2)(1/3)) 2
dm3 ⋅min
 (30%) 3)It is desired to carry out the gaseous reaction
A → B in an existing tubular reactor consisting of 50 parallel tubes 40 ft long with a
0.75-in. inside diameter. Bench-scale experiments have given the reaction rate constant
for this first-order reaction as 0.00152 s–1 at 200°F and 0.0740 s –1 at 300°F. At what
temperature should the reactor be operated to give a conversion of A of 80% with a feed
rate of 500 lb/h of pure A and an operating pressure of 100 psig? A has a molecular
weight of 73. Departures from perfect gas behavior may be neglected, and the reverse
reaction is insignificant at these conditions.

Ans
T = 278 ˚F or 738 ˚R

  0.75in  2  40 ft  
Vtotal = Ntubes [ r2 L] = 50      = 10603 in 3 = 6.14 ft3
  2   1ft /12 in  
500lb / hr
FAo = = 6.85lbmol / hr
73lb /lbmol
Mole Balance, Rate Law, Stoichiometry, Combine
dX dXA
V = FAo ∫ A , − rA = kCA , CA = CAo (1− X ) , V = FAo ∫
− rA kC Ao (1− X)
FAo  1  F  1 
V= ln ⇒ k = Ao ln
kCAo  1− X  VCAo  1− X
y Ao Po
CAo = , Po = 100 psig +14.7 = 114.7psia = 7.8atm , y Ao = 1
RTo
FAo RTo  1  6.85*0.73* To  1 
k= ln  = ln  = 0.168* To
VPo  1− X  6.14*7.8  0.2 
−E

k = k(T ) = Ae RT
use given k values to find E and A
k  E 1 1   0.00152  E  1 1  E
ln  1  =  −  ⇒ ln =  −  ⇒ = 19498˚R
 k2  R  T2 T1   0.074  R  760˚R 660˚R1  R
 0.00152 3600s  19489 
E

A = ke RT
= * exp = 3.65E13hr −1
 s hr   660 
 19489 
k = 3.65E13hr −1 exp 
 To 
Now set the two expressions for k equal to each other and solve for To
 19489 
0.168To = 3.65E 13hr−1 exp 
 To 
Iterate to solve for To (or use solver)
To = 738˚R = 278˚F
(10%) 4)The following reaction is carried out in a
membrane reactor packed with 100 kg of catalyst. The reaction is carried out
isothermally and there is no pressure drop.
→
A←  2B + D

Sweep Gas

FA0

Sweep Gas

The following is a sketch of the concentration profile in a conventional PBR

Figure 1

a) Suppose B diffuses out through the membrane. Using a dashed line (-----) sketch the
concentration profiles in a membrane reactor for a moderate value of the mass
transfer coefficient for B, kCB, sketch the profiles of A, B and D on Figure 1.

The traces are shown in Figure 1, represented by the dotted lines and A’, B’, and D’
Final concentrations A’, and B’ will be lower than PBR, while D’ will be greater
b) Now suppose that both B and D can diffuse out of the reactor, use a solid line
(_____) to sketch the profiles of A, B, and D on Figure 1. Assume the mass transfer
coefficients of B and D are the same, kCB = kCD.

The traces are shown in Figure 1, represented by the solid lines and A’’, B’’, and D’’
Final concentrations A’’, B’’, and C’’ will all be lower than in a PBR. Final
concentrations A’’ and B’’ are lower than final concentrations A’ and B’

c) Suppose you could choose from two types of membranes, one in which only B
would diffuse out, and one in which only D would diffuse out. In both cases the
mass transfer coefficient would be very very very large. Which membrane would
give the greatest conversion of A?

Why?
According to Le Chatlier’s Principle, you want to remove products to push reaction
forward. If you remove B, you are removing 2 moles. If you remove D, you are only
removing one mole. Therefore, you would want to remove B. Analytically:
FA FA
C A = CTo = CTo
FT FA + FB + FC
 C2 C 
−rA = k  CA − B C  , keep C A high
 KC 
(15%) 5) The irreversible gas phase reaction
A + B → 2C
is carried out in a PBR. The reaction is non -elementary in that it is first order in A and
zero order in B. The feed is equal molar in A and B. and the pressure at the entrance is
10 atm and the pressure at the exit is 2 atm.

P0 = 10 atm P = 2 atm
A
X = ? __________________
B
W = 100 kg

Additional Information
FA0 = 100 mol s

dm 3
k=1
kg ⋅ s

CA0 = 1 mol dm 3

a) What is the conversion exiting the reactor?X=0.5

b) If the flow were turbulent, what would be the pressure drop if the cross sectional
area was increased by a factor of 2 and the particle size decreased by a factor of 10?
All other conditions remain the same.
Pressure drop too great, no flow under these conditions
Find X
Mole Balance, Rate Law, Stoichiometry, Combine
dX −r' A P dX k' CAo (1 − X) P
= , − r' A = k' CA , CA = CAo (1 − X) , =
dW FAo Po dW FAo Po
1
P 1 2
= 0⇒ = (1 − W ) 2 ⇒ = (1 − *100kg ) 2 ⇒ = 0.0096kg −1
Po 10
X 100kg
dX k' CAo (1− X) 1 dX k' C Ao 1 dX k' CAo 1
= (1− W ) 2 ⇒ = (1− W ) 2 dW ⇒ ∫ = ∫ (1 − W ) 2 dW
dW FAo 1− X FAo 0
1−X FAo 0

1  k' C Ao 2    
3 100kg 3

ln  
 1  1*1 2
= 1− (1 − W)  2
⇒ ln = 1 − (1− 0.0096*100)  = 0.6938
2
 1− X  FAo 3  0  1− X  100 3*0.0096  
1
= 2.00 ⇒ X = 0.5
1− X
Find the new
o G2 1
~ , o ~ (for turbulent flow) , G ~
AC Dp AC
1
Combining yields ~ 3
A Dp
C

1
A C,2 = 2AC,1 , Dp,2 = D
10 p ,1
1
A 3C,2 D p,2 8A 3C,1 Dp ,1 8
10 10
1
= = = ⇒ 2 = 1
2 A3C,1 Dp,1 A3C,1 Dp,1 10 8
Calculate new pressure drop
1 1
P 1
 10  2  10 2
= (1 − 2 W ) 2 = 1 −
1

1W = 1 − 0.0096*100 = (−0.2) 2 = imaginary numbers

Po  8   8 
Pressure drop will be too great, no flow under these conditions
(5%) 6) Below is a sketch showing the exit conversion as a function of catalyst particle size in a
packed bed reactor.
A B

DP
Why does the conversion increase with increasing particle size in region A?
Decreasing pressure drop with increasing particle size. Increasing pressure, therefore
increases concentration, increasing rate of reaction, thus increasing conversion

Why does the conversion decrease with increasing particle size in region B?
Larger particles the smaller the effective rate of reaction; therefore, the smaller the
conversion.

η -rA k~1/Dp

θ
Dp
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 1999
Final Exam

Open Book, Notes, CD ROM, Disk, and Web

Name_______________________________

Honor Code________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

1) ____/25 pts

2) ____/15 pts

3) ____/10 pts

4) ____/ 3 pts

5) ____/ 6 pts

6) ____/ 8 pts

7) ____/ 8 pts

8) ____/ 5 pts

9) ____/20 pts

Total ____/ 100 pts

(25 pts) 1) The gas phase irreversible reaction
A+B→C
is elementary. The entering flow rate of A is 10 mol/min and is equal molar in A
and B. The entering concentration of A is 0.4 mol/dm3 .

a) What is the CSTR reactor volume necessary to achieve 90% conversion?

b) What PFR volume is necessary to achieve 90% conversion?

Additional Information
k = 2 dm3 /mol•min
T0 = 500 K

Note: You do not need to use POLYMATH, but if you do write your program
below in case you do not obtain the correct answer.

1
W’99FinalExam
(15 pts) 2) The irreversible zero order gas phase dimerization
2A → A2
is carried out in a packed bed reactor with 5 kg of catalyst. The entering pressure
is 10 atm and the exit pressure is 1 atm. Pure A enters at a flow rate of 10
mol/min. The reaction is zero order in A.

P0 = 10 atm P = 1 atm
FA0 = 10 mol/min X=?

a) What is the pressure drop parameter α?

b) What is the exit conversion?

Additional Information
k = 1.5 mol/kg•min
T0 = 500 K

Note: You do not need to use POLYMATH, but if you do write your program
below in case you do not obtain the correct answer.

2
W’99FinalExam
(10 pts) 3) The species A and B react to form species C, D, and E in a packed bed reactor.
The catalyst does not decay. The following profiles were obtained

X .4 T
500

0 W W

Circle the correct true (T) or False (F) answer for this system

T F a) The above profiles could represent an adiabatic system where the

addition of inerts will increase the conversion.
T F b) The above profiles could represent a system where decreasing the
flow rate will increase the conversion.
T F c) The above profiles could represent a system where if the feed
temperature is increased, one cannot tell from the above profiles
whether or not the conversion will increase or decrease.
T F d) There could be a heat exchanger on the reactor for which the heat
flow is
˙
dQ 1000 kJ
= (T − 500 )
dW kg s K

T F e) The above reaction may be an excellent candidate for reactor

staging.

3
W’99FinalExam
(3 pts) 4) The gas phase reaction
2A + B 
→ C
is carried out in a PFR. The feed is equal molar in A and B and the entering
temperature is 500K and the entering pressure is 16.4 atm. If the exit conversion
is X, then the exit concentration of B (in mol/dm3 ) is

a) CB = 0.4 (1 − X) (1 − .5X)
b) CB = 0.4 (1 − X)( 1− 1.5X )
c) CB = 0.4
d) CB = 0.4 (1 − 0.5X) (1 − X )
e) None of the above
f) Cannot be calculated without knowing the exit conversion.

4
W’99FinalExam
(6 pts) 5) a) The following elementary liquid phase reactions are to be carried out
A + B → R

R +B
→ S
Species R is the desired product. Which of the following schemes should be
used?
A B
B
A
B A
(a) PFR (b) PFR (c) CSTR
A B
B t=0 A

A B

(d) Semibatch (e) Batch (f) Semibatch

A B
A B
A

(g)
b) In the reactors
A → B rB = kB C2A

A + B→ 2C rC = k CC ACB
What is the instantaneous selectivity of C to B? Which reactor or combination
of reactors and at what temperatures would you use for the following
reaction system?
C is the desired product.
Data for Part (b)
CA0 = 4 mol dm3 k B = 1 dm 3 mol ⋅ min at 300K with E = 4000cal mol

k C = 1 dm 3 mol ⋅ min at 300K with E = 12000cal mol

5
W’99FinalExam
(8 pts) 6) a) The following plot of activity as a function of time was obtained.

1
a
1.0

t
What type of decay would best describe to data? (circle the correct answer)
1) Poisoning
2) Sintering
3) Coking
4) None of the above

b) The following profiles were measured in a PBR

t=0 t=10 min
X X

W W

The type of catalyst decay can best be described by (circle the correct answer)
1) Poisoning
2) Sintering
3) Coking
4) None of the above

c) The following catalyst activity profile was measured in a PBR for the
isomerization of A to B.

The decay law that best describes this data is (circle the correct answer)
da
1) = −ka
dt
da
2) = −ka 2 1.0 t = 40 min
dt a
da
3) = −ka C A
dt
da
4) = −ka 2 C B
dt 0
5) None of the above 0 W

6
W’99FinalExam
(8 pts) 7) (P10-4) The rate law for the hydrogenation (H) of ethylene (E) to form ethane (A)
over a cobalt-molybdenum catalyst [Collection Czech. Chem. Commun., 51, 2760
(1988)] is
kPEPH
−rE′ =
1 + KE PE
Suggest a mechanism and rate-limiting step consistent with the rate law.
(Can be done by inspection.)

7
W’99FinalExam
(5 pts) 8) Suppose the heat exchanger in Example E8-12 became fouled so that the overall
heat transfer coefficient was reduced by 50%?
What would be the new steady state temperatures inside the reactor?

8
W’99FinalExam
(20 pts) 9) The elementary liquid phase reactions
(1) A → B

(2) 2A 
→ C

are carried out in a 100 dm3 PFR where species B is the desired product. Pure A
enters at a molar flow rate of 40.0 mol/min and at a concentration of 4.0
mol/dm3 .

Additional Information
CPA = C PB = 20 cal mol K

CPC = 40 cal mol K

∆HRx1A =+10,000 cal mol

∆HRx2A =−20,000 cal mol

cal
Ua = 100 3
with Ta = 400K
dm ⋅ min K

k 1A = 0.05 min −1 at 400K with E = 10,000 cal mol

k 2C = 0.0005 dm3 mol min at 400K with E = 19,000 cal mol

a) For a feed temperature of 450K, what are the exit concentrations and
temperature
C A = ______, CB = ______, CC = ______, T = ______K
b) The feed temperature can be varied between 400 and 700. What feed
temperature do you recommend to maximize the exit molar flow rate of B?

75% Marks for setting up the problem correctly with all correct equations and
numbers in POLYMATH Notation

25% Final Answer

9
W’99FinalExam
 ChE 344
Chemical Reaction Engineering
Winter 1999
Final Exam

Solution
(25 pts) 1) The gas phase irreversible reaction
A+B→C
is elementary. The entering flow rate of A is 10 mol/min and is equal molar in A
and B. The entering concentration of A is 0.4 mol/dm3 .

a) What is the CSTR reactor volume necessary to achieve 90% conversion?

b) What PFR volume is necessary to achieve 90% conversion?

Additional Information
k = 2 dm3 /mol•min
T0 = 500 K

Note: You do not need to use POLYMATH, but if you do write your program
below in case you do not obtain the correct answer.

a) FA0 X = ( −rA )V
FA0 = 10
x = 0.9
V =?
2
 X
(1 − X ) 1− 
2
−rA = kC ACB = 2C 2A0
 2

= 2 ∗ (0.4)2 ∗
(0.1)2 = 0.01057
(0.55) 2
10 × 0.9
V= = 851 dm 3
0.01057

b) FA0 dX = ( −rA )dV

 X 2
dX 1 − 
0.9  2 2
kCA0
∫0 (1− X )2
=
FA0
∗V

( )
2
 1  1  12 1 − 12 0.9 2 ∗ 0.42 V
2 − 1− ln(1 − 0.9) + − 0.9 + =
 2  2  2 1 − 0.9 10
3.63 ∗ 10 3
V= 4 = 113.3 dm
2 ∗ 0.4

1
W’99FinalExam
 2
W’99FinalExam
(15 pts) 2) The irreversible zero order gas phase dimerization
2A → A2
is carried out in a packed bed reactor with 5 kg of catalyst. The entering pressure
is 10 atm and the exit pressure is 1 atm. Pure A enters at a flow rate of 10
mol/min. The reaction is zero order in A.
P0 = 10 atm P = 1 atm
FA0 = 10 mol/min
X=?
a) What is the pressure drop parameter α?
b) What is the exit conversion?

Additional Information
k = 1.5 mol/kg•min
T0 = 500 K

Note: You do not need to use POLYMATH, but if you do write your program
below in case you do not obtain the correct answer.

1
A → A 2
2
dX
FA0 = (−rA )
dW
x k
∫0dX = FA0 W
1.5
X= W = 0.15W
10
dy d (1+ εX)
=−
dw 2 y
5 1
∫0 2y dy = −α∫0 1− 2 ∗ 0.15W  dW
x

0.15 2  5
= −α w −
0.1
y2 w
1  4 0

0.15 ∗25 
−0.99 = −α 5 −
 4 
= −α∗ 4.0625

α = 0.2437 kg −1
X = 0.15 ∗ 5 = 0.75

3
W’99FinalExam
(10 pts) 3) The species A and B react to form species C, D, and E in a packed bed reactor.
The catalyst does not decay. The reaction is elementary. The following profiles
were obtained

X .4 T
500

0 W W
Circle the correct true (T) or False (F) answer for this system

T F a) The above profiles could represent an adiabatic system where the

addition of inerts will increase the conversion.
T F b) The above profiles could represent a system where decreasing the
flow rate will increase the conversion.
T F c) The above profiles could represent a system where if the feed
temperature is increased, one cannot tell from the above profiles
whether or not the conversion will increase or decrease.
T F d) There could be a heat exchanger on the reactor for which the heat
flow is
˙
dQ 1000 kJ
= (T − 500 )
dW kg s K

T F e) The above reaction may be an excellent candidate for reactor

staging.

a) The reaction is exothermic and adiabatic. Addition of inerts will lower the exit
temperature and hence will increase the conversion.

b) Decreasing the flow rate will not change the exit condition because it is an
equilibrium condition.

c) Equilibrium is reached early in the reaction, so increase temperature, decrease

equilibrium conversion.

d) Because the ambient temperature is 500, same as final equilibrium temperature.

e) Yes, because it may be an exothermic reversible reaction.

4
W’99FinalExam
(3 pts) 4) The gas phase reaction
2A + B 
→ C
is carried out in a PFR. The feed is equal molar in A and B and the entering
temperature is 500K and the entering pressure is 16.4 atm. If the exit conversion
is X, then the exit concentration of B (in mol/dm3 ) is

a) CB = 0.4 (1 − X) (1 − .5X)
b) CB = 0.4 (1 − X)( 1− 1.5X )
c) CB = 0.4
d) CB = 0.4 (1 − 0.5X) (1 − X )
e) None of the above
f) Cannot be calculated without knowing the exit conversion.

1 1
A+ B
→ C
2 2
1  1  1  
ε = yA0δ = ∗ − +1
2  2 2 
1
=−
2
 X  X
C A0 θ B −  C A0 1 − 
 2 =  2
CB =
(1 +εX )  X
1− 
 2
= C A0 = 0.2

5
W’99FinalExam
(6 pts) 5) a) The following elementary liquid phase reactions are to be carried out
A + B → R

R +B
→ S
Species R is the desired product. Which of the following schemes should be
used?
A B
B
A
B A
(a) PFR (b) PFR (c) CSTR
A B
B t=0 A

A B

(d) Semibatch (e) Batch (f) Semibatch

A B
A B
A

(g)
b) In the reactors
A → B rB = kB C2A

A + B→ 2C rC = k CC ACB
What is the instantaneous selectivity of C to B? Which reactor or combination
of reactors and at what temperatures would you use for the following
reaction system?
C is the desired product.
Data for Part (b)
CA0 = 4 mol dm3 k B = 1 dm 3 mol ⋅ min at 300K with E = 4000cal mol
A
k C = 1 dm 3 mol ⋅ min at 300K with E = 12000cal mol

High Temp.

6
W’99FinalExam
(a)
r1R = k1R CAC B

r2R = k 2RC R CB

rR r +r k C C − k2S C R CB
S RS = = 1R 2R = 1R A B
k2S r2S k 2S CRC B

k1R C A
= −1
k2R CR

We can maximize SRS by keeping CA high and CR low. For keeping CR low, keep
C B low because
rR = r1R + r2R

= (k1R CA − k2S CR )C B

rR α C B
Hence, use either (b) or (d).

(b)
rC k CC ACB
S CB = =
rB k C2 − 1 K C C
B A
2 C A B
1
= k C
B A 1
−
kC CB 2

1
=
 8000  CA 1
exp −
 RT  C B 2

We can maximize SCB by keeping

T high
C A low
C B high
Use semibatch
A

and high reactor temperature.

7
W’99FinalExam
(8 pts) 6) a) The following plot of activity as a function of time was obtained.

1
a
1.0

t
What type of decay would best describe to data? (circle the correct answer)
1) Poisoning
2) Sintering
3) Coking
4) None of the above
b) The following profiles were measured in a PBR
t=0 t=10 min
X X

W W
The type of catalyst decay can best be described by (circle the correct answer)
1) Poisoning
2) Sintering
3) Coking
4) None of the above

c) The following catalyst activity profile was measured in a PBR for the
isomerization of A to B.
The decay law that best describes this data is (circle the correct answer)
da
1) = −ka
dt 1.0 t = 40 min
da a
2) = −ka 2
dt
da
3) = −ka C A
dt 0
0 W
da
4) = −ka 2 C B
dt
5) None of the above

8
W’99FinalExam
(8 pts) 7) (P10-4) The rate law for the hydrogenation (H) of ethylene (E) to form ethane (A)
over a cobalt-molybdenum catalyst [Collection Czech. Chem. Commun., 51, 2760
(1988)] is
kPEPH
−rE′ =
1 + KE PE
Suggest a mechanism and rate-limiting step consistent with the rate law.
(Can be done by inspection.)

→ E •S
E +S←

E • S + H 2 → A + S (rate limiting step)

9
W’99FinalExam
(5 pts) 8) Suppose the heat exchanger in Example E8-12 became fouled so that the overall
heat transfer coefficient was reduced by 50%?
What would be the new steady state temperatures inside the reactor?

10
W’99FinalExam
 11
W’99FinalExam
(20 pts) 9) The elementary liquid phase reactions
(1) A → B

(2) 2A 
→ C

are carried out in a 100 dm3 PFR where species B is the desired product. Pure A
enters at a molar flow rate of 40.0 mol/min and at a concentration of 4.0
mol/dm3 .

Additional Information
CPA = C PB = 20 cal mol K

CPC = 40 cal mol K

∆HRx1A =+10,000 cal mol

∆HRx2A =−20,000 cal mol

cal
Ua = 100 3
with Ta = 400K
dm ⋅ min K

k 1A = 0.05 min −1 at 400K with E = 10,000 cal mol

k 2C = 0.0005 dm3 mol min at 400K with E = 19,000 cal mol

a) For a feed temperature of 450K, what are the exit concentrations and
temperature
2.55 CB = ______,
C A = ______, 1.35 CC = ______,
0.05 T = ______K
391

b) The feed temperature can be varied between 400 and 700. What feed
temperature do you recommend to maximize the exit molar flow rate of B?
T(K) FB (mol/min
400 12.03
500 18.06
600 2.29
550 3.78
525 5.73
505 15.49
495 16.81

75% Marks for setting up the problem correctly with all correct equations and
numbers in POLYMATH Notation

25% Final Answer

(9)
12
W’99FinalExam
 13
W’99FinalExam
 14
W’99FinalExam
a) True because initially the reactor temperature decreases.

b) False because in this case, the temperature should not come back to the initial
value.

c) True. The reaction is endothermic and it shows a decrease in temperature first

and then the heat exchanger take sit back to the initial temperature.

(a) (2) second order (sintering?)

(b) (3) coking
(c) activity profile missing
(d)

15
W’99FinalExam
 16
W’99FinalExam