Solution Library

Design of Multistage Fixed Bed Catalytic Reactor

Question

A multistage fixed bed catalytic reactor was to be designed for the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene (C8H10 = A) into styrene (C8H8 = S), using excess steam to control the reaction temperature. The goal is to reach 90 percent conversion of ethylbenzene, using a multi-stage system if necessary. A new catalyst has been developed, which allows operation at temperatures as high as 1100K, compared to the previous catalyst which would undergo sintering at 1000K. Assuming that the pseudohomogeneous one-dimensional plug flow model is valid, and that each stage operates isobarically:

a. What is the minimum amount of (new) catalyst required for this process? If you integrate numerically, use a step size of 0.3.

b. If the reactor operates adiabatically, how many stages would be required in order to achieve the 90% conversion target with the new catalyst? Assume that the outlet temperature from each stage is 25°C from equilibrium temperature.

c. How much less catalyst is required with the new catalyst versus the old catalyst? A reasonable estimate is sufficient (but state your assumptions)

Data: FAO = 80mol/s; FH2O = 1200mol/s; PO = 2.5 bar; ∆HRA = 126 kJ/mol; Cp = 2.4 Jg-lK-1; (-rA) = kA(PA- PSPH2/Kp); kA = 3460e-10980/Tmol(kg cat)-1S-lbar-1; Kp = 8.2 X 106e-15,200/T bar.

 

Summary

The question belongs to Chemical Engineering and the question is about multistage fixed bed catalytic reactor is to be designed for dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene into styrene. A new catalyst is being deployed and 90% conversion is being expected. The question has been answered clearly in the solution in much detail.

Note: The answers are in handwritten format

 

 

Download Full Solution

Comments

  • HWA
    Rasha

    this is a very good website

  • HWA
    maani

    I have 50 questions for the same test your page is showing only 28

  • HWA
    joeanne

    hi can you please help or guide me to answer my assignments. thanks

  • HWA
    joeanne

    hi can anyone help or guide me to my assignments. thanks

  • HWA
    Monik


  • HWA
    Cristina

    This solution is perfect ...thanks

  • HWA
    Janete

    Hello Allison,I love the 2nd image that you did! I also, had never heard of SumoPaint, is something that I will have to exolpre a bit! I understand completely the 52 (or so) youtube videos that you probably watched. Sometimes they have what you want, sometimes they don't! However, it is always satisfying when you are able to produce something that you have taught yourself. Great job!Debra 0 likes

  • HWA
    Sandeep

    Perfect bank of solution. 

  • HWA
    Oxana

    great !

  • HWA
    Paul Brandon-Fritzius

    thanks for the quick response. the solution looks good. :)

  • HWA
    tina Johnson

    thnx for the answer. it was perfect. just the way i wanted it. 

  • HWA
    Giuseppe

    works fine.