Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

Table of Content

Content Page Number

Summary 1

1.0 Data and Result 2-5

2.0 Analysis and Discussion 6–7

3.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 8

4.0 Tutorial 9 - 11

5.0 Reference 12

6.0 Appendices 13 - 17

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

1.0 Summary

The main objective of the experiment is to compare the performance of 1 stage

of CSTR and 3 stage of continuous of reactor (CSTR), by carry out a saponification
reaction between NaOH and Et (Ac) using different types of reactors, where it is to
compare the reaction conversion between different types of reactors and to determine
the rate of reaction. The experiment started with feeding the feed vessel B1 with the
NaOH solution and feed vessel B2 with Et (Ac) solution. The flowrate of the solution
has to be maintained at 200 mL/min as the solutions circulate through the system. The
valves need to be opens according to the selection of the reactor, according to the
experiment that has divided into three parts. Hence, this is how the saponification
reaction occurs in each of the reactor. Besides, during certain period of time, the
conversion decrease and increase. The highest conversion that has been obtained in this
experiment was the 3 stage CSTR and then followed by 1 stage CSTR. As conclusion,
it can be summarized that 3 stage CSTR have the highest conversion compare to 1 stage
CSTR reactor. Besides that, in terms of residence time, three stages of continuous
reactors (CSTR) has the lowest residence time compare to1 stage CSTR. Next, in terms
of rate of reaction, 3 stage CSTR has the highest rate of reaction, followed by 1 stage
continuous reactor (CSTR) which has lower reaction rate. There were some safety
precaution has been taken during the experiment to achieve stable reading, this was
conducted during the preparation of the chemical and during the experiment that has
been run.

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

2.0 Result and Data

Reactor type = 1 stage CSTR Reactor volume = 4L Feed flowrate = 200 mL/min
Concentration of NaOH in feed vessel = 0.1M
Concentration Et(Ac) in feed vessel =0.1M

Time Temperature Flow rate Flow rate Total flow Residence Inlet Inlet Outlet Outlet Conversion
(min) (°C) of of rate of time, τ (min) conductivity concentration Conductivit concentratio ,
NaOH, Et(Ac), solutions, (Self- (mS/cm) of NaOH, y n of NaOH, X (%)
FNAOH FET F0 (mL/min) calculate) CNaOH (M) (mS/cm) CNaOH (M) (Self-
(mL/min (mL/min = FNAOH + FET (from (from calculate)
) ) (Self- calibration calibration
calculate) curve) curve)
Inlet Outlet
0 30.1 31.1 206 200 406 9.85 5.55 0.011 4.94 0.0067 39.09
5 30.7 31.7 204 210 414 9.66 6.80 0.02 4.79 0.0056 72
10 30.8 31.9 204 195 399 10.03 7.21 0.023 4.49 0.0035 84.78
15 30.9 32.0 203 195 398 10.05 7.41 0.024 4.49 0.0035 85.42
20 31.0 32.1 203 193 396 10.10 7.42 0.0244 4.40 0.0029 88.11
25 31.1 32.3 205 190 395 10.13 7.48 0.025 4.35 0.0025 90
30 31.2 32.4 204 190 394 10.15 7.41 0.024 4.27 0.002 91.67
F0,avg = 400.285 τavg = 9.99

Reaction rate constant = 3.75 L/mol/s

Rate of reaction, -rA = 1.5 x 10-5 mol/L.s

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

Reactor type = 3 stage CSTR Reactor volume = 1L Feed flowrate = 200 mL/min
Concentration of NaOH in feed vessel = 0.1M
Concentration Et(Ac) in feed vessel =0.1M

Time Temperature Flow rate Flow rate Total flow Residence Inlet Inlet Outlet Outlet Conversion
(min) (°C) of of rate of time, τ (min) conductivity concentration Conductivity concentration ,
NaOH, Et(Ac), solutions, (Self- (mS/cm) of NaOH, (mS/cm) of NaOH, X (%)
FNAOH FET F0 (mL/min) calculate) CNaOH (M) CNaOH (M) (Self-
(mL/min (mL/min = FNAOH + FET (from (from calculate)
) ) (Self- calibration calibration
calculate) curve) curve)
Inlet Outlet
0 31.1 31.8 197 200 397 2.52 7.52 0.025 4.33 0.0024 90.4
5 30.9 32.2 197 201 398 2.51 8.07 0.029 4.31 0.0022 92.41
10 30.8 32.4 196 195 391 2.56 6.59 0.019 4.20 0.0014 92.63
15 30.8 32.6 197 199 396 2.53 8.56 0.033 4.16 0.0011 96.67
20 30.7 32.7 197 199 396 2.53 7.05 0.023 4.10 0.00071 96.91
F0,avg = 395.6 τavg = 2.53

Reaction rate constant = 317.42 L/mol.s

Rate of reaction, -rA = 1.60 x 10-4 mol/L.s

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

Concentration of NaOHvs Conductivity

12

y = 140x + 4
10
R² = 0.9898
CONDUCTIVITY (MS/CM)

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06
CONCENTRATION OF NAOH (M)

Figure 1: Concentration of NaOH vs conductivity

Conversion, X Vs Reaction Time

98

97

96
CONVERSION

95

94

93

92

91

90
0 5 10 15 20 25
REACTION TIME

Figure 3: Conversion vs reaction time for 3 stage CSTR

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

Conversion Rate, X Reaction Time For 1

Stage CSTR
100
90
80
CONVERSION RATE

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
TIME

Figure 4: Conversion vs reaction time for 1 stage CSTR

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

3.0 Analysis and Discussion

The experiment was proposedly to study a saponifcation reaction between

NaOH and Et (Ac) by using three different types of reactors, 3 stage CSTR and Single
Stage CSTR to compare the reaction between conversion between different types of
reactors and to determine the reaction rate constant.

After run this experiment, raw data consisting inlet conductivity and outlet
conductivity are recorded and tabulated according to the type of reactors. The
instrument is designed with a change in the conductivity of the solution. So, a
calibration curve is plotted to show the relationship between the conductivity and the
concentration of NaOH. It is observed that the slope is 0.9898 and the conductivity is
increase linearly to the concentration of NaOH. The higher amount ions of NaOH
resulting the higher value of conductivity.

By analysing graph 2, it can be clearly seen that the conversion reaction of

Single CSTR and 3 stages CSTR are different with the increasing of residence time.
The conversion reaction by using single CSTR and 3 stages CSTR are fairly increased
CSTR is by time. It shows that 3 stages is the most effective reactor since the reaction
is the highest one and it has 317.42 L/mol.s of reaction of rate constant compare to the
1 stages CSTR where the reaction rate constant for 1 stages CSTR is 3.75 L/mol.s.
Based on the theory, the conversion reaction for every reactor should be in increase.
The residence time of Single CSTR is 9.85 min and the 3 stages CSTR is 2.52 min.
This shows that the 3 stages CSTR is good compared to single CSTR because it takes
a little time of a fluid to mixed well in the reactor.

There are numerous strategies that can be utilized to decide the response rate
steady, k esteem. In this investigation, the response rate consistent were resolved in
view of the defined equation as it is realized that the saponification response amongst
NaOH and Et(Ac) is a moment arrange response. In light of the figured outcome for
each kind of the reactor, the k esteem for single stage CSTR 3.75 L/mol.s and 3 phases
of CSTR is 317.42 L/mol.s. For the living arrangement time among the reactor, single
CSTR give the higher estimation of living arrangement time at 9.99 min and 3 organize
CSTR at 2.53 min. Habitation time can be characterized as the season of compound
spend in the reactor. In view of the information get, CSTR has the most astounding
habitation time as a result of the basic of the reactor. The time taken for the reactant to

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

course through the reactor will be an indistinguishable time from it leave the reactor.
Next is the rate of response that occurring in the reactor. In light of the information
acquired, single CSTR gives the most elevated estimation of rate of response which is
at 1.5 x 10-5 mol/L.s and 3 organize CSTR at 1.6 x 10-4 mol/L.s. This may because of
the diverse volume of reactor utilized for the response as volume of single CSTR is 4
L while for 3 phase of CSTR is 1 L. Response time can be characterized as the time
taken of the reactant devoured all the while.

The Damnkohler number was ascertained for the 3-phases arrangement CSTR.
The Da number is 4.495. One might say that the Da number is specifically relative to
the living arrangement time and the response rate consistent. The higher the living
arrangement time and response rate steady, the higher the Da number for the CSTR.
The Da number must be figured for the arrangement reactors. Fundamentally,
hypothetically Da will give estimation of conceivable change and is a helpful
proportion for deciding if dispersion rates or response rates are more "essential" for
characterizing a relentless state substance appropriation over the length and time sizes
of intrigue. Consequently the meaning of Da is related with trademark dispersion and
response times in this way scaling is vital. For Da greater than 1 the response rate is
considerably more noteworthy than the dissemination rate appropriation is said to be
dispersion restricted (dissemination is slowest so dispersion qualities overwhelm and
the response is thought to be promptly in balance). With respect to Da under 1
dissemination happens considerably speedier than the response, in this way dispersion
comes to a "equilibrium" a long time before the response is at balance.

There are several recommendations need to be done to increase the efficiency of

the reactors. During the experiment, make sure the solution used is measure correctly.
Ensure that the eyes must perpendicular to the measuring scale to avoid parallax error.
The stirrer should be opened earlier when the solution has reached to the half of the
reactor to make sure the solution is mixed well. Last but not least, both valve V9 and
V10 should be adjusted at 200 ml/min to give the accurate value of conductivity.

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4.0 Conclusion and Recommendation

This experiment was conducted to find out the differences gap exist of
saponification process of NaOH and Et(Ac) between single CSTR and 3 stages CSTR.
The flow rate of these three saponification process kept constant at 200ml/min. The
conversions between these 2 types of reactors are observed and the reaction rates are
determined using the data available. Based on three graphs plotted based on data, the
most effective reactor is three stages CSTR at 96.91% of conversion and lastly is the
single CSTR with conversion value 91.67%. The 3 stage of CSTR gives the highest
conversion for the saponification of NaOH and Et(Ac).

Based on the theory, the conversion of these reactants should be increase over time.
Three stages CSTR is better compared to single stages CSTR as the time taken for
reactant mixed well is a little faster compared to single CSTR. 3 stages CSTR are better
reactor compared to single stage CSTR. But, it can be conclude that the 3 stages CSTR
are the most effective reactor which gives a very high conversion for saponification
process.

There are a few recommendations that should be sure done in getting more accurate
data and result for this experiment. Firstly, when preparing the solution, the measure
must be correct. Try to avoid making mistakes in the calculations of NaOH weight and
also avoid parallax error by make sure that eyes are align to the measuring scale. Both
of the pump also need to be maintain as the pump are not function well and causing the
flow rate regulates. The valve V9 and V10 also must be maintained as the valves are
actually leaking. The valve sensitivity needs to be change for a more accurate flow rate
because even a very small turn of the valve could increase flow rate up or to narrow
down.

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5.0 Tutorial

1. Write the differences between 3 reactors: Single CSTR, 3-stages CSTR and
Tubular (PFR) reactor. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for each
configuration

SINGLE CSTR 3-STAGES CSTR TUBULAR (PFR)

• Open system • Open system • Open system
• Steady state • Steady state • Steady state
• Mixing • Mixing • Not mixing
• Short reaction time • Shorter reaction time • Shortest reaction time
• Constant volumetric • Constant volumetric • Not constant
flowrate flowrate volumetric flowrate

ADVANTAGES

Single CSTR 3-stages CSTR PFR

- simple to maintain and - more noteworthy natural - low pressure drops

clean strength

- low working expense - Possibly higher - high volumetric unit

throughputs because of change rate per reactor
ideal conditions

- quick reaction when to - greater capacity to adapt - Keep running for long
work to fluctuating feedstock, stretches without
volume and quality maintenance

- basic and simple to - more conservative - great heat exchange

develop

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

DISADVANTAGES

Single CSTR 3-stages CSTR PFR

- Change of reactor to item - Expensive than others -more expensive

per volume of reactor is maintenance compared to
small compared to others others
flow reactor

-lowest conversion per -more complex - problem areas may

unit volume operational requirements happen inside PFR when
utilized for exothermic
responses

- by passing and diverting

conceivable with poor
agitation

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2. Write a one-paragraph summary of any journal article that studies

chemical reaction in a CSTR. The article must have been published within
the last 5 years. Explain on the CSTR reactor used in the study and its
significance to the study done.

Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) are frequently used in the

chemical industry due to the mixing property of the reactors. It may seem
counter intuitive that a mixed reactor also has their own advantageous other than
a non-mixed reactor such as a Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) .We will examine this
phenomenon later. Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) reactors are
frequently used in biological reactions when the substrate flows into the reactor
and is converted to product with the use of an enzyme. Since Continuous stirred-
tank reactors (CSTR) reactors have an inlet and outlet stream, they are useful
for continuous production. The streams are opposite of a batch reactor, which
is a reactor that has a constant volume and has no incoming or outgoing streams.
Some of the times when Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR) are most
useful are for continuous production, large-scale reactions, or fast reactions.

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6.0 Reference

1. Encyclopedia Britania, (2016) Reaction Rate. [Online]. [Accessed 11 March,

2018]. Available from World Wide Web :
https://global.britannica.com/science/reaction-rate
2. Chemlab, (2011) Determining rate constant. [Online]. [Accessed 11 March,
2018]. Available from World Wide Web :
https://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/chem6/kinet2/full_text/chemistry.html
3. Residence Time Distribution, (2016). [Online]. [11 March, 2018]. Available
from World Wide Web :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Residence_time_distribution
4. Reactor Theory and Practice, (2016) Plug Flow Reactor. [Online]. [Accessed
11 March, 2018]. Available from World Wide Web :
https://www.cs.montana.edu/webworks/projects/stevesbook/contents/chapters/
chapter008/section002/blue/page004.html
5. Continuous stirred-tank reactor, (2016). [Online]. [Accessed 11 March, 2018].
Available from World Wide Web:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_stirred-tank_reactor
6. Changes in which factors affect both the rate and the rate constant of a first order
reaction?, 2014 [Online]. [Accessed on 11 March, 2018]. Available from
world wide web : http://chemistry.stackexchange.com
7. The Plug Flow (Retrieved from http://www.konferenslund.se/p/L16.pdf on 11
March, 2018)
8. Reaction Kinetics (Retrieved from
http://smk3ae.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/reaksi-kinetik.pdf on the 11 March,
2018)

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7.0 Appendix

The graph of concentration of NaOH (M) vs Conductivity (mS/cm)

Concentration of NaOH (M) Conductivity (mS/cm)

0.0500 10.7
0.0375 9.7
0.0250 7.5
0.0125 5.6
0.0000 4.0
Table 1: Concentration of NaOH and conductivity

Concentration of NaOH (M) vs

Conductivity (mS/cm)
12

10
Conductivity (mS/cm)

y = 140x + 4
8 R² = 0.9898

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06
Concentration of NaOH (M)

Figure 5: Concentration of NaOH vs conductivity

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Sample Calculation
1) Single-Stage CSTR

VCSTR
Residence Time,  
F0

4000mL
= = 9.85 min
406mL/min

T avg=(9.85 + 9.66 + 10.03 + 10.05 + 10.10 + 10.13 + 10.15) / 7

= 9.999

2) 3-Stage CSTRs

VCSTR
Residence Time,  
F0

1000mL
= = 2.52 min
397mL/min

T avg=(2.52 + 2.51 + 2.56 +2.53 + 2.53 ) / 5

= 2.53

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The graph of Conversion, X vs Reaction Time (min)

1) Single-stage CSTR

Reaction Time (min) Conversion, X (%)

0 39.09
5 72
10 84.78
15 85.42
20 88.11
25 90
30 91.67
Table 3: Reaction time and conversion

Conversion Rate, X Reaction Time For 1

Stage CSTR
100
90
80
CONVERSION RATE

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
TIME

Figure 7: Conversion vs reaction time for single stage CSTR

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The graph of Conversion, X vs Reaction Time (min)

1) 3-stage CSTRs

Reaction Time (min) Conversion, X (%)

0 90.4
5 92.41
10 92.63
15 96.67
20 96.91
Table 4: Reaction time and conversion

Conversion, X Vs Reaction Time

98

97

96
CONVERSION

95

94

93

92

91

90
0 5 10 15 20 25
REACTION TIME

Figure 8: Conversion vs reaction time for three stage CSTR

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 Experiment 4: Reactor Test Rig

Reactor Temperature

Temperature Inlet: 28.3 °C

Temperature Outlet: 29.0 °C

Reaction rate constant, k =

(C A0
- CA ) AND Rate of reaction, - r = kC A2
t avg C 2
A
A

(0.011−0.002)𝑀
k=
(9.99min)(0.0022𝑀)2 (60𝑠)

k = 3.75 L/mol/s

-rA = (3.75)(0.002)2

= 1.5 x 10-5mol/L.s

Damnköhler (Da) number :

Da = τavgkCA0

= (9.99 min x 60s/min)(3.75/mol.s)(0.002M)

= 4.495

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