Question

How should a PFR and MFR be connected to maximize production from a first order reaction?

(a) MFR followed by PFR

(b) PFR followed by MFR

(c) Any arrangement

(d) MFR and PFR should not be connected

This question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

The origin of the question is Choosing of Right Reactor Series or Connections (Maximum Profitability) topic in section Ideal Reactors for a Single Reaction, Conversion and Reactor Sizing of Chemical Reaction Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) Any arrangement

Explanation: The final concentration for both the cases is same and can be calculated using the formula

CA2 = \(\frac{CA0 e^{-kτp}}{(τmk+1)} \)

Therefore, any arrangement does not make any difference for first order reactions.