Question

For a constant volume system, the size of batch reactor is _______________ PFR.

(a) smaller than

(b) larger than

(c) same as

(d) cannot be compared

The question was asked during an online interview.

Asked question is from Applications of Design Equations for Continuous topic in division Ideal Reactors for a Single Reaction, Conversion and Reactor Sizing of Chemical Reaction Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) same as

For explanation: For PFR, \(\frac{τ}{CA0} = \int_0^{XA}\frac{dXA}{-rA} \)

For Batch reactor, \(\frac{t}{CA0} = \int_0^{XA}\frac{dXA}{-rA} \)

 From the above equations it is clear that theoretically the element of fluid reacts for same length of time in PFR and Batch reactor. But shutdown time as to be considered for actual design.