Question

What happens when the reaction occurs non-uniformly?

(a) High gradient

(b) Low gradient

(c) Small yield

(d) Less conversion

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

This intriguing question comes from Reactor Developemnt topic in chapter Hydrocarbon Synthesis and Hydroformylation of Unit Processes

Answer 1

Right option is (a) High gradient

The explanation is: A uniform amount of reaction has been assumed through the catalyst bed. When the reaction occurs non uniformly and a large amount of conversion takes place in a limited area, as is often the case near the point of entry of the fresh gas, the gradients are higher.