1. What is Initial Reactant Concentration for First Order Reaction?

Definition: This calculator determines the reactant concentration in the previous vessel (i-1) based on the concentration in vessel i, reaction rate constant, and adjusted retention time.

Purpose: It helps chemical engineers and researchers analyze and design continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) systems for first-order reactions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C_{i-1} \) — Reactant concentration in vessel i-1 (mol/m³)
• \( C_i \) — Reactant concentration in vessel i (mol/m³)
• \( k' \) — Rate constant for first-order reaction (1/s)
• \( t_{rC2}' \) — Adjusted retention time of component 2 (s)

Explanation: The formula accounts for the reaction progress between consecutive vessels in a series.

3. Importance of This Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of reactant concentrations helps in optimizing reactor design, predicting product yields, and ensuring process efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current vessel concentration, reaction rate constant, and adjusted retention time. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a first-order reaction?
A: A reaction where the rate depends linearly on the concentration of one reactant.

Q2: How do I determine the rate constant?
A: The rate constant is typically determined experimentally from kinetic studies.

Q3: What does adjusted retention time represent?
A: It's the actual time the component spends in the column, excluding dead time.

Q4: Can this be used for batch reactors?
A: No, this formula specifically applies to continuous stirred-tank reactors in series.

Q5: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent units: mol/m³ for concentrations, 1/s for rate constant, and seconds for time.