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Definition: This calculator determines the initial concentration of reactant needed to achieve a specific output concentration in a plug flow or infinite reactor for a second-order reaction.
Purpose: It helps chemical engineers design reactors and predict reaction outcomes for second-order kinetics.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula relates the initial and final concentrations through the reaction kinetics and residence time in the reactor.
Details: Accurate calculation of initial concentrations is crucial for reactor design, process optimization, and achieving desired product yields.
Tips: Enter the desired output concentration, reaction rate constant, and space time. All values must be positive, and the denominator must remain positive.
Q1: What is space time in a plug flow reactor?
A: Space time (τₚ) is the time required to process one reactor volume of feed under specified conditions.
Q2: How is the rate constant determined?
A: The rate constant is typically determined experimentally by measuring reaction rates at different concentrations.
Q3: What happens if the denominator becomes zero or negative?
A: This indicates an impossible scenario where the desired conversion cannot be achieved with the given parameters.
Q4: Does this apply to batch reactors?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to batch reactors if τₚ is replaced with reaction time.
Q5: What are typical units for these parameters?
A: Concentrations are in mol/m³, rate constant in m³/(mol·s), and space time in seconds.