Rate Constant for Second Order Reaction using Reactant Concentration for Mixed Flow Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ k_{mixed} = \frac{C_0 - C}{\tau_{mixed} \times C^2} \]

Initial Reactant Concentration (C₀):

mol/m³

Reactant Concentration (C):

mol/m³

Space Time (τ_mixed):

seconds

Rate Constant (k_mixed):

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1. What is Rate Constant for Second Order Reaction in Mixed Flow?

Definition: The rate constant for a second-order reaction in mixed flow quantifies the reaction speed per unit concentration of reactant (raised to power 2) in a continuously stirred tank reactor.

Purpose: This calculation helps chemical engineers design and optimize reactors for second-order reactions in mixed flow conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ k_{mixed} = \frac{C_0 - C}{\tau_{mixed} \times C^2} \]

Where:

\( k_{mixed} \) — Rate constant for second order reaction (m³/mol·s)
\( C_0 \) — Initial reactant concentration (mol/m³)
\( C \) — Reactant concentration at given time (mol/m³)
\( \tau_{mixed} \) — Space time in mixed flow reactor (seconds)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much reactant is converted per unit time per concentration squared in a mixed flow reactor.

3. Importance of Rate Constant Calculation

Details: Accurate rate constants are essential for reactor design, process optimization, and predicting reaction behavior under different conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial concentration, current concentration, and space time. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is space time in a mixed flow reactor?
A: Space time is the time required to process one reactor volume of feed under entrance conditions.

Q2: How does mixed flow differ from plug flow?
A: Mixed flow reactors have complete backmixing (uniform composition), while plug flow has no mixing (composition varies along reactor length).

Q3: What are typical units for second-order rate constants?
A: For second-order reactions, rate constants typically have units of m³/(mol·s) or L/(mol·s).

Q4: When is this calculation most applicable?
A: This is specifically for second-order reactions in continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs).

Q5: How does temperature affect the rate constant?
A: Rate constants typically increase with temperature according to the Arrhenius equation.