Reactant Conversion Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the fraction of reactants converted to products in a Mixed Flow Reactor (MFR) for a zero-order reaction.
Purpose: It helps chemical engineers design and analyze continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs) where the reaction rate is independent of reactant concentration.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: For zero-order reactions, the conversion depends linearly on the space time and rate constant, and inversely on initial concentration.
Details: Accurate conversion calculations are crucial for reactor sizing, process optimization, and predicting product yields in chemical processes.
Tips: Enter the zero-order rate constant, space time, and initial reactant concentration. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is a zero-order reaction?
A: A reaction where the rate is independent of reactant concentration, remaining constant until reactants are exhausted.
Q2: What is space time in a MFR?
A: The time required to process one reactor volume of feed at entrance conditions (τ = V/v₀).
Q3: What if the calculated conversion exceeds 1?
A: The calculator caps at 1 (100% conversion), but in practice this means insufficient reactant for the given conditions.
Q4: How does this differ from batch reactor conversion?
A: MFR operates at steady-state with continuous flow, while batch reactors have time-dependent concentrations.
Q5: When are zero-order reactions encountered?
A: In catalytic reactions where the catalyst is saturated, or in photochemical reactions with constant light intensity.