Reaction Rate Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the reaction rate in a specific vessel (i) in a series of mixed flow reactors based on concentration differences and retention time.
Purpose: It helps chemical engineers analyze and optimize reaction rates in continuous flow reactor systems with multiple vessels in series.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The difference in concentrations between adjacent vessels divided by the adjusted retention time gives the reaction rate.
Details: Accurate reaction rate determination is crucial for reactor design, process optimization, and ensuring desired product yields in chemical processes.
Tips: Enter the reactant concentrations in adjacent vessels (must be positive) and the adjusted retention time (must be > 0). The calculator will compute the reaction rate.
Q1: What is adjusted retention time?
A: It's the actual retention time minus the time taken by the mobile phase to travel through the column, representing the true interaction time between solute and stationary phase.
Q2: Why does concentration decrease between vessels?
A: The concentration typically decreases as reactants are converted to products in each reactor vessel in the series.
Q3: What if my reaction rate is negative?
A: A negative value suggests an error in measurement as concentrations should decrease (Ci-1 > Ci) in normal operation.
Q4: How does reactor size affect the calculation?
A: Different sizes affect retention time and thus the reaction rate, which is accounted for in the adjusted retention time parameter.
Q5: Can this be used for batch reactors?
A: No, this formula is specifically designed for continuous mixed flow reactors in series.