Formula Used:
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The rate constant for mixed flow reactor with weight of catalyst is a fundamental parameter that quantifies the reaction rate per unit weight of catalyst in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) configuration.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula accounts for the conversion of reactants, volume changes during reaction, and the space time required for the catalytic reaction.
Details: Accurate determination of the rate constant is crucial for reactor design, optimization of catalytic processes, scaling up reactions, and predicting reactor performance under various operating conditions.
Tips: Enter reactant conversion (0 ≤ XA,out < 1), fractional volume change, and space time for weight of catalyst (τ' > 0). All values must be valid for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the physical significance of the rate constant k'?
A: The rate constant k' represents the reaction rate per unit weight of catalyst and indicates how efficiently the catalyst promotes the chemical reaction.
Q2: How does fractional volume change affect the rate constant?
A: Fractional volume change accounts for expansion or contraction during reaction, which affects reactant concentrations and thus the apparent rate constant.
Q3: What is the typical range for space time in catalytic reactors?
A: Space time varies widely depending on the reaction and catalyst, typically ranging from seconds to hours for different industrial processes.
Q4: Can this formula be used for gas-phase reactions?
A: Yes, the formula applies to both liquid-phase and gas-phase reactions, with ε accounting for volume changes particularly important in gas-phase systems.
Q5: How does catalyst weight affect the rate constant?
A: The rate constant k' is defined per unit weight of catalyst, making it independent of the total catalyst amount for comparison across different reactor scales.