Analysis, Synthesis, and Design of Chemical Processes, Fourth Edition

Chapter 23. Reactor Performance

What You Will Learn

• Reactor performance is affected by multiple parameters.

• All of these parameters must be considered appropriately.

Chemical reactors are used to produce high-value chemicals from lower-value chemicals. Reactor performance depends on the complex interaction between four effects, as is illustrated in Figure 23.1. In order to understand fully the performance of a chemical reactor in the context of a chemical process, all four effects must be considered.

1. Reaction Kinetics and Thermodynamics: The influence of extensive variables (pressure, temperature, concentration) on reactor performance is defined by reaction kinetics and reaction equilibrium. These extensive variables affect the reaction ...