16. Residence Time Distributions of Chemical Reactors

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

—Marie Curie

Overview. In this chapter we learn about nonideal reactors; that is, reactors that do not follow the models we have developed for ideal CSTRs, PFRs, and PBRs. After studying this chapter the reader will be able to describe:

• General Considerations. How the residence time distribution (RTD) can be used (Section 16.1).

• Measurement of the RTD. How to calculate the concentration curve (i.e., the C-curve) and residence time distribution curve, (i.e., the E-curve (Section 16.2)).

• Characteristics of the RTD. How to calculate and use the cumulative RTD function, F(t), the mean residence time, tm, and the variance σ2

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