Laboratory experiment: Residence Time Distribution (Cascade)
Task
The residence time distribution of a cascade of continuously stirred tank reactors and a flow reactors is to be measured in a total of 6 experiments (V1-V6) at the following volume flows:
- Tab.1
- Volume Flows
Cascade | Flow Reactor |
---|---|
V1 = 80 ml/min | V4 = 80 ml/min |
V2 = 150 ml/min | V5 = 150 ml/min |
V3 = 300 ml/min | V6 = 300 ml/min |
For this purpose a pulse of a coloured salt solution (KCl) will be added to the system as a tracer (t=0). The changes to the salt concentration ( /dt) will be measured by means of conductivity. The volume () of one continuously stirred tank reactor is 144 ml and that of the flow reactor is 188 ml.
The following analyses are to be performed:
1.) Cascade - for V1 - 3: Calculation (a) and graphical determination (b) of the mean residence time τ Comparison of methods (a) and (b). Discussion about the influence of the volume flow on the mean residence time
2.) Cascade - for V2 und V3: Determination of the equivalent tank in series number for tank 3 and 4. Discussion of the results. Discussion about the influence of the volume flow.
3.) Flow Reactor - for V4 - 6: Discussion of the curves (location, maximum, shape). Discussion about the influence of the volume flow.
4.) Flow Reactor - for V4 - 6: Determination of the equivalent tank in series number. Discussion of the results. Discussion about the influence of the volume flow
5.) Sum Curve - for V2 and V5: Determination of the sum curve discussion of the results. Comparison of the sum curve of tank1 and of the flow reactor.