Ideal Reactor Models
The first part of Reaction Engineering Basics reviewed chemical reactions and stoichiometry. The second part defined chemical reaction rates and introduced rate expressions as mathematical models that predict the rate of a reaction as a function of fluid composition, temperature and pressure. In addition to models for reaction rates, reaction engineering requires mathematical models for chemical reactors. This third part of Reaction Engineering Basics focuses upon idealized models for the four types of chemical reactor that were mentioned in 1 Reactions, Reactors, and Reaction Engineering. 6 Reactor Design Equations examines the equations that are needed in order to model the reactors. Those equations are called the reactor design equations. 7 Reactor Modeling Functions presents a strategy for creating computer functions that solve the reactor design equations and facilitate reaction engineering analyses.