Class 9

Reaction Engineering Basics Logo

Steady-State CSTR Analysis

Class 9 introduces continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs) and the quantitative analysis of their steady-state operation. It also illustrates the numerical solution of sets of algebraic-transcendental equations (ATEs).

Learning Outcomes

After completing Class 9 you should…

  • Know
    • the definition of algebraic-transcendental equations (ATEs) and residual expression
    • the equations for CSTR mole and reacting fluid energy balances
  • Understand
    • the CSTR model assumptions
    • how a numerical ATE solver works
    • that an ATE solver must be provided with a guess for the ATE variables and a residuals function
    • that the engineer solving ATEs must write the residuals function
    • that the only argument to a residuals function is a guess for the ATE variables, and the only thing it returns are the corresponding residuals for the equations being solved
  • Be able to
    • select and simplify the design equations for modeling a given steady-state CSTR
    • modify the sensible heat terms in the design equations to use available heat capacities
    • select the CSTR model variables to be found by solving the steady-state design equations
    • identify additional unknowns appearing in the design equations and write equations for calculating them using known constants and the CSTR model variables
    • solve a set of ATEs numerically
    • use the results from solving the design equations to deliver the items requested in an assignment

Prepare

  • Read Sections 6.1 - 6.3, 6.6, Appendix D.2 and Example 6.6.1 in REB, The Book. (need to switch examples 6.6.1 and 6.6.2)
  • Watch the Class 9 Preparation Video.
  • Watch the Solving ATEs Video.
  • Complete the Class 9 Preparation Assignment.

Participate

  • Attend Class 9.

Practice

  • Complete the Class 9 Practice Assignment.

This website is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).