Chapter 8, Problem 8.3P

The following reactions

$\begin{array}{cc}A\stackrel{k_1}{\rightleftarrows }D& -r_{1\text{A}}=k_1[C_{\text{A}}-C_{\text{D}}/K_{1\text{A}}]\\ A\stackrel{k_2}{\rightleftarrows }U& -r_{2\text{A}}=k_2[C_{\text{A}}-C_{\text{U}}/K_{2\text{A}}]\end{array}$

take place in a batch reactor.

Additional information:

k₁ = 1.0 min⁻¹, K_1A = 10

k₂ = 100 min⁻¹, K_2A = 1.5

C_A0 = 1 mol/dm³

(Adapted from a problem by John Falconer, University of Colorado.)

1. (a) Plot and analyze conversion and the concentrations of A, D, and U as a function of time. When would you stop the reaction to maximize the concentration of D? Describe what you find.
2. (b) When does the maximum concentration of U occur?
3. (c) What are the equilibrium concentrations of A, D, and U?
4. (d) What would be the exit concentrations from a CSTR with a space time of 1.0 min? Of 10.0 min? Of 100 min?