Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING I CRE3017B

LABORATORY LAB MANUAL
List of Experiments:-

1 To determine the order of reaction (n) and the reaction rate constant (k) for the given
saponification reaction of ethyl acetate in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution in a
Batch Reactor
To determine the reaction rate constant for saponification of ethyl-acetate with NaOH
2
at ambient conditions in a CSTR

To study the performance of a cascade of three equal volume CSTRs in series for the
3
saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH.

4 To determine the conversion in PFTR, for Saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH
at ambient conditions.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

EXPERIMENT 1

AIM

To determine the order of reaction (n) and the reaction rate constant (k) for the given
saponification reaction of ethyl acetate in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution.

APPARATUS

1. Batch reactor set up 2. Conical flasks (250 ml) - 6 Nos.(P) + 2 Nos.(G)

3. Stop watch 4. Burette (25 ml) - 1 No
5. Sampling pipette (10 ml) - 1 No. 6. Thermometer (0-110oC) - 1 No.

CHEMICALS REQUIRED

1. M/10 Sodium hydroxide 2. M/10 Ethyl acetate

3. Phenolphthalein indicator and 4. N/40 Hydrochloric acid

CHEMICAL REACTION

NaOH + CH3COOC2H5  CH3COONa + C2H5OH

A B C D

THEORY

A batch reactor is a closed system such that no stream enters or leaves the reactor. In homogeneous
reactions, all reacting species remain in a single phase. The rate of reaction of any reaction
component A is defined as

1  d NA  (moles of A which disappear by reaction

-rA = ------ --------- = ---------------------------------------------

V  dt (unit volume) (unit time)

Rate of reaction is influenced by variables like temperature, pressure, and concentration. The
rate of reaction is a function of concentration at constant temperature, i.e. -rA = k C An where n
is the order of reaction. The interpretation of the kinetic data is a trial and error procedure. A
kinetic model is first selected with a corresponding rate equation, and the concentration-time
relationship predicted by the model is matched with experimental data.

For a first order unidirectional reaction

A  Product

Rate of reaction can also be expressed as moles of A disappearing per unit volume per unit time.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

1 d NA d CA
-rA = ---- -------- = ---------................................................................(1)
V dt dt

Where, CA = concentration of A

-rA = k CA............................................................................................................................................................ (2)

Combining equations (1) and (2) integration yields

ln CA = ln CAO - kt

or, CA = CAO e-kt

CA
- ln ------- = kt
CAO

Where,

CAO = Conc. of A at t = 0
CA = Conc. of A at t = t

If we plot - ln CA/CAO vs t we must get straight line if the reaction is a first order reaction,

For second order unidirectional reaction

2A  Product

d CA
= k C A2
dt

Integration yields

1 1
------ = kt + ---------
CA CAO

If we plot 1/ CA vs. t, we must get a straight line for a second order reaction with slope = k and
intercept on y-axis = 1/ CAO .
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

The reaction rate constant is a strong function of reaction temperature. The temperature
dependence of k is expressed in terms of Arrhenius equation:

k = A exp (-E / RT)

Where,
A = frequency factor or Arrhenius constant
E = activation energy
R = ideal gas law constant

This equation can be written in the form:

-E  1 
ln k = --------  -------  + ln ko
R  T 

Thus, E / R may be evaluated from the slope of a plot of ln k vs. (1/T).

R = 8.314 J/g mole K = 1.98 cal/g mole K

E = J/g mole, cal /g mole

k is known at four temps. : T1, T2, T3, and T4

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

EXPERIMENTAL SET UP DATA

The experimental set up consists of a batch reactor, constant temperature water bath and stirrer
etc.
Volume of reactor - 1000 ml
Reactor stirrer speed range - 0 - 75 RPM approximate
Water bath stirrer speed range - 0 - 150 RPM approximate
Temp. Controller range - Ambient to 200 oC with 1 oC resolution.
Control panel - Mains ON-OFF switch, Indicator etc, heating coil (SS)
provided in reactor, reactor is provided with removable baffles.

Figure: Batch reactor set up (no water bath)

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

PROCEDURE

 Draw a neat schematic diagram of the experimental set up

 Prepare 5 L solution of M/100 ethyl acetate and 5 L solution of M/100 NaOH.
 Prepare a solution of N/40 HCl and N/40 NaOH solutions for the titration.
 Use phenolphthalein as indicator.
 Take 6 Nos. of 250 ml conical flasks and put 20 ml of N/40 HCl in each flask.
 Take N/40 NaOH solution in the burette.
 Adjust the temperature of water bath at 35 oC.
 Take 400 ml each of M/100 CH3COOC2H5 and M/100 NaOH in two separate flasks and
keep these in the water bath for about 15 min to preheat the solutions.
 Transfer these solutions quickly in the batch reactor. Start immediately the mixer and the
stop watch.
 At regular intervals of 3-5 min., withdraw 10 ml of reaction mixture and put it in the conical
flask containing N/40 HCl. Take at least 6 samples at regular interval of time.
 Titrate the excess N/40 HCl in each flask using N/40 NaOH from burette and
phenolphthalein as indicator.
 Record the reaction temperature.
 In order to study the effect of temp, on k, the above steps may be repeated at temp. = 40 oC
and 45 oC. All the reactants must be pre-heated in the water bath before mixing in the reactor.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

REACTION:
A+B  C+D (C AO = CBO)
o
Reaction temp = C = K
Conc. of NaOH (A) = M/100
Conc. of Ethyl acetate (B) = M/100
Vol. of Ethyl acetate taken = 400 ml
Vol. of Sodium hydroxide = 400 ml
Initial Conc. of NaOH (A) in the mixture, CAO = 0.005 M (g mole/L)
Initial Conc. of Ethyl acetate (B) in the mixture, CBO = 0.005 M (g mole/L)

Table 1

Sl.No Sampling Vol. of Vol. of N/40 Aliquot of Vol. of N/40 NaOH

time, min. sample HCl added to sample taken consumed in
taken, ml sample, ml for titration, titration, ml
ml

Estimation of un-reacted NaOH in the reaction mixture (CA)

Volume of N/40 HCl taken in conical flask = 20 ml

Volume of reaction mixture sample added = 10 ml
Volume of N/40 NaOH used in titration for neutralization of excess N/40 HCl,
VNaOH = ml

 No. of moles of N/40 NaOH used = V NaOH x 1/40 x 10-3 = 2.5 x 10-5 x VNaOH g moles
No. of moles N/40 HCl present initially in conical flask = 20 x 1/40 x 10-3 g moles = 5 x 10-4 g
moles.

Reaction between NaOH and HCl is:

NaOH + HCl  Na Cl + H2O

i.e., 1 mole of NaOH reacts with 1 mole of HCl
No. of moles of HCl reacted with excess moles of NaOH in the reaction mixture
= (5 x 10-4 - 2.5 x 10-5 x V NaOH) g moles
 No. of moles of NaOH unreacted in the reaction mixture = (5 x 10-4 - 2.5 x 10-5 x V NaOH)
gmoles
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Volume of sample collected = 10 ml

 Concentration of unreacted NaOH is

(5 x 10-4 - 2.5 x 10-5 x V NaOH)
CA= g mole /L
10 x 10-3

Table 2

S. No. Time, t, m Conc. of unreacted NaOH in the reaction mixture, CA (g mole/L)

Plot the curves for 1st order and 2nd order reaction and find out the order of reaction and rate
constant.

Tabulate k values at 3 or 4 different temperatures.

Table 3

S. No. Reaction rate Reaction ( 1/T ) K-1

constant (k) temperature, (T) K
1
2
3
4

Plot k vs. (1/t) on a semi log graph

Where,
-E
Slope = ----------- and Intercept on y-axis = ko
R
Express, k = ko e-E / RT

PRECAUTIONS

1. All solutions should be prepared accurately and must be standardized.

2. Titrations should be carried out precisely.
3. The individual reactants must be first pre-heated to the reaction temperature.
4. While taking sample, care should be taken that tip of the pipette does not touch the
agitator blade.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

5. For setting of reaction temperature, initially the temperature should be set at around 6 oC
less than the desired temperature to avoid over shooting. Before starting the flow rate of
ethyl acetate, temperature should be set at desired temperature.
6. All the glass wares to be used should be properly rinsed prior to use.

CONCLUSIONS

Write down the points you have concluded from the experiment.

REFERENCE

Levenspiel, O,”Chemical Reaction Engineering,” 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons, Singapore,
1995, pp. 98-99
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

EXPERIMENT 2

AIM:

To determine the reaction rate constant for saponification of ethyl-acetate with NaOH at ambient

conditions in a CSTR.

THEORY:

In an ideal CSTR (that is an ideal steady state flow reactor) the contents in the reactor are well mixed and
have uniform composition throughout. Thus the exit stream has the same composition as the fluid within
the reactor. This type of reactor is also known as MIXED FLOW REACTOR.

Reactant A Reactant B

Conc. Of B, C
Mixer
moles/min
A + B => C + D

Product A
CSTR

Reactor volume (volume of fluid in the reactor) = VR, Liters,

Volumetric feed rate (volumetric feed rate of A + volumetric feed rate of B) =V 0 , LPM
Space time =  = VR / Vo, min

The performance equation for the mixed flow reactor at steady state is:

VR CAo XA CAo - CA
 = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Vo -rA -rA

XA & rA are evaluated at exit stream conditions, which are the same as the conditions within the reactor.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

For a second order reaction:

A+BC+D
With CAO = CBo and negligible change in density of reaction mixture
The reaction rate (rate of disappearance of A ) = - rA = k C A2

Hence,
VR CAo XA CAo - CA CAo - CA
 = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ = ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Vo -rA -rA k CA2

Degree of conversion, XA = (CAo - CA) / CAo

and rate of reaction, -rA = CAo XA /  , gmol/in
the rate constant, k = (CAO- CA ) / ( CA 2 ) , l/gmol-min
for nth order reaction, -rA = k CAn

log (-rA) = log k + n log CA

The order of the reaction, n, can be obtained from a plot of log (-rA) vs log CA , that yields a straight line
with slope = n , and intercept (at CA= 1 or at log CA=0) shall give the value of log(k).

Also, a plot of  vs XA/(1-XA)2 shall yield a straight line for an assumed second order reaction with slope
= 1 / (k CAo). From this slope rate constant, k can be obtained.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

DESCRIPTION:

The concentration of feed and the products coming out from the reactors are analyzed by chemical
titration and check the effect and the performance of the reactor.

A Continuous stirred tank flow reactor (CSTR) required, 6 No. 50 cc graduated cylinder. No.
100 cc titration flasks, 50 cc burette and one stopwatch, conductivity Cell (optional).
CHEMICALS:

1. N/10 NaOH,
2. N/10 HCI,
3. N/10 Ethyl acetate (8.8 gms of ethyl acetate in 1 L of water),
4. Indicator (Phenolphthalein)

UTILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Compressed Air Supply at 2 Bar, 0.5 CFM.

2. Water Supply.
3. Drain.
4. Electricity Supply: 1 Phase. 220 V AC. 0.5 kW.
5. Instruments. Laboratory Glassware and Chemicals required for analysis as per the
system adopted.
SPECIFICATIONS:

Reactor : Material Stainless Steel 304 Grade, Capacity 2 Ltrs

(Approx).

Stirrer : Stainless Steel 304 Grade Impeller and shaft coupled with

FHP Motor

Feed Tank (2Nos.) : Material Stainless Steel 304 Grade. Capacity - 20 Ltrs.

Feed Circulation : By compressed air

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Flow Measurement : Rota meter 2 Nos. (one each for Reactants)

Piping : Stainless Steel 304 Grade and PVC

Pressure Regulator : 0-2 Kg/cm2

Pressure Gauge : Bourdon type 0-2 Kg/cm2

Stop Watch : Electronic

Control Panel : On / off switch, Mains Indicator etc.

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

PROCEDURE:
Prepare 20L of N/10 NaOH solution by dissolving 80 gm of NaOH in 20L of water.
1. Prepare 20L of N/10 ethyl acetate solution by mixing 176 gms of ethyl acetate in 20L
of water.
2. Fill the respective tanks with these solutions.
3. Adjust the flow rate of the two streams so that in the feed mixture CAo = CBo i.e. have
equal flow rates (e.g. 2 LPH each you may use the flow range: 2 LPH to 16 LPH for
each stream) using calibrated rotameters.
4. Pass equimolar feed rates of ethyl acetate and NaOH into the CSTR by allowing equal
volumetric feed rates of reactants in to the reactor and simultaneously start the mixer
of the CSTR. Ensure constant stirring throughout the experiment.
5. After about 10 min or time equal to the residence time of the reactor (whichever is
greater) i.e. when steady state is achieved, collect sample of the liquid at the out let
6. Titrate this solution against N/40 HCl (add HCl from burette).
7. Using phenolphthalein as indicator, note the volume of N/40 HCl used (VHCl)
8. Note the volumetric flow rate of liquid at the end of the reactor.
9. Note the reaction temperature.
10. For calculating the conversion at equilibrium condition, collect the sample 10 ml, in
an empty conical flask and allow the reaction to proceed for completion for two hours.
After two hours titrate the solution with N/10 HCI using phenolphthalein as indicator.
Note the volume of N/10 HCI used.
11. Repeat all the steps for four to six different flow rates of feed.
Note: report k at the reaction temperature
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

STANDARD DATA
Reaction temp. , TO C
Reactor diameter, d = ----------- cm
Effective height of liquid in the reactor, L = ----------- cm
Vol. of the reactor = VR = ( /4) * d2 * L, VR = --------- L
Volumetric feed rate of feed, Vo = L/min
Initial Conc. Of NaOH in the feed mixture = CAO = gmol/L
Initial Conc. of Ethyl acetate in the feed mixture CBO = gmol/L
Residence Time =  =VR/VO , min
XA= [CAO -CA ] / CAO
Concentration of unreacted NaOH in the reaction mixture, CA
Estimation of uncreated NaOH in the reaction mixture (CA):
Titrate the sample collected immediately with N/40 HCl using phenolphthalein as indicator.
Volume of reaction mixture taken as sample= V1
Volume of acid used to neutralize sample = VHCl
N/40 x VHCl = V1 x Normality of reaction mixture
Normality of reaction mixture=
CA= …..Gmole/L

Run. No , min CA (conc. XA, degree k=[CAO -CA ]/ 

residence NaOH) of CA2.l/gmol-min
gmol/L conversion
time

Or plot  vs XA/ [1-XA]2 on a simple graph, the slope is = 1(k CAO): from the slope find k and
report k at the reaction temp.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

PRECAUTION:

1. Measure the exact volume of water and weigh the chemicals.

2. Always use clean water and good quality chemicals and standard solution for titration.
3. Use electronic balance for weighing of chemicals. Don't mix the droppers of different
chemicals.
4. Keep close all the drain valves and vent valve should open while tilling the reactant in
feed tanks.
5. Flow should not be disturbed during the experiments.
6. Handle the chemicals carefully.

TROUBLE SHOOTING:

1. If any type of suspended particles come in the Rota meter. Remove the Rota meter clean
the tube and fit again at its place.
2. If there is any leakage; tight that part or remove that and refix that again after wrapping
Teflon tape.
3. If Rota meter fluctuating more than average tight control knob of that.
(Procedure: two nuts are there lose first nut and tight the second slightly, and then first also.
Both nuts are on Rota meter)

REFERENCE:

1. Chemical Reaction Engineering by Octave Levenspil. Chapter 2 to 5

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

EXPERIMENT 3

AIM:

1. To study the performance of a cascade of three equal volume CSTRs in series for the
saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH.

THEORY:

Consider a cascade of 3 CSTR’s in series

In this system effluent from one reactor is feed to the next.

REACTION:

Reaction: Saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH.

k
NaOH + CH3COOC2H5  CH3COONa + C2H5OH
(A) (B) (C) (D)
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Feed condition is such that:

CAO = CBO

-dCA
-rA = ------- = k C 2A
dt

Let:

F = volumetric flow rate through the reactor system (constant)

Vn = Volume of reaction mixture in nth reactor.

(CA) n = molar conc. of reactant A in the nth reactor.

(CA) n-1 = molar conc. of reactant A in the (n-1) th reactor.

θn = Vn /F = normal holding in the nth reactor.

A steady flow material balance over nth reactor is:

F (CA) N-1 + (dCA /dt) n Vn = F (CA) n ............................................................................ (1)

Or

(CA) n-1
-------------- = 1 - (dCA /dt) n (θn / (CA) n)..................................................... (2)
(CA) n

For a second order reaction of the type A+B= C+D

CAO = CBO

-dCA
------- = k C A2
dt

And the above equation can be written as

(CA) n-1
-------------- = 1 + k θn (CA) n ................................................................................................... (3)
(CA) n
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

For the conditions:

Equal volume of tanks (V1 = V2 = V3.............. = V)

And θ1 = θ2 = θ3 .......................... = θ

For second order reaction Eq. 2 can also be written as:

(CA) n-1 - (CA) n = k θn (CA) 2 n

Or

1n [(CA) n-1 - (CA) n] = 1n (k θn) + 2 1n (CA) n................................................................ (4)

Performance chart of the cascade of CSTR can be plotted using Eq.3

The value of the reaction rate constant, k, can be obtained from Eq. 4

{[(CA) n-1 / (CA) n ] - 1}

k=
(θn (CA)N )
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Once the performance chart is prepared, it can be used to predict the unknown intermediate
composition of the reactant A for any n (No. of equal sized tanks in series).

As n  , the performance is approximated by a plug flow reactor.

EXPERIMENTAL SET UP:

The experimental set up as shown in the figure consists of three identical stirred tanks made of
stainless steel. The characteristics and dimensions of the vessel are:

Height of the tank = 200 mm

Inside diameter of the tanks = 100 mm

Volume of the tank = 1.5 liters approximate

Height of the liquid in the tank = 106 approx

Working Volume of the tank = 0.9 liters

Agitation = Variable Speed

Fluid Flow measurement = Rota meter (2 - 20 LPH) – (2 Nos.)

Pressure regulator = pressure regulator 0-2 kg/cm², pressure gauge

bourdon type 0-2 kg/cm², stop watch electronic
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

PROCEDURE:
Reaction: Saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH.

CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH  CH3COONa + C2H5OH

(88) (40) (82) (46)

1. Prepare a solution of M/50 ethyl acetate solution in water (1.76 gm of ethyl acetate in 1L of
solution).

2. Prepare a solution of M/50 NaOH in water (0.8 gm in 1L of solution).

3. Fill the feed tanks with the respective solutions.

4. Prepare a solution of M/20 HCl and M/20 NaOH for titration.

5. Use phenolphthalein as indicator.

6. Take 18 conical titration flasks and put 20ml of M/20 HCl in each.

7. Take M/20 NaOH in the burette.

8. Record the ambient temperature of reaction mixture.

9. Calliberate each rotameter with the respective liquid.

10. Fix a feed rate for inlet streams FA = FB (say 1 - 2 LPH).

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

11. Allow the two reactants streams, (NaOH (A) and CH3COOC2H5 (B) to enter the first CSTR at
equal feed rate so that in the reactor CAO = CBO. Start the mixer and wait till you get the liquid
out from the 3rd CSTR. Give 5-10 min. for steady state.

12. Collect the 10 ml of sample at the outlet of I CSTR, II CSTR and III CSTR in the conical
flasks containing M/20 HCl.

13. Record the volumetric feed rate of ethyl acetate and NaOH

14. Record the volume of each reactor (V1=V2=V3).

15. Change the flow rate of each stream (keep FA = FB so that (CAO = CBO) and repeat the above
steps for 3-4 flow rates.

16. Estimate the unreacted NaOH in each conical flask by titration or by measuring the
conductance of the solution.

17. Record space time vs. concentration rate.

RECORD:

Effective volume of each reactor

V1 = L

V2 = L

V3 = L

In our case V1 = V2 = V3 = V, (L)

Conc. of NaOH in feed, = CAO gmole/L

Conc. of CH3COOC2H5 in feed, CBO gmole/L

For equal flow rate of two streams (FA = FB)

CAO = CBO = 0.01 gmole/L

If we start with M/50 solution of each:

S.No. Vo V τ = V/Vo CAO CA1 CA2 CA3

LPM L min. gmole/L gmole/L gmole/L gmole/L
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

CA = Conc. of unreacted NaOH in the reactor for space time = τ

ESTIMATION OF UN-REACTED NaOH IN THE REACTION MIXTURE:

Volume of M/20 HCl in beaker = 20ml

Volume of reaction mixture added = 10ml

Let the volume of M/20 NaOH used for neutralization of excess HCl = V NaOH (ml)

Number of moles of NaOH used = V NaOH (1/20) x 10-3 (gmoles)

n NaOH =5 x 10-5 gmoles

Number of moles of HCl present initially in the beaker = 20 x 10-3 x 0.128

= 1 x 10-3(gmoles)

Reaction between NaOH & HCl is:

NaOH + HCl  NaCl + H2O

1 mole of NaOH reacts with 1 mole of HCl

Number of moles of HCl reacted with excess moles of NaOH in the reaction mixture

= (1 x 10-3 – 5 x 10-5 VNaOH)

No. of moles of NaOH unreacted in the reaction mixture

= (1 x 10-3 – 5 x 10-5 VNaOH)

Volume of sample collected = 10ml

 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Conc. of un-reacted NaOH is

(1 x 10-3 – 5 x 10-5 VNaOH)

CA = (gmole/L)
10 x 10-3

CAO - CA
% Conversion = ----------------- 100
CAO

PRECAUTIONS:

 Handle all chemicals carefully

 Do not wear loose clothing’s in Lab
 Ensure proper ventilation in laboratory

REFERENCES:
 Perry’s Chemical Engineering Handbook 7th Edition
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

EXPERIMENT 4

AIM:
To determine the conversion in PFTR, for Saponification of ethyl acetate with NaOH
at ambient conditions.

INTRODUCTION:
Real reactors do not satisfy the idealized flow patterns, back mix flow or plug flow
deviation from ideality can be due to channeling of fluid through the vessel, recycling of
fluid within the vessel or due to the presence of stagnant region or pockets of fluid in the
vessel.
In an ideal plug flow reactor (PFTR) there is no mixing in the direction of flow and
complete mixing perpendicular to the direction of flow. Concentration of the reactant
varies along the length of the reactor but not in the radial direction.

THEORY:
In an ideal plug flow reactor (PFTR) there is no mixing in the direction of flow and
Complete mixing perpendicular to the direction of flow. Concentration of the reactant
varies along the length of the reactor but not in the radial direction. V is the volume of
the reactor, Vo is the volumetric feed rate, CAo is the feed conc. of A, x is the degree
of conversion. In case of a Coil, turbulence is introduced due to frequent change in
direction of flow and presence of secondary flow. So a higher value of k is expected
in case of a coil type PFTR. For steady state rate operation of a PFTR.

DESCRIPTION:
The set up consists of two feed tanks through which two reactants are fed to the reactor.
Rotameters are provided to measure the individual flow of Chemicals. The flow rate can
be adjusted by operating the needle valves provided on respective Rotameter. The
compressed air is used for circulation of feed. A straight tube type reactor kept horizontally
and inclined upward at outlet from where samples are collected for analysis. Pressure
Regulator, Pressure Gauge and Safety Valve are fitted in the compressed air line.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

UTILITIES REQUIRED:
 
 Water Supply.
 Floor Drain.
 Floor Area 1.5 m x 1 m.
 Laboratory glass ware :-
o Conical Flask (250 ml): 02 No.
o Measuring cylinder (50 ml): 02 No.
o Burette (50 ml) with stand: 01 No.
o Beakers (250 ml): 02 No.
o Funnel: 01 No.
 Chemicals Required:
o N/10 NaOH: 20 ltrs.
o N/10 Ethyl Acetate: 20 ltrs.
o N/10 HCl: 0.5 ltrs.
o Indicator (Phenolphthalein): Few drops

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
1. Prepare 20L of N/10 NaOH solution by dissolving 80 gm of NaOH in 20L of water.
2. Prepare 20L of N/10 ethyl acetate solution by mixing 176 gm of ethyl acetate in 20L of
water.
3. Fill the respective tanks with these solutions.
4. Connect the compresses air supply.
5. Start the compressor.
6. Compress the feed tanks with the help of Pressure Regulator; adjust pressure less than 1
kg/cm2.
7. Adjust the flow rate of the two streams so that in the feed mixture CAo = CBo (i.e. have
equal flow rates (e.g. 10 LPH each) using rotameters.
8. Pass equimolar feed rates of ethyl acetate and NaOH into the PFR by allowing equal
volumetric feed rates of reactants in to the reactor.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

9. After about 10 min or time equal to 1.5 times the residence time of the reactor (which ever
is greater) i.e when steady state is achieved, collect exact 20ml of the sample of the liquid
at the outlet, in a graduated cylinder that already contains 20 ml of (chilled) N/10 HCl.
Transfer this solution (40 ml) in a 250ml or 100 mL titration flask.
10. Using phenolphthalein as indicator, titrate this solution (i.e excess HCl) against N/10 NaOH
(add NaOH from burette). & note the volume of N/10 NaOH used ( VNaOH).
11. Repeat the experiment for different flow rates (before changing the flow rate, drain the
reactor first).

OBSERVATION & CALCULATION:

DATA:
VR = ----------- L
R = --------- cal/g mole K
CAo = --------- g mole/L
VHCl = --------- ml

VSAMP = --------------- ml
OBSERVATION:
V0 = ------------------ LPH
VNaOH = ------------------ ml

CALCULATIONS:
VHCL NHCL
HCLO  , g mole = ----------------- g mole
1000
VNaOH N NaOH 
HCLR  HCLO  , g mole = ------------------ g mole
1000
HCLR
C  1000 , g mole/L = ------------------------ g mole/L
A
VSAMP

X A
C Ao  CA 
= ---------------
C
Ao
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

VR  60
 = ---------------
Vo

C Ao  CA
K , L/g mole min =
  C Ao  CA

Plot  vs. X A 1  X 2 on a simple graph, the slope is = 1/ (K CAo); from the slope
A

Find K and report K at the room temp.

NOMENCLATURE:
CA = Conc. of unreacted NaOH in the reactor, g mole/L
CAo = Initial Conc. of NaOH in the feed mixture, g mole/L
HCLO = Amount of HCL taken for quench, g mole
HCLR = Amount of HCL reacted with NaOH, g mole
K = Rate constant, L/g mol min
NHCL = Number of moles of HCL used, g mole
NNaOH = Number of moles of NaOH used, g mole
R = Real gas constant, cal/g mol K
VR = Reactor volume, L
Vo = Volumetric feed rate, LPH
VHCl = Volume of N/10 HCl taken for quench, ml
VSAMP = Volume of sample taken, ml
VNaOH = Volume of NaOH used for neutralizing, ml
XA = Degree of conversion,
 = Residence time, min

PRECAUTIONS & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Measure the exact volume of water and weigh the chemicals properly.
2. Always use clean water and good quality chemicals and standard solution for
titration.
3. Use electronic balance for weighing of chemicals. Don’t mix the droppers of
different chemicals.
4. Keep close all the drain valves and vent valve should open while filling the reactant
in feed tanks.
 Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

5. Flow should not be disturbed during the experiments.

6. Handle the chemicals carefully.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
1. If any type of suspended particles are come in the Rota meter. Remove the Rota
meter clean the tube and fit that at its place.
2. If there is any leakage tight that part or remove that and fix that again after wrapping
Teflon tape.
3. If Rota meter fluctuating more than average tight control knob of that.

REFERENCES:
1. Octave Levenspiel, “Chemical reaction engineering,”3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons,
NY, 2001.
2. Coulson & Richardson, “Chemical Engineering Vol-3” 4th ed., Asian Books Pvt.Lt,
ND, 1991.