Abstract

This work solves the coupled governing differential equations for three CSTRs in series with governing reaction A->B->C. The goal is to optimize the setup for the maximization of the intermediate product B. The results demonstrate the non-linearity of CSTRs in series intermediate product concentrations with respect to the volumes of each of the reactors. The total volume of the CSTRs is held constant and the volume of each of the CSTRs at a specified reaction rate ratio is determined to maximize intermediate product formation. The volume of the third reactor can be eliminated from such an equation from knowledge of the total volume constraint. The general approach is to write an equation describing the outlet concentration of the intermediate product is determined for three CSTRs in series.

Keywords: CSTRs in series; Series reactions; Non-linear optimization; Arrhenius rate law; Elementary reactions; Competitive rates; Mathematica