2 replies to this topic

[sgkim]

Based on the total volume of PFR reactor, the surface area required for heat transfer, pressure drop through the tube(s) or packed bed(s) and maximum allowable velocity shall be checked simultaneously.

If large surface area is required longer tubes may be required, which will increase the pressure drop. Sometimes parallel tubes may be required. Higher tube velocites sometimes give higher pressure drops and erosion problem especially on elbows. Large-diameter catalyst requires larger tubes having more than say 40 particle diameters for good fluid distribution. If the fluid volume increase or decrease severely during reaction, the diameter shall be increased or decreased step-wise.

sgkim/050924

[Art Montemayor]

Artful:

This may sound trivial, but have you checked out:

http://www.owlnet.ri.../hysys/pfex.htm

where a HySim example is worked out, step-by-step, and the resultant diameter and length of the plug flow reactor is calculated by HySim? Granted, this simulation is for a steam reformer, but the steps should be similar or analogous to what you are doing.

I did a Google search and got a hit within 20 seconds. I would have expected something like this from Rice University, which is about 20 miles away.

I hope this helps.

Art Montemayor