3 replies to this topic

[SteFanIstas]

Hello

I am a new Aspen user and I need to set a reactor for my project. I have 2 inputs. One is a lignocellulosic biomass and the other is phosphoric acid H3PO4. In the stoichiometry reactions, what I should set? Each individual component of the biomass to be reacted with H3PO4? Do I also need to set reactions among the components themselves? For example, xylan with galactan etc?

Thanks for your understanding

[panagiotis]

Do you know the reactions?

You have to insert reactants and products. And possibly the conversions if you know them!

[SteFanIstas]

Yes. I know the reactions. Each component should react with H3PO4. What I am asking is whether I need to mix the components between them? To homogenize the mixture. Or should I leave them as they are. Discernible components with their solo reaction to be with H3PO4 but not among them

[Pilesar]

Computer models have different level of detail depending on what is needed. If you know the feed streams and product streams and just need a material balance, then you can ignore the reaction mechanisms and just set your product stream composition according to the mass balance. That approach would not answer questions about how best to operate the reactor, but would allow a material balance for the rest of the process. The answer would be accurate since you are the one who knows the correct answer and inputs it!