Interactive Self-Study Module: Energy Balance in Steady-State PFR
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and interactive simulation(s) to explain energy balances in plug flow reactors. It then provides example problems and a step-by-step quiz simulation to allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using the interactive simulations, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulations.
- Watch the screencasts that describe energy balances and answer the questions within the screencasts.
- Review important equations for energy balance in steady-state plug flow reactors.
- Use the interactive simulation(s) to further understand reactions in plug flow reactors.
- Use the quiz interactive simulation to test your understanding by constructing a conversion-temperature diagram for a reversible adiabatic reaction.
- Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
This module is intended for a kinetics/reactor design course.
Before studying this module, you should be able to:
- Apply the First Law – Open Systems.
- Apply energy balances to Isothermal Plug Flow Reactors (PFRs).
- Solve Ordinary Differential Equations.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Be able to solve mass and energy balances simultaneously for a steady-state PFR.
- Be aware that a PFR with exothermic reactions can exhibit sensitivity to feed conditions and model parameters.