multiple-reactions-and-selectivity-interactive-simulations

Multiple Reactions and Selectivity: Interactive Simulations

These simulations should run on your browser. For these simulations, screencasts are provided to explain how to use them.

Simulation: Selectivity in a Semibatch reactor

Try to answer these questions before determining the answer with the simulation. We suggest that you write down the reasons for your answers.

These two reactions are carried out in an isothermal semibatch reactor:
A + B → D \(r_D = k_DC_AC_B^2\)
A + B → U \(r_U = k_UC_AC_B\)

1. Which scenario yields the highest selectivity to the desired product D?
a. feed A to a reactor that initially contains only B
b. feed B to a reactor that initially contains only A
c. feed a mixture of A and B to the reactor

2. For which scenario(s) does the selectivity decrease with time?
a. feed A to a reactor that initially contains only B
b. feed B to a reactor that initially contains only A
c. feed a mixture of A and B to the reactor

Simulation: Series Reaction in a Batch Reactor

Try to answer this question before determining the answer with the simulation. We suggest that you write down the reason for your answer.

1. Is selectivity to product B favored at high or low temperature if the activation energy for the second reaction (to form C) is higher than the activation energy for the first reaction (to form B)?