Interactive Self-Study Module: Polymerization Reactors
Overview:
This module uses a screencast, an interactive simulation, and a spreadsheet to explain polymerization reactors. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, the question in the screencast, and questions to answer before using the interactive simulation, and you try to solve the example problem before watching the screencast solution. 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 screencast or working with the simulation.
- Watch the screencast that describes how the choice of reactor affects the molecular weight distribution of a polymer and answer the question within the screencast.
- Use the interactive simulation to further understand the molecular weight distribution in reactors.
- Try to solve the example problem before watching the solution 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:
- Polymerization is one of the most common reactions carried out on a large scale.
- This module is intended for a kinetics/reactor design course.
Before studying this module, you need to be able to:
- Explain the difference between addition polymerization and step-growth polymerization.
- Apply the steady-state approximation to polymerization mechanisms.
- Explain how the Residence Time Distribution is different for different reactors.
- Solve mass balances for Isothermal Batch Reactors, Isothermal Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs), and Isothermal Plug Flow Reactors (PFRs).
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Decide what type reactor should be used for a particular polymerization.
- Explain how residence time distribution affects molecular weight distribution.
- Calculate mass balances for polymerization in a CSTR.