CCB 3062 UNIT OPERATION LAB II

EXPERIMENT 5: CSTR

GROUP: 7
GROUP MEMBERS:
1 MUHAMMAD FARID B SHAHMAN
15566
2 SATHIYA GUNASEGARAN
17347
3 KHAIRIL AMRI B ROMLI
15387
4 SITI HALIZAH BT ABU BAKAR
15578
LAB DEMONSTRATER: MR. ADIL
DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 24th FEBRUARY 2014
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 3rd MARCH 2014

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In the majority of industrial chemical processes, a reactor is the key item

of equipment in which raw materials undergo a chemical change to form
desired products. The design and operation of chemical reactors is thus
crucial to the whole success of the industrial operation. Reactors can take
a widely varying form, depending on the nature of the feed materials and
the products. Understanding non-steady behaviour of process equipment
is necessary for the design and operation of automatic control systems.
One particular type of process equipment is the continuous stirred tank
reactor. In this reactor, it is important to determine the system response
to a change in concentration. This response of concentration versus time
is an indication of the ideality of the system.
The CSTR Dynamics (Model BP 107) has been designed to follow the
dynamics of the simplest classic case of a well-mixed, multi-staged
process operation. The unit comes with three stirred tank reactors
connected in series complete with sump tanks and circulation pumps.
Instruments are provided for the measurement of conductivity in each
reactor. Students may select either step change input or impulse input to
the reactor and will continuously monitor the responses in each reactor at
a suitable interval. Our objective is to study the transient behaviour of
continuous Stirred-tank in series.

Figure of CSTR

Figure process diagram of CSTR dynamics

2.0 BACKGROUND OF THEORY

The fundamental quantities whose values provide the information about
the dynamics of the system are:

The total mass of the liquid in the tank

The total energy of the material in the tank
Its momentum

Type of reactor
Continuously stirred
tank reactor (CSTR)

Characteristics
Run at steady state with continuous flow of
reactants and products; the feed assumes a uniform
composition throughout the reactor, exit stream has
the same composition as in the tank

Kinds of
Phases
Present

Usage

Advantages

Disadvantages

1. Liquid phase
2. Gas-liquid
rxns
3. Solid-liquid
rxns

1. When agitation
is required
2. Series
configurations for
different
concentration
streams

1. Continuous
operation
2. Good
temperature
control
3. Easily adapts
to two phase
runs
4. Good control
5. Simplicity of
construction
6. Low operating
(labor) cost
7. Easy to clean

1. Lowest
conversion per
unit volume
2. By-passing
and channelling
possible with
poor agitation

A real reactor will be modelled as a number of equally sized tanks-inseries. Each tank behaves as an ideal CSTR. The number of tanks
necessary, n (our one parameter), is determined from the E(t) curve.

Figure of CSTR dynamics

Effect of Step Change in Input Concentration to the Concentration of
Solute in Stirred Tank Reactors in Series

Effect of Pulse in Input Concentration to the Concentration of solute in

Stirred Tank in Series.

3.0 RESULTS
Experiment A : Pulse Input
Time
(min)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

CT
(uS)
405.
3
535.
5
500.
9
465.
7
430.
5
401
371.
3
345.
4
320.
8

11

299
278.
7

12

260

13

243
228.
4
213.
8
200.
8
189.
7

14
15
16
17
18
19

179
168.
3

20

159

21

151

Reactor
Conc
(M)
0.002
9
0.003
8
0.003
6
0.003
3
0.003
1
0.002
9
0.002
7
0.002
5
0.002
3
0.002
1
0.002
0
0.001
9
0.001
7
0.001
6
0.001
5
0.001
4
0.001
4
0.001
3
0.001
2
0.001
1
0.001
1

1
E(t)
0.0375
0.0495
0.0463
0.0431
0.0398
0.0371
0.0344
0.0320
0.0297
0.0277
0.0258
0.0241
0.0225
0.0211
0.0198
0.0186
0.0176
0.0166
0.0156
0.0147
0.0140

CT
(uS)
92.6
128.
1
166
197.
8
224.
7
244.
2
261.
3
273.
7
281.
6
287.
1
290.
3
291.
7
288.
6
287.
1
283.
3
278.
8
274
268.
4
261.
7
253.
9
245.
9

Reactor
Conc
(M)
0.000
7
0.000
9
0.001
2
0.001
4
0.001
6
0.001
7
0.001
9
0.002
0
0.002
0
0.002
1
0.002
1
0.002
1
0.002
1
0.002
1
0.002
0
0.002
0
0.002
0
0.001
9
0.001
9
0.001
8
0.001
8

2
E(t)
0.0044
0.0061
0.0080
0.0095
0.0108
0.0117
0.0125
0.0131
0.0135
0.0138
0.0139
0.0140
0.0138
0.0138
0.0136
0.0134
0.0131
0.0129
0.0125
0.0122
0.0118

CT
(uS)
107.
3
106.
6
108.
7
113.
7
122.
3
131.
6
141.
9
152.
2
163.
1
173.
4
183.
1
192.
8
200.
6
208.
1
214.
9
221
225.
3
228.
5
231.
7
233.
7
235.
1

Reactor
Conc
(M)
0.000
8
0.000
8
0.000
8
0.000
8
0.000
9
0.000
9
0.001
0
0.001
1
0.001
2
0.001
2
0.001
3
0.001
4
0.001
4
0.001
5
0.001
5
0.001
6
0.001
6
0.001
6
0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
7

3
E(t)
0.0185
0.0183
0.0187
0.0196
0.0210
0.0227
0.0244
0.0262
0.0281
0.0298
0.0315
0.0332
0.0345
0.0358
0.0370
0.0380
0.0388
0.0393
0.0399
0.0402
0.0405

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

143.
3
136.
7
130.
7
124
119.
6
115.
3
110.
8
106
102.
8

0.001
0
0.001
0
0.000
9
0.000
9
0.000
9
0.000
8
0.000
8
0.000
8
0.000
7

0.0133
0.0126
0.0121
0.0115
0.0111
0.0107
0.0103
0.0098
0.0095

239.
3
232.
5
226.
5
218.
4
210.
6
203.
8
197
190.
3
184.
7

0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
6
0.001
6
0.001
5
0.001
5
0.001
4
0.001
4
0.001
3

0.0115
0.0111
0.0109
0.0105
0.0101
0.0098
0.0094
0.0091
0.0088

235.
3
235.
5
233.
3
231.
8
231.
3
229.
2
225.
9
222.
5
219.
1

0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
7
0.001
6
0.001
6
0.001
6
0.001
6

C(t) vs t for pulse input

0.01
0
C1(t) VS T

0
Conc. (M)

C2(t) vs t

C3(t) vs t

0
0
0

10

15
t (min)

20

25

30

35

0.0405
0.0405
0.0402
0.0399
0.0398
0.0394
0.0389
0.0383
0.0377

E(t) vs t for pulse input

0.06
0.05
0.04
E(t) (min-1)

E1(t) vs t

0.03

E2(t) vs t

0.02

E3(t) vs t

0.01
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

t (min)

Experiment B : Step Input

Time
(min)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Reactor 1
CT
Conc
(uS)
(M)
E(t)
0.00
91.5 0.0007
17
360.
0.00
7 0.0026
66
0.01
616 0.0044
12
832.
0.01
1 0.0059
52
1033
0.01
.9 0.0074
89
1223
0.02
.4 0.0087
23

Reactor 2
CT
Conc
(uS)
(M)
E(t)
0.00
71.2 0.0005
19
0.00
82.3 0.0006
22
115.
0.00
9
0.0008
32
170.
0.00
9
0.0012
47
239.
0.00
2
0.0017
65
322.
0.00
6
0.0023
88

Reactor 3
CT
Conc
(uS)
(M)
E(t)
0.00
72
0.0005
57
0.00
72
0.0005
57
0.00
72.8 0.0005
57
0.00
77
0.0006
60
0.00
87.1 0.0006
68
100.
0.00
7
0.0007
79

1388
.4
1539
.7
1676
.7

10

1807

0.0129

11

1921
2025
.9
2124
.3

0.0137

2215
2298
.8
2378
.2
2446
.4
2513
.9
2567
.7
2623
.3
2673
.4
2719
.1
2761
.9
2803
.2
2838
.4
2869
.7
2896
.4
2919
.9
2945
.1

0.0158

7
8

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

0.0099
0.0110
0.0120

0.0145
0.0152

0.0164
0.0170
0.0175
0.0180
0.0183
0.0187
0.0191
0.0194
0.0197
0.0200
0.0203
0.0205
0.0207
0.0209
0.0210

0.02
53
0.02
81
0.03
06
0.03
30
0.03
50
0.03
69
0.03
87
0.04
04
0.04
19
0.04
34
0.04
46
0.04
58
0.04
68
0.04
78
0.04
88
0.04
96
0.05
04
0.05
11
0.05
18
0.05
23
0.05
28
0.05
32
0.05
37

413.
9
510.
6
612.
4
724.
2
831.
3
942.
4
1052
.4
1165
.6
1277
.7
1387
.6
1497
.6
1607
.8
1702
.4
1808
.4
1900
.5
1994
.9
2085
.8
2175
.4
2258
.1
2337
2410
.7
2485
.1
2552
.3

0.0030
0.0036
0.0044
0.0052
0.0059
0.0067
0.0075
0.0083
0.0091
0.0099
0.0107
0.0115
0.0122
0.0129
0.0136
0.0142
0.0149
0.0155
0.0161
0.0167
0.0172
0.0178
0.0182

0.01
13
0.01
39
0.01
67
0.01
98
0.02
27
0.02
57
0.02
87
0.03
18
0.03
49
0.03
79
0.04
09
0.04
39
0.04
65
0.04
94
0.05
19
0.05
44
0.05
69
0.05
94
0.06
16
0.06
38
0.06
58
0.06
78
0.06
97

121.
4
148.
6

0.0009
0.0011

181
220.
4
266.
3
317.
5
373.
6
438.
5
505.
8
580.
8
655.
8
739.
1
823.
2

0.0013

913
998.
2
1092
.2
1187
.5
1277
.9

0.0065

1375
1470
.7
1562
.1
1655
.9

0.0098

1746

0.0125

0.0016
0.0019
0.0023
0.0027
0.0031
0.0036
0.0041
0.0047
0.0053
0.0059

0.0071
0.0078
0.0085
0.0091

0.0105
0.0112
0.0118

0.00
95
0.01
17
0.01
42
0.01
73
0.02
09
0.02
49
0.02
93
0.03
44
0.03
97
0.04
56
0.05
15
0.05
80
0.06
46
0.07
17
0.07
84
0.08
57
0.09
32
0.10
03
0.10
79
0.11
54
0.12
26
0.13
00
0.13
70

C(t) vs t for step input

0.0250
0.0200
C1(t) vs t

0.0150
Conc. (M)

C2(t) vs t

0.0100

C3(t) vs t

0.0050
0.0000
0

10

15

20

25

t (min)

E(t) vs t for step input

0.15
0.1
E(t) (min-1)

E1(t) vs t
E2(t) vs t
E3(t) vs t

0.05
0
0

10 20 30 40
t (min)

30

35

4.0 DISCUSSION
For this experiment, we are studying the transient behavior in the
Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) in series. To study this effect, we
had analyzed the tracer movement in a step input change or a pulse input
change. The NaCl solution act as the tracer, where we feed in at Tank 1
and it will eventually move to Tank2 and Tank 3. The tracer concentrations
are measure through the tracer conductivity by using a conductivity meter
for 30 minutes with 1 minutes interval. This tracer concentration will help
us study the transient behavior of the CSTR.
Next for Experiment A, we investigate about the effect of pulse input
change. The feed solution was supplied for 2 minutes only and we
continue the experiment for 30 minutes and record the conductivity with 1
minutes intervals. The tracer (Na+, Cl-) will be ionized when they meet the
deionized water and this helps us to find the conductivity values. From this
values then we calculate the C(t) and E(t) and plot the graphs for them
against Time. From the graphs, we can summarized that the tracer
concentration inside Tank 1 is increasing gradually at first and then
decreases as time goes on. Differently for Tank 2 and Tank 3 where there
start at low value and then increasing but the end Tank 3 take over Tank 2
the 24th minute. For the residence time, the lines for Tank 1 remain the
same as the concentration gradient but Tank 2 show that the tracer come
goes inside the tank with huge amount and then leave them the same. For
tank 3, the residence time for tracer keep increasing as the time
increases. As a conclusion we can say that the tracer move from Tank 1 to
Tank 3 and will be accumulated back at Tank 3 after sometimes.
Experiment B was done for step input change and the feed was
continuously being supply for 30 minutes. From the conductivity values we
calculate the conductivity at specific point C(t) and later calculate the E(t).
The graphs for both C(t) and E(t) against Time was plotted for every tank.
Based on the graph C(t) vs Time, we can see that the tracer concentration
decreasing from Tank 1 to Tank 3. This is because the main feed supply of
NaCl solution are connected to the Tank 1. As it is the receiver

continuously, the tracer concentration remain high inside the tank

eventhough the tracer are moving to Tank 2. The residence time plots are
totally different from the C(t) graph. The tracer remain at Tank 3 longer
than Tank 2 and Tank 1 is the shortest residence time. The reason is that
Tank 1 are continuously being supply with new feed and result the excess
to flow to the second tank and so forth. Most of the tracer particles will
move and remain at Tank 3 as it is the final tank connected.

5.0 MODIFICATION
ERROR

The values for feed flowrate speed are gradually changing

throughout the experiment. This will affect the precision of the data

that we obtain. Then we accept the 5 from the set point flowrate.
The instrument use to measure the flowrate was too sensitive.
When we proceed to the part B, we do not wash all the three tanks
before continuing to the next experiment. The tracer concentration

might still have existed in the tank even small amount.

All the values are recorded by computer. We might not know
whether the systems are working correctly and efficiently.

RECOMMENDATION

We might need to change the system where the flowrate will remain

constant throughout the experiment.

Change the instrument to a less sensitive or the controller of

flowrate should be more efficient.

We just need to clean all the three tanks thoroughly before starting

a new experiment.
Just ask the help of lab technician or GA to make sure the system
are working correctly.

6.0 CONCLUSION

7.0 APPENDICES