Chemical Engineering Technology

College of Engineering Technology

AECH 4221

Lab 2- Batch Reactor

Arrhenius Law

Aida Abuali 60096057

Nuha Abdelmalek 60095257

Mozan Mahmoud 60101362

Dima Abunadi 601022118

Instructor: Ms. Shamna

Date of the Experiment: 31 January 2024

Due Date: 5 February 2024

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 Abstract

In the experimental setup, we employ a type of reactor known as a batch reactor. This

reactor is distinctive because the reactants are introduced just before the reaction initiation. Once

the reactants are introduced, they are given a specific duration to undergo the chemical reaction.

Importantly, during this period, no additional feed is introduced, and no product is removed from

the reactor.

It's crucial to note that the speed at which the reaction occurs is directly influenced by the

temperature within the reactor. As the temperature increases, the rate of reaction also rises. This

relationship between reaction rate and temperature is inversely proportional, meaning that an

increase in temperature results in an increase in the reaction rate, and vice versa.

The primary objective of this experiment is to investigate the impact of the activating

effect of a specific substance denoted as "E." Additionally, we aim to understand the influence of

temperature on the flow rate of the reaction. To achieve this, we utilize the batch reactor,

carefully controlling the conditions to observe how changes in temperature affect the speed at

which the reaction progresses.

In essence, this experimental setup allows us to explore the intricate relationship between

the activating substance "E," temperature, and the rate at which the reaction proceeds. The batch

reactor provides a controlled environment where we can precisely measure and analyze these

variables to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms governing chemical reactions under

different conditions.

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 Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Theory and Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 4

Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Calculations, Results & Discussion ................................................................................................ 7

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 12

References ..................................................................................................................................... 14

List of Tables and Figures

Figure 1: CEXC fitted with CEB-MKIII Transparent Batch Reactor. ............................................ 4

Figure 2: (a0-a1)/(ao*a1) vs Time (s) Graph .................................................................................. 9

Figure 3: lnk vs 1/T Graph .............................................................................................................11

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 Introduction

This lab experiment is a continuation of the previous experiment (Batch Reactor –

Specific Rate Constant). In the last experiment, we calculated the specific reaction rate constant

at one temperature. Here, we will repeat the experiment at multiple reactor temperatures in order

to look at the relationship between k (reaction rate constant) and the reaction temperature. To

perform this, we will use the Armfield CEB-MKIII transparent batch reactor, which will allow us

to analyze the process and study it carefully.

Figure 1: CEXC fitted with CEB-MKIII Transparent Batch Reactor.

Theory and Analysis

The purpose of the Armfield batch reactor is to display the mechanisms of a chemical

reaction as well as any process variables and how they affect the reaction (ex. Concentration and

reaction temperature). For our isothermal demonstration, we selected the saponification of ethyl

acetate by sodium hydroxide as we can perform that experiment under safe conditions, like

pressure and temperature. Additionally, we used color indicators to be able to track the reaction

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by observing the changing of the color. For the adiabatic demonstration, we used the hydrolysis

of acetic anhydride. It is important to beware of using additional chemicals for the

demonstration, although possible, as it may not be compatible with construction components of

the reactor.

By using Arrhenius’ equation, we will be able to determine the activation energy by

plotting the natural logarithm of the reaction rate constant at our three different temperatures,

which are 25, 35, and 40 degrees Celsius, as well as the temperature inverse (1/T). In the

equation, the activation energy divided by the R gas constant represents the slope of the graph.

When we find the slope, we will be able to determine the activation energy.

Arrhenius Law:

𝐸
𝑘 = 𝑘0 𝑒 −𝑅𝑇

Take the natural logarithm of both sides:

𝐸 1
𝑙𝑛𝑘𝐴 = 𝑙𝑛𝑘0 − ∙
𝑅 𝑇

Procedure

• Prepare 0.5-liter batches of 0.1M ethyl acetate and 0.1M sodium hydroxide, both

containing 110–5 Mol/l of crystal violet.

• Launch Armfield Software and choose the 'Isothermal operation' option.

• Follow the operating instructions to install the hot water circulator.

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• Set the temperature to 25°C and adjust the PID loop parameters according to the Isothermal

Operation Procedure.

• Fill the batch reactor with 0.5 liters of sodium hydroxide solution. Turn on the agitator at

'50%' and press the 'Power on' button. Once the 'Hot Water Circulator' button is pressed,

water will circulate through the vessel and jacket reactor.

• Connect the data output port on the plinth to the computer using the Armfield Interface

data logger, as the experiment requires collecting and storing conductivity data.

• Ensure that the temperature and conductivity sensors are installed correctly based on the

Installation instructions.

• Allow data collection in the reactor until a steady state is achieved, which typically takes

thirty minutes. The recommended data collection time is 45 minutes.

• Turn on the water heater. The Hot Water Circulator will control the sodium hydroxide

temperature, maintaining it at 25°C and 35°C alternatively.

• After filling the reactor with 0.5 liters of ethyl acetate solution, launch the data logger

software.

• Monitor the conductivity of the materials inside the reactor to determine the conversion

extent.

• Repeat the experiment using a temperature controller set to 35°C or by adjusting the stirrer

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 speed. Use a chiller when the temperature drops below room temperature.

• For better PID control, use the included T1 temperature sensor and install the CEXC

temperature probe T2. Connect the data output on the plinth to a computer with an Armfield

Interface data logger for conductivity data storage.

Calculations, Results & Discussion

The saponification of ethyl acetate by sodium hydroxide is the reaction we worked with

for the isothermal demonstration in this lab, and we had to decide the reaction rate constant (k) of

this reaction. It led to the production of ethyl alcohol and sodium acetate. Deciding the reaction's

rate constant, k, is the aim of this lab. Ethyl acetate is saponified in a lab setting at 25 degrees

Celsius using sodium hydroxide. Furthermore, as time goes by, the temperature of the reactor

increases.

Thus, we made use of the following data from experiment 1 at 25 ºC:

To calculate the reaction rate constant (k), we used the data that is given from experiment

1 at temperature of 25 ºC to plot (a0-a1)/ (a0.a1) vs time and form the straight line that we got,

the slope in this case is the reaction rate constant found later in the report.

Initially, we created a chart to show the relation between concentration of NaOH and time

at 25C and 35C.

According to the chart NaOH concentration has an inverse relation with time. Therefore,

NaOH concentration decreases through the process. It is understood that any part combined with

another will lose concentration over time.

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Initially we plot conversion (X) against time at 25 C and 35C. To plot conversion, we use the

formula.

X is the conversion of the reactant, a0 is the initial concentration or quantity of the

reactant, a1 is the concentration or quantity of the reactant at a specific time.

From the above graph the blue curve is concentration of NaOH, and orange curve is

conversion. We can see that the reaction proceed conversion increases with time (proportional

relation) and concentration decreases with time. Which means by time the concentration of

NaOH decreasing to increase the conversion of products.

Calculation:

First, we calculate the specific rate constant K, by plot the next expression against time at 25C

,35C ande40C.

Which is a ratio that represents the relative change concentration over the initial value and the

product of the initial and current values.

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Figure 2: (a0-a1)/(a0*a1) vs Time (s) Graph.

The slop of each graph is the k value put first we should look on these equations to understand

why:

After integration we will get:

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Linear equation:

From lab, 1 the specific rate constant K at 25C =1.2197. Then we got the linear equation

from Microsoft excel for the three graphs, we can see that K at 35C =1.6088 and K at

40C=3.0154.

To find the frequency factor (k0) and activation energy (E) let’s see Arrhenius equation:

Where:

• k is the rate constant of the reaction,

• A is the frequency factor.

• Ea is the activation energy.

• R is the gas constant (8.314 J/(mol·K)),

• T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin.

After these plot ln k and 1/T at the three temperature 25C, 35C and40C. First, we should convert

them to kelvin.

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Figure 3: lnk vs 1/T Graph
The slope of the graph in this case is E/R, the intercept is lnk0 (lnA) and the x represents 1/T.

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ln(A)=17.431

Therefore,

High activation energy (Ea) indicates that a reaction needs a lot of energy for the

reactants to change into products.

Lastly, the origins of mistakes, mostly it would be caused by human error: we may enter

data incorrectly, which might have an impact on the charts we displayed and the numbers we

deduced from the charts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Lab experiment investigating the relationship between more

temperatures and reaction rate in a batch reactor has provided valuable insights into the

principle’s outlined by the Arrhenius law. Our findings corroborated in understanding that in a

batch reactor controlling temperature is crucial for optimizing reaction condition and achieving

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desired product yields while maintaining the safety stability of the reaction system. However, our

experiment also highlighted the need for temperature management to mitigate the risks

associated with excessively high temperatures such as thermal decomposition and unwanted side

reactors. Maintaining the reaction within the optimal temperature range is essential to ensure the

stability and selectively of the reaction system. Finally, this Lab 2 experiment has deepened our

understanding of the fundamental relationship between temperature and reaction kinetics in a

batch reactor. By integrating theoretical principles with practical experimentation, we have

strongly expanded our knowledge of chemical kinetics and the field of reaction engineering.

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 References

Batch Reactor. (2014, December 17). Www.aiche.org.

https://www.aiche.org/ccps/resources/glossary/process-safety-glossary/batch-reactor-

0#:~:text=A%20reactor%20in%20which%20the

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