Plug Flow Reactor

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Consider the reversible aqueous phase esterification

of acetic acid shown below:

CH3COOH + C2H5OH = CH3COOC2H5 + H₂O

Reaction Kinetics:

Forward Reaction: 8 x 10-6m³ kmol-1s-1

Backward Reaction: 2.6 x 10-6m³ kmol-1s-1

Activate.

It is desired to produce 375kg/hr of ethyl acetate from a

feed stream consisting of 13mole% acetic acid, 35mole%

ethanol and 52mole% water. This feed stream is available

at 100,000kg/day. A single tube plug flow reactor with a

length of 10m and diameter of 1m is available for use in

an existing chemical plant. Determine if it is feasible to

achieve the desired product using this reactor, also find

the residence time in minutes.

Fluid Package: NRTL.

Feed Properties: 25°C, 1Bar.