The elementary gas-phase reaction
(CH3)3COOC(CH3)3 → C2H6 + 2CH3COCH3
A → B + 2C is carried out isothermally at 400 K in a flow reactor with no pressure drop. The specific reaction rate at 50°C is 10^–4 min^–1 (from pericosity data) and the activation energy is 85 kJ/mol. Pure di-tert-butyl peroxide enters the reactor at 10 atm and 127°C and a molar flow rate of 2.5 mol/min, that is, F_A = 2.5 mol/min.
a. Use the algorithm for molar flow rates to formulate and solve the problem. Plot FA, FB, FC, and then X as a function of plug-flow reactor volume and space time to achieve 90% conversion.
b. Calculate the plug-flow volume and space time for a CSTR for 90% conversion.