The operators have noticed that the performance of the reactor is somewhat different to the design specifications and suspect that the thermal cycling may be responsible. The senior process engineer would like you to analyse two periods: - The period when the reactor is initially heated up and held at the operating temperature. - The period after the reactor is taken offline for maintenance and then heated up again. You should consider the effect of the tube expansion on the operating variables and the overall effect on pressure drop and conversion. Compare these responses to the estimated performance according to the design basis. You may include any equations or diagrams that you consider necessary to support your discussion. A numerical solution is not required. Hints: A general consideration of the design method for fixed bed reactors may reveal relationships between operating and performance variables.
The operators have noticed that the performance of the reactor is somewhat different to the
design specifications and suspect that the thermal cycling may be responsible. The senior
process engineer would like you to analyse two periods:
- The period when the reactor is initially heated up and held at the operating temperature.
- The period after the reactor is taken offline for maintenance and then heated up again.
You should consider the effect of the tube expansion on the operating variables and the
overall effect on pressure drop and conversion. Compare these responses to the estimated
performance according to the design basis.
You may include any equations or diagrams that you consider necessary to support your
discussion. A numerical solution is not required.
Hints: A general consideration of the design method for fixed bed reactors may reveal
relationships between operating and performance variables.
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