BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, PILANI

Department of Chemical Engineering

First Semester 2023-2024

CHE F312 Chemical Engineering Laboratory-1
Laboratory Report

Name of TA and Signature:

Submission Date: 20/03/2024

Group Number: 10

Name ID

Palash Gagrani 2021A1PS2580P

A. Sai Puviiyarasu 2021A1PS2594P

Shubh Nema 2021A1PS2602P

Ayyappan Pillai 2021A1PS2370P

Experiment No: 3
Experiment Name: Isothermal CSTR
1) Aim: Study of second-order saponification reaction of ethyl acetate with NaOH in an
isothermal CSTR.

2) Objectives of the experiment:

● To study a non-catalytic homogeneous second-order liquid phase reaction in a CSTR
under atmospheric conditions.
● To determine the reaction rate constant for saponification of ethyl-acetate with NaOH
at atmospheric conditions.

3) Laboratory Observations:
● 9.8mL of Ethyl Acetate Added in 10 Litres Water to prepare N/10 Solution.
● 4g NaOH added in 10 Litres Water to prepare N/10 Solution.
● Volume of Jacket = 2 L
● Reaction Temperature = 40°C
● Correction factor = 1.5

Page 1 of 9
S. No. Time Flow rate Flow Volume of Volume of Sample Volume of
(min) of sol. rate of sample N/10 HCl taken for N/10 NaOH
(NaOH) sol. taken (ml) added to titration (ml) used for
(LPH) (EtAc) sample (ml) titration
(LPH) (ml)

1 9 10 10 10 20 4.2
10

2 7.2 12.5 12.5 10 20 3.8

10

3 6 15 15 10 20 3.4
10

4) Sample Calculations:

For observation 2,
Flow rate = 12.5 LPH
4g of NaOH is added in 1L of water
4
Moles of NaOH fed = 40
= 0.1 mol
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 𝑓𝑒𝑑 0.1
CA0 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙. 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑑
= 2
= 0.05 mol/L

9.8 mL of EtOAc is in the feed

Also,
Density of EtOAc = 902 g/L
Mol. wt. of EtOAc = 88.11 g/g.mol
𝐷𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 902
Moles of EtOAc = Vol. * 𝑀𝑜𝑙. 𝑊𝑡.
= 9.8 * 10-3 88.11
= 0.1003246 mol
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑡𝑂𝐴𝑐 𝑓𝑒𝑑 0.1
CB0 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙. 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑑
= 2
= 0.05 mol/L

Page 2 of 9
Total feed volumetric rate(V0) = (Flow Rate)A + (Flow Rate)B
= 12.5 + 12.5
= 25 LPH
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 2 * 60
Residence time(𝜏) = 𝑉𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑑
*(𝐶𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜r) = 25
*1.5 = 7.2 minutes

Estimation of unreacted NaOH in reaction mixture(CA):

(𝑉𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 − 𝑉𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) * 0.1 (10 − 3.8) * 0.1
CA = 𝑉𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻
= 20
= 0.031 mol/L

𝐶𝐴0 − 𝐶𝐴 0.05− 0.031

XA = 𝐶𝐴0
= 0.05
= 0.38 * 100 = 38%

𝑋𝐴 0.84
2 = 2 = 24.97027348
𝐶𝐴0 * (1 − 𝑋𝐴) 0.05 * (1 − 0.84)

𝑋𝐴 1
The plot of 𝜏 v/s 2 has a slope of 𝑘
𝐶𝐴0 _* (1 − 𝑋𝐴)

Similarly, calculations are done to find out XA for the other 2 flow rates,
that is 10 and 15 LPH respectively.
𝑋𝐴
Corresponding to the 2 flow rates, values of 2 were also found
𝐶𝐴0 _* (1 − 𝑋𝐴)

out and a plot of Residence time v/s was made as shown in the results &
discussion section and using it, the value of rate constant was determined.
From the experimental plot, we get the slope of best best-fit curve
1
𝑘
= 0.3216
𝐿
k = 3.109452736 𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Page 3 of 9
 5) Results and Discussion:

The below table shows the values of the concentration of NaOH in the Isothermal
CSTR for different volumetric flow rates. The corresponding values of conversion
(XA) and XA/(CA0*(1-XA)2) have also been calculated.

Tau (min)
CA (gmol/l)
Residence Time XA
Conc. of
Run No. (in minutes) NaOH Conversion XA/(CA0*(1-XA)2)

1 9 0.029 0.42 24.97027348

2 7.2 0.031 0.38 19.7710718

3 6 0.033 0.34 15.61065197

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A Sai Puviiyarasu:
● The experiment was conducted under isothermal conditions at a constant
temperature of 40°C. Isothermal operation is necessary to maintain reaction
rate consistency and ensure reproducibility of results.
𝑋𝐴
● The linear relationship between 𝜏 and 2 suggests that the
𝐶𝐴0 _* (1 − 𝑋𝐴)

saponification reaction follows second-order kinetics concerning the reactant

concentration. This is a common behaviour for liquid-phase reactions involving
two reactants, like saponification reactions.
● The positive slope of the linear trend indicates that increasing the residence
time in the CSTR leads to higher conversion of the reactants.
𝐿
● The reaction rate constant is 3.109452736 𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Palash Gagrani:
● The experiment was carried out under isothermal circumstances, with a constant
temperature of 40°C. Isothermal operation is required to preserve reaction rate
uniformity and repeatability of results.

𝑋𝐴
● The linear connection between 𝜏 and 2 indicates that the saponification
𝐶𝐴0 _* (1 − 𝑋𝐴)
process follows second-order kinetics for reactant concentration. This is a frequent
behavior for liquid-phase reactions with two reactants, such as saponification
reactions.

● The positive slope of the linear trend suggests that extending the residence time in the
CSTR results in greater reactant conversion.

𝐿
● The reaction rate constant is 3.109452736 𝑚𝑜𝑙 − 𝑚𝑖𝑛
.

● It is evident that the concentration of NaOH remaining in the CSTR reduces as the
residence time (volumetric flow rate of reactants) increases; in other words, the
reaction's conversion increases.

● This discovery fits theoretical assumptions rather well. In essence, the residence time
is a measurement of the amount of time the reactants spend within the CSTR.

● Naturally, a lower flow rate would mean a longer residence time for the reactants,
which would lengthen their stay in the CSTR and increase conversion.

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● Since the rate equation and residence time formula for the CSTR indicate that the
saponification process between ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide follows 2nd order
kinetics, we anticipate that the graph's plot will roughly resemble a straight line going
through the origin.

● However, as this was not the case, we calculated the response rate constant by plotting
the best fit line and used its slope.

Shubh Nema:
● The experiment was carried out at a constant temperature of 40°C in isothermal
circumstances. For results to be repeatable and reaction rates to remain consistent,
isothermal operation is required.
● The saponification process seems to follow second-order kinetics with respect to
reactant concentration, based on the linear connection found between 𝜏 and XACA0
_* (1 - XA)2. This is a typical behavior for two-reactant liquid-phase reactions, such
as saponification reactions.
● Higher reactant conversion is a result of longer residence times in the CSTR, as
indicated by the positive slope of the linear trend.
● 3.109452736 Lmol - min is the reaction rate constant.

Ayyappan Pillai:
● The experiment was conducted at a constant temperature of 40°C to ensure uniform
reaction rates and consistent results.
𝑋𝐴
● The relationship between 𝜏 and 2 suggests that the saponification
𝐶𝐴0 _* (1 − 𝑋𝐴)
reaction follows second-order kinetics for reactant concentration, common in
liquid-phase reactions with two reactants.
● The positive slope indicates that increasing the residence time in the Continuous
Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) leads to higher reactant conversion.
● The reaction rate constant is 3.109452736 Lmol/min.
● As the residence time increases, the concentration of NaOH in the CSTR decreases,
indicating higher reaction conversion.
● This aligns well with theoretical expectations, where residence time measures the
duration of reactant presence in the CSTR.
● Lower flow rates result in longer residence times and increased conversion. Although
the expected linear plot didn't match, we calculated the response rate constant from
the best fit line's slope.

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 6) Conclusion:

A Sai Puviiyarasu:
● The high R2 value (0.9974) suggests that the CSTR behaves close to the ideal
behaviour expected for a second-order reaction system, with minimal
deviations from the assumptions made in deriving the CSTR design equations.
● The observed linear trend validates the assumptions made in deriving the
CSTR design equations for a second-order reaction system, such as perfect
mixing, constant density, and negligible volume change during the reaction.
● The linear relationship and the obtained rate constant can be used to model and
predict the reactor performance for different residence times or feed
concentrations. This information is valuable for optimizing the reactor design
and operating conditions to achieve desired conversion levels or productivity
targets.

Palash Gagrani:
● With few departures from the presumptions used to derive the CSTR design
equations, the CSTR appears to operate rather similarly to the ideal behaviour
anticipated for a second-order reaction system, as indicated by the high R2
value (0.9974).
● The assumptions used to derive the CSTR design equations for a second-order
reaction system, such as perfect mixing, constant density, and minimal volume
change during the reaction, are validated by the observed linear trend.
● Reactor performance for varying residence lengths or feed concentrations may
be modelled and predicted using the linear connection and the derived rate
constant. With the use of this data, the reactor's operating parameters and
design may be optimized to meet productivity goals and desired conversion
levels.
● The experiment revealed that the action rate constant of the saponification
process was 3.109452736 Lmol/min.
● The second-order saponification reaction between sodium hydroxide and ethyl
acetate was studied by conducting the reaction isothermally (at 40°C) in a
CSTR for varying flow rates of both reactants.
● The capacity of the CSTR to maintain a constant temperature throughout the
reaction aids in the examination of reaction rate constants and the
determination of the reactor's efficiency under isothermal conditions.
● The concentration of NaOH remaining in the CSTR decreases as the reaction
conversion increases.

Page 7 of 9
 Shubh Nema:
● With very few departures from the assumptions used to create the CSTR design
equations, the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) closely resembles the
expected behavior for a second-order reaction system, as indicated by the high
R2 value of 0.9974.
● The linear pattern that has been observed validates the accuracy of the
assumptions that were used to derive the CSTR design equations for a
second-order reaction system. These assumptions include perfect mixing,
constant density, and little volume change during the reaction.
● Reactor performance may be predicted and simulated under different residence
lengths or feed concentrations using this linear correlation and the found rate
constant.
● These kinds of findings are very helpful in improving reactor design and
operating parameters to meet productivity targets or desired conversion levels.

Ayyappan Pillai:
● The high R2 value of 0.9974 indicates that the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor
(CSTR) closely adheres to the anticipated behaviour for a second-order
reaction system, with minimal deviations from the assumptions used in
formulating the CSTR design equations.
● The observed linear pattern confirms the validity of the assumptions employed
in deriving the CSTR design equations for a second-order reaction system,
including perfect mixing, constant density, and negligible volume alteration
during the reaction.
● This linear correlation, along with the determined rate constant, offers a means
to simulate and forecast reactor performance under various residence times or
feed concentrations.
● Such insights are invaluable for optimizing reactor design and operational
parameters to attain desired conversion levels or productivity objectives.

7) References:

● FoglerH.Scott (2008). Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering. 4th Ed.

Pearson Education, New Delhi, India.
● Levenspiel,”Chemical Reaction Engineering,” 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons,
Singapore, 1995.
● Laboratory Manual for Chemical Engineering Laboratory– II by the
Department of Chemical Engineering, BITS Pilani.

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