| Abstract: | The possibility of change in the algebraic sign of the net reaction rate of a single reversible reaction occurring in adiabatic or non-adibatic batch and tubular reactors is investigated. This change is shown not to occur for adiabatic reactors; it may depending on the operating conditions and the system parameters for non-adiabatic reactors. These and the related aspects of approach to system equilibrium are analyzed by an examination of the mathematical models describing these chemical reactors. Important results are summarized throughout the paper as Conclusions 1 - 10. The results have direct applications in reactor design and operation. From a practical point of view it means that yield may be reduced in some cases by allowing too long a residence time even for a single reaction. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the results. |
