Modeling of a non-isothermal PFR type chemical reactor with jacket as a didactic tool in chemical engineering: A case study

Abstract

Advances in industrialization and automation of chemical processes have required engineers to specialize in the operational study of equipment such as chemical reactors and heat exchangers. Amongst the most used reactors is the Plug-flow Reactor – PFR, due to its ease of installation and association with heat exchangers such as jackets. However, due to non-homogeneous composition on the axial side of the reactor, PFR operation and evaluation is still a challenge in many industries. This paper introduces a mathematical model that simplifies the ordinary differential equations and integers used in conventional models, in addition to a simulation and a case study with the objective to improve evaluation of equipment operation and sizing.