Chapter 14
REACTION SYSTEMS
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, the student will be able to:
▪ Describe the function of a reactor.
▪ Describe exothermic, endothermic, replacement, neutralization, and combustion chemical
reaction.
▪ List reaction variables and their effects.
▪ Balance a chemical equation.
▪ Describe a continuous and batch reactor.
▪ Describe a reactor’s function in alkylation.
CHAPTER 14 REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Describe the basic design of a converter, or fixed bed reactor. Answer: A converter or
fixed bed reactor is a vessel that contains a mass of small particles, usually 0.1 to 0.2
inches in diameter, through which the reaction mixture passes. The mass is usually a
packed “bed” of catalyst, which promotes the reaction. The mass can be only column
2. What is the primary purpose of a reactor? Answer: A reactor is a device designed to
3. What is a catalyst? Answer: A catalyst is a chemical that can increase or decrease
4. Describe batch and continuous reactor operations. Answer: Industrial manufacturers use
two basic methods of reactor operation: batch and continuous. In a batch operation, raw
5. What is the purpose of an alkylation unit? Answer: Alkylation units take two small
6. Describe catcracking. Answer: Fluid catalytic cracking (catcracking) units take this gas
7. What is hydrodesulfurization? Answer: Hydrodesulfurization is a process used by
8. What are the basic components of a tubular reactor? Answer: The basic components of a
9. List the five basic types of reactors. Answer: The reactor section of this text is limited to
a discussion of five basic types of reactors: (1) stirred tank reactors, (2) tubular reactors,
10. What is an exothermic reaction? Answer: How do you control it? Exothermic reactions
are characterized by a chemical reaction accompanied by the liberation of heat. As the
11. Describe the different types of chemical reactions. Answer: Exothermic, endothermic,
12. How do temperature, pressure, reaction time, heat, and agitation affect a chemical
13. What factors affect reaction rates? Answer: Flow rates, temperature, pressure, type of
14. What is an inhibitor used for in the reaction process? Answer: An inhibitor is a substance
15. What process instrumentation is included with a reactor system? Answer: Reaction
16. What is a stirred reactor often referred to as? Answer: Mixing reactor.
17. List the safety features found on most reactors. Answer: Reactors are equipped with a
18. What effects can corrosion have on a reaction? Answer: Corrosion can contaminate the
19. Balance the following equation:
Fe + Cl2 → FeCl3
20. Draw a simple stirred reactor and control the following variables; temperature, pressure,