The temperature scanning reactor II: Theory of operation

Abstract

The theoretical development of the defining equations for the Temperature Scanning methodology and for operation of Temperature Scanning Reactors is presented. Batch Reactors, Stream Swept Reactors, Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors and Plug Flow Reactors are considered in detail. For all these reactor types, we show that rates of reaction, with their associated temperatures and levels of conversion, can be measured quickly and accurately. This can be done under non-isothermal conditions, without invoking any approximations and unhindered by the complexity of the unknown kinetics of the reaction under study. The TS methodology is robust and it reduces errors normally encountered in one-off experiments. It can reveal the presence of collateral effects such as catalyst decay and diffusion limitations. The equations for dealing with these effects, although not presented here, follow directly from the considerations presented. The kinetic data-gathering capabilities of the TSR are limited only by the availability of analytical methods for continuous (or at least frequent) monitoring of the composition of the reactor output stream. As long as a satisfactory analytical method is available for the system under study, there is no need to use traditional, isothermal, steady-state methods; TS methods will yield better data, faster and over a broader range of conditions, at no cost in veracity.