reflection on reaction engineering
Chapter 1 : Introduction To Mole Balance
In this class today, we will learn and understand how the reactors are applying in our daily life. The lecturer guides us how the reactors were applying in the daily life application. There are 4 type of reactor that we learn which is batch reactor, CSTR , PFR and PBR. As example, in our breathing mechanism CSTR reactor application was applied, the lungs and the cells are work as reactors that change the gas of oxygen to carbon dioxide, but have same amount of inlet gas and outlet gas. However, my group was doing PFR about the application in transportation of gaseous. Furthermore, by doing this activity make me realised that reaction must be occur to make something new. So that, reaction engineering is much more important to be learn and understand.
Chapter 2 : Conversion and Reactor Sizing
​In the chapter 2 lessons, we were given a tour of the lab and a brief explanation on different types of reactors. Then, the fun part begins when we were outside. We were instructed to design a reactor, specifically a PBR reactor for my group, and record a video on a functioning reactor model that has been build using only some bottles, Coke drinks and milk. During briefing, I can understand a little bit more about the difference of each reactors and could imagine the flow of reaction process, theoretically. But only when we build and test the our simple reactor design that I realize the obstacles in designing a good reactor. Especially for PBR where there is a significant difference in using a different amount of packing material and the flow force of different feedstock. In my opinion, this is a good way to get a hands on experience in reactors process flow and a better way to relate the mole balance equation with actual reactors functions. However, for this class I'm a little bit disappointed that was not able to see and learn about others reactor designs as my group was still working on finishing our design.
Chapter 3 : Rate Law and Stoichiometry
As we just finished Chapter 3, my understanding regarding this subject is more deeper , chapter 3 taught about the reaction rate law, the reaction order which will contribute to the volume of the reactor which means it relate to the chapter 2. First of all we were exposed to the definition of the rate law, relative rate of reaction, reaction order, elementary and non-elementary rate law, rate constant and its unit according to the reaction order, activation energy that can be used to calculate the value of rate constant if there were two different temperatures. We also learn how to construct the stoichiometric table for batch system and flow systems. When doing the stoichiometric table, we were introduced to many new terms which are expansion factor, theta and many more. We also learn how to plot the concentration vs conversion graph. For me, it is a bit hard to remember all the equations to solve the problems, but as we do the jigsaw, it helps me in memorizing it because we keep using the equations. I think the Team Game Tournament is a good activity because we can improve our test marks and understanding about this topic and it also can test our brain to work within the time limit. All teammates effort is needed in doing this TGT.
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However, I think it is quite unfair because maybe some of the students will get the easy one because it depends on the luck. Maybe we need to be more prepared next time.
Chapter 4 : Isothermal Reactor Design
First of all I have to admit that I am not able to understand much about this topic as it is a bit confusing at the beginning as I am not well prepared to the class most of the time during this topic being teach. However, I am trying to understand this chapter by learn through books and slides and also ask for friends to teach me the part that I am not understand. In this chapter, we have learn about the isothermal reactor design, design of CSTR, design of tubular reactor as well as the recycle reactors. To design a structure for isothermal reactor, there are 5 steps method. Firstly, the mole balance and design equation, rate law, stoichiometry, combine information and evaluation. Evaluation method is either graphical method, numerical method, analytical method and software.
As further the study, I found that basic knowledge of chemical engineering is very crucial and it is indeed very important so that I help to get better understanding throughout the chapter easier. As conclusion, this topic is interesting. However, I need to focus more and start recap and do more exercise as it may help me in the future.
Chapter 5 : Collection & Analysis of Rate Data
First of all, chapter 5 is a bit tricky for me. However, all of my teammate help me best to understand more about this chapter. The most that I remember is when we have to do questions and answer it ourself. It is very challenging as it is already challenging to answer the question itself. It took us days to finish all the question. Now I know how hard to make question as it also hard to answer it. The question itself need to have high, medium and low type of questions. The hardest part is to put the amount of marks needed for each of the questions.
Chapter 6 : Multiple Reactions
What I get from this chapter is how to determine the selectivity, the order reaction, maximise and minimise the selectivity and many more. What I remember the most during PBL is we need to use most of the knowledge that we have studies in this chapter. As first It is a bit confusing as I didn’t prepare myself and not watching the video. However, I manage to catch up along the was as my teammate helps me bit by by.
Chapter 8 : Steady State Non Isothermal Reactor Design
For the first class, I read slides because there are no video provided. Sir Tazli teach us about the rational of why use energy balance, adiabatic energy balance as well as the energy balance equation. I also learn about the temperature profile of adiabatic and exothermic reaction. I also learn about the Van Hoff equation and the integration of the equation as well as the relationship between Kc and Kp. I am not sure much about this topic as it is still new for me and I did not revise more about this chapter. However, I will try my best to get better understanding on this topic