Periodic Operation with Modulation of Inlet Concentration and Flow Rate Part I: Nonisothermal Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor

The nonlinear frequency response (NFR) method, which is an analytical, fast, and easy method for evaluating the performance of forced periodically operated chemical reactors, was used to investigate possible improvements to a nonisothermal continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) when inlet concentration and/or flow rate is periodically modulated. The product yield corresponding to periodic operation is defined, expressions for its estimation, based on the NFR method, are derived, and it is used to evaluate the performance improvements due to periodic operation. Part I considers the general nonisothermal case. In Part II, these results are applied to an adiabatic CSTR and used to evaluate possible improvements for the case of the hydrolysis reaction of acetic anhydride.