ChE 125: Chemical Reaction Engineering I

4
TH
LONG EXAM AND DESIGN PROJECT

YOUR TASK
This is to be done in pairs. Design a reactor for a given system. You will choose your own reaction system. It may be an
example or problem found in a reactor design textbook, a scientific journal article, or a case study previously done.
You are to provide the following:

1. A description of an actual chemical process or reaction system. Provide all reactions necessary for your design.
Hypothetical examples from textbooks (reactions using A and B as the chemical species) are not allowed.
2. A mechanism (or a rate expression) to describe the reaction that you chose. This should be based on credible
sources (textbooks, journal articles, etc.).
3. Project objective. Do you want to maximize the production rate of product C? Do you want to determine the
optimum temperature so that maximum yield is obtainable? Do you want to minimize fabrication costs?
4. Operating conditions. Decide on the temperature and composition of the feed. Select a suitable operating pressure.
Specify the phases of the species involved. Make sure that all specified conditions are grounded on reality.

After specifying everything above, you will now design a reactor (or reactor network) that will meet your objective.
Decide whether what you have is a constant-density system, or a variable-density one. Should the system be operated
isothermally, non-isothermally, or adiabatically? What should be the best reactor for your system? Provide valid justifications
for each decision that you make. At the end of the exercise, you should be able to provide (as a minimum requirement):

1. Reactor volume/operating time that will meet your objectives
2. Operating conditions that will meet your objectives
3. Additional design specifications (if any)

Consider the grading system below when you make your design project:

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY
Does your project integrate all the knowledge you have acquired in ChE 125?
Did you employ advanced numerical solutions and other similar methods in your project?
Did you consult scientific journals and other textbooks?
Did you provide a solution that is different from what was done before?

25 %
REACTOR ANALYSIS
Are your design equations correct?
Are your results sound and logical?
Are your physical and chemical data reliable? Did you consult proper resources for your data?
Is your design useful and practical?

50 %
DOCUMENTATION
Is your methodology sufficiently presented and explained?
Are errors and other problems encountered presented and discussed?
Did you provide program codes for your software-aided solutions?

25 %

YOUR DELIVERABLES
You are to submit the following:
1. DESIGN PROJECT PROPOSAL: An email on or before March 29, 11:59 PM containing a file of your selected
problem. It may be a screenshot or a document file that contains everything that your instructor needs to know
about your design project. No two or more pairs should have the same problem. A first-come-first-serve policy will
be observed.
2. DESIGN PROJECT DOCUMENTATION: a write-up in .pdf format that will be submitted on or before April 12,
Friday, 11:59 PM. This should contain the following parts:
a. Problem Description (include all necessary data to solve the problem)
b. Design Methodology (show your entire analysis)
c. Results and Design Recommendations
d. Problems Encountered (include your troubleshooting strategies)
e. Appendix (include all your program codes)
f. References

Email all your submissions to bsubosa_05@yahoo.com. Observe the following specifications:
Subject: ChE 125 Design Project <Surnames>
Attachment: .zip file containing the write-up and other relevant files (journal articles used, program codes, etc.)



This is now your chance to actually experience how ChE majors carry out equipment design operations. Amidst all the stress
and worries that you are now experiencing, do not forget to enjoy and learn. Always put learning first. Please do not do
this design project for the sake of your grade only. Do this because you want to learn more.

I am always available for consultation, as long as you inform me beforehand. Ambush consultations are highly discouraged. If
you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to text or email me ASAP.


Sir Bemboy