ChE 125: Chemical Reaction Engineering

Chemical Kinetics -

Chemical Reaction Engineering –

Typical Chemical Process

Physical Chemical Physical

Treatment Treatment Treatment
Steps Steps Steps

Table 1.1 Classification of Chemical Reactions Useful in Reactor Design

Noncatalytic Catalytic
Most gas-phase reactions Most liquid-phase reactions
Homogeneous
Fast reactions such as burning Reactions in colloidal systems
of a flame Enzyme and microbial reactions
Burning of coal Ammonia synthesis
Roasting of ores Oxidation of ammonia to produce
Attack of solids by acids nitric acid
Heterogeneous
Gas-liquid absorption with Cracking of crude oil
reaction Oxidation of SO2 and SO3
Reduction of iron ore to iron
and steel

Factors Affecting the Rate of Reaction

1. Nature of Reactants
- State of matter – Gases tend to react faster than solids and liquids
- Bond Type
- Bond Strength
2. Concentration of Reactants
3. Temperature
4. Catalyst
5. Surface Area
6. Pressure
7. Rate of mass and heat transfer
- for heterogeneous systems, they become rate controlling
8. Others
- pH
- viscosity
- external factors like stirring, agitating

Collision Theory

Note: Contact time does not affect the rate of reaction.