The elementary gas-phase reaction

(CH3)3COOC(CH3)3 → C2H6 + 2CH3COCH3

A → B + 2C

is carried out isothermally at 400 K in a flow reactor with no pressure drop. The specific reaction rate at 50°C is 10–4 min–1 (from pericosity data) and the activation energy is 85 kJ/mol. Pure di-tert-butyl peroxide enters the reactor at 10 atm and 127°C and a molar flow rate of 2.5 mol/min, i. e., FA = 2.5 mol/min.

(a) Use the algorithm for molar flow rates to formulate and solve the problem. Plot FA, FB, FC, and then X as a function of plug-flow reactor volume and space time to achieve 90% conversion.

(b) Calculate the plug-flow volume and space time for a CSTR for 90% conversion.