The relative tracer concentrations obtained from pulse tracer tests on a commercial packed-bed desulfurization reactor are shown in Figure 13-5. After studying the RTD, what problems are occuring with the reactor during the period of poor operation (thin line)? The bed was repacked and the pulse tracer test again carried out with the results shown in Figure 13-5 (thick line). Calculate the conversion that could be achieved in the commercial desulferization reactor during poor operation and during good operation (Figure 13-5) for the following reactions:
(a) A first-order isomerization with a specific reaction rate of 0.1 h-1
(b) A first-order isomerization with a specific reaction rate of 2.0 h-1
(c) What do you conclude upon comparing the four conversions in parts (a) and (b)?
(d) How would your answers change if the reaction is carried out adiabatically with paramenter values given by Equation [P13-2.j.1]?
Figure 13-5