Problem: Styrene (ST) is produced industrially by catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene (EB) on an iron catalyst. The reaction is endothermic and reversible and takes place with an increase in the number of moles. The feed is diluted by means of an inert component, such as steam. The steam also serves as a heat carrier, reducing the temperature drop under adiabatic operation.
Part a: If the conversions are defined as:
Conversion of ethylbenzene (EB): XEB = FEB - F0EB/FEB
Conversion of EB into product j: Xj = Fj - F0j/F0EB
for j: ST, BZ, TO, H2, H2O, CH4, and C2H4. (Steam is considered as an inert)
Simulate the profiles of EB conversion and conversion of EB into styrene (ST), benzene (BZ), and toluene (TO), and the temperature and pressure profiles in the reactor. Assume that because of their limited concentrations in the reactor, CH4 and C2H4 can be neglected in the energy balance formulation.
Part b. Evaluate and comment on the error in the profiles if you were to neglect pellet diffusion (internal mass transport limitations).
Part c: The above assumed no internal heat transport limitations, and no external transport limitations (heat or mass). Are these assumptions valid? Why (or) why not?
Part d: Would you expect to see steady state multiplicity in this reactor? Explain why or why not. (Brief mathematical and/or graphical justification is adequate)
Attachment:- Orthogonal collocation.rar