Assume that a chemical reaction involving the removal of a given contaminant follows first order kinetics. The rate constant, k, is 0.5 hr-1. Compare the performance of the following reactors/reactor combinations. Provide your comments your results. Note: ? is the residence (retention) time. (CMFR = completely mixed flow reactor; PFR = plug flow reactor
(a) a single CMFR, ? = 2 hrs
(b) a single PFR, ? = 2 hrs
(c) two CMFRs in series, each ? = 1 hr
(d) a CMFR followed by a PFR, each ? = 1 hr (e) a PFR followed by a CMFR, each ? = 1 hr