Use of kinetic plots for relative assessment of reactor throughput and energy-consumption

Abstract

The progress of high temperature processes is generally described in terms of variation of the degree of conversion (alpha) with time (t). The present paper outlines a procedure for making use of alpha-t plots for comparative assessment of productivity and energy requirements for a test system with respect to a reference, on the basis of some simplifying assumptions. It is assumed that the throughput is inversely proportional to reaction time as in the case of batch reactors and plug flow reactors. It is also assumed that the energy requirement is a simple function of process temperature. The principles outlined is illustrated with reference to some laboratory data for reduction of iron oxide by coal.