A homogeneous chemical reactor analysis and design laboratory: The reaction kinetics of dye and bleach

• Detailed description of a batch reactor/CSTR system for homogeneous catalysis.
• Homogeneous reaction of dye and bleach solutions for an experimental module in chemical engineering reactor design.
• Experimental data used to determine parameters for complete reaction rate law.
• Development of reactor design equations to compare models to experimental results.

An experimental module for senior-level reaction engineering/reactor design students is described. The module is used to characterize the kinetics of dye (food coloring) neutralization by household bleach, and the reactor system is configurable for use in either batch reactor or continuous-stirred tank reactor (CSTR) modes. The reactor temperature, volume, reactant feed rates, and reactant concentrations may be adjusted to enable students to obtain a wide range of kinetic data. Dye concentrations in the reactor are monitored by absorbance spectroscopy, and the kinetic rate law is determined directly from the batch reactor performance data. Students use the completed kinetic rate law to compare experimental steady-state CSTR performance data to the mathematical models derived from reactor design equations. Finally, the students use the kinetic behavior of the system to design a hypothetical plug-flow reactor for the same chemical reaction and a set of stated operational goals.