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Reactors

Code: 102402
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Chemical Engineering OB 3

Contact lecturer

Name :
Julián Carrera Muyo
Email :
julian.carrera@uab.cat

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

In order to take this subject, it is recommended that you should previously have passed the subjects of Mass and Energy balances on Chemical Engineering and Chemical Kinetics.

Objectives

The objective of the subject of Reactors is that the student would be able to analyze, evaluate, design and operate ideal and homogeneous chemical reactors according to certain requirements, norms or specifications.

Learning outcomes

  1. Apply the basic principles on which chemical reactors are based.
  2. Apply the basic flow principles to chemical reactors.
  3. Develop critical thinking and reasoning
  4. Analyse, evaluate, design and implement homogenous reactors.
  5. Analyse and evaluate the speed of a chemical reaction.
  6. Apply and identify basic concepts related with chemical engineering.
  7. Identify, analyse and resolve balances of matter in a stationary or non- stationary state, with or without a chemical reaction, in simple chemical processes.
  8. Identify, analyse and resolve balances of energy in simple chemical processes.
  9. Obtain and apply the design equations for ideal isothermal reactors.
  10. Identify, mathematically formulate and solve basic homogenous and heterogeneous chemical reaction problems.
  11. Compare the alternative operation conditions for homogenous and heterogeneous chemical reactions.
  12. Analyse a scientific study of the kinetics of a chemical reaction.
  13. Apply scientific method to perform macroscopic balances of matter, energy and momentum.
  14. Develop a capacity for analysis, synthesis and prospection.
  15. Develop scientific thinking.
  16. Work autonomously.
  17. Develop independent learning strategies.
  18. Work in complex or uncertain surroundings and with limited resources.
  19. Assume social, ethical, professional and legal responsibility, if applicable, derived from professional exercise.
  20. Identify, manage and resolve conflicts.
  21. Adapt to multidisciplinary and international surroundings.
  22. Develop curiosity and creativity.
  23. Adapt to unforeseen situations.
  24. Critically evaluate the work done.
  25. Apply knowledge of kinetics and thermodynamics to chemical reactors.
  26. Describe and apply the fundamental concepts of biological kinetics.

Contents

1. MOLAR BALANCES


1.1 Reaction rate


1.2 General equation of molar balance


1.3 Batch reactors


1.4 Continuous reactors


 


2. ISOTHERMAL REACTORS DESIGN


2.1 Definition of conversion


2.2 Design equations for batch reactors


2.3 Design equations for continuous reactors


2.4 Application of design equations for continuous reactors


2.5 Reactors in series


2.6 Reactions in gas phase


 


3. DESIGN OF NON-ISOTHERMAL REACTORS AT STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS


3.1 Energy balance


3.2 Adiabatic operation


3.3 Plug-flow tubular reactor at steady-state conditions with a heat exchanger


3.4 Equilibrium conversion in adiabatic operation


3.5 Continuous stirred tank reactor with a heat exchanger


 


4. DESIGN OF NON-ISOTHERMAL REACTORS AT NON STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS


4.1 Energy balance at non steady-state conditions


4.2 Energy balance in a batch reactor


 


5. RESIDENCE TIME DISTRIBUCION (RTD) IN CHEMICAL REACTORS


5.1 General characteristics


5.2 Measurement of the RTD


5.3 Characteristics of the RTD


5.4 RTD for Ideal reactors


5.5. Diagnosis and resolution of problems


 


6. CATALYTIC REACTORS


6.1 Design equation of a packed bed catalytic reactor


6.2 Pressure drop in catalytic reactors


6.3 Catalyst deactivation

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Collaborative learning 20 0.8 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26
Autonomous student learning 70 2.8 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Problems seminars 15 0.6 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26
Tutorials 9 0.36 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 25, 26
Master classes 30 1.2 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 25, 26

Autonomous student learning: Consists of the individual work of each student and encompasses: the resolution of problems, the search for information, the reading of books, articles and cases and individual study.

Collaborative learning: It consists of carrying out group work on a part of the subject, at the teacher's suggestion.

Master classes: This consists of the teacher's presentation. Students will be shown the basic concepts and techniques with indications on how to complement and deepen the learning of the subject.

Problems seminars: Students will solve problems related to the contents exposed in the master classes. The aim is to encourage the active participation of students in these activities. 

Tutorials: Meetings of small groups of students with the teacher to clarify doubts, give advice on the writing of reports, follow up group work or deal with any specific issue. 

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Reactor design test 25% 2 0.08 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 17, 18, 25
Work on batch reactors 10% 1 0.04 1, 4, 5, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25
Synthesis exam 50% 3 0.12 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26
Reactor design task 15% 0 0 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
  • Process and scheduled evaluation activities

The course consists of the following assessment activities:

Activity A, reactor design test, 25% of the final grade. It will take place in person in November.

Activity B, reactor design project, 15% of the final grade. This project will be done in a group and must be submitted in writing and in English.

Activity C, batch reactor project, 10% of the final grade. This project will be done in a group and must be presented orally.

Activity D, synthesis exam, 50% of the final grade. This exam will take place in person in January.

Keep in mind that activities B and C are not recoverable.

This course/module does not have a single assessment system.

The use of AI is prohibited in any assessment activity.


  • Programming assessment activities

The calendar of evaluation activities will be given during the first week of classes and will be made public through the Campus Vitual and the website of the Escola d'Enginyeria.


  • Recovery process

85% of the final grade can be recovered in a classroom exam with theory and problems. In this make-up test, the student will be tested on all the subject matter of the course.


  • Grade review procedure

For each assessment activity, a review date and time will be indicated where the student will be able to review virtually the activity with the teacher. If the student does not show up for this review, this activity will not be reviewed later.


  • Special qualifications

Honor's registration. Granting a grade of honor's registration is the decision of the teacher responsible of the subject. The UAB regulation indicates that the MH can only be granted to students who have obtained a final grade equal to or greater than 9.0. The teacher can grant up to 5% of MH of the total number of students enrolled.


  • Plagiarism

Total or partial plagiarism of any of the assessment activities will automatically be awarded a “fail” (that is, zero) for the plagiarised item.

Plagiarism is copying from unidentified sources and presenting this as original work (this includes copying phrases or fragments from the internet and adding them without modification to a text which is presented as original).

Plagiarism is a serious academic offence. It is essential to respect the intellectual property of others, to identify any source uses, and to take responsibility for the originality and authenticity of all work produced.


  • Assessment of repeating students

The repeating student will be evaluated with the same procedure as any other student.

Bibliography

1) H. Scott Fogler. Elements of chemical reaction engineering 4th edition solutions

2) O. Levenspiel. Chemical Reactor Engineering.

Software

MS Office

Polymath 6.0

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE