Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1966
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
First Advisor
George C. Keeffe
Second Advisor
John E. McCormick
Third Advisor
Saul I. Kreps
Abstract
The reaction between an acidic potassium dichromate solution and metallic copper has been studied at 25.0°C under batch quiescent and continuous flow conditions.
The effect of time of reaction, reactor diameter, acid, dichromate, and salt concentration upon reaction rate have been investigated for a quiescent batch reactor and found to influence the Reaction Velocity Constant of the system. As the reaction progressed, the Reaction Velocity Constant was observed to decrease. An increase in reactor diameter resulted in a Reaction Velocity Constant increase. Small increments in the dichromate concentration produced a decrease in the Reaction Velocity Constant. A maximum point of reactivity was found to exist within the range of acid concentration investigated. The addition of sodium sulfate, cupric sulfate, and cupric acetate to the system caused the Reaction Velocity Constant to decrease; however, when potassium chloride was added the opposite occurred.
For a continuous flow reactor, the reactor position and the feed location have marked influence on the reaction rate. Experiments were conducted at flow rates corresponding to Reynolds Numbers in the range 25 to 300. The highest Reaction Velocity Constant values obtained were with a horizontal reactor.
An experimental procedure has been developed for measuring the radial and the longitudinal concentration gradient at any point inside the continuous flow reactor. No radial concentration gradient was observed in the first two feet of solution in the reactor. A longitudinal concentration gradient is present from the reactor inlet to its discharge point.
Recommended Citation
Fernandez-Ortega, Francisco H. and Milian, Gonzalo D., "The kinetics of a heterogeneous system" (1966). Theses. 2696.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2696
