Incorporating Nonideal Reactors in a Junior-Level Course: Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Authors

  • Benjamin J. Lawrence Oklahoma State University
  • Jason D. Beene Oklahoma State University
  • Sundararajan V. Madihally Oklahoma State University
  • Randy S. Lewis Oklahoma State University

Abstract

Nonideal reactor analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is demonstrated for a junior-level course in chemical reaction engineering.  Concentration profiles for a tracer input into a nonideal reactor were obtained using CFD to determine the residence time distribution (RTD).  Reaction kinetics were coupled with the RTD to predict bounds of the reactant conversion. Important concepts of nonideal reactors such as concentration gradients, stagnation, dispersion, and conversion can be visualized and modeled using CFD.

Author Biographies

Benjamin J. Lawrence, Oklahoma State University

Benjamin J. Lawrence is a senior at Oklahoma State University He is currently president of ChemKidz, a group that performs science demonstrations for elementary school children. His future plans include graduate study in chemical engineering.

Jason D. Beene, Oklahoma State University

Jason D. Beene is a senior at Oklahoma State University and will graduate with a BS in Chemical Engineering with a Biomedical Engineering Option. Currently, he serves as the President of the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology Student Council. He will be working with ExxonMobil Development Company in Houston, Texas, after graduation.

Sundararajan V. Madihally, Oklahoma State University

Sundararajan V. Madihally is Assistant Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He received his BE from Bangalore University and his PhD from Wayne State University, both in chemical engineering. His research interests include tissue engineering and the development of therapies for traumatic conditions.

Randy S. Lewis, Oklahoma State University

Randy S. Lewis is Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University He received his BS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, respectively. His research interests include biomaterials development and the utilization of renewable resources for the production of chemicals.

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Published

2004-04-01

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 2 (2004): Spring 2004

Section

Manuscripts