What Is the Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) Design Calculator?
A CSTR is an agitated continuous flow vessel widely used in liquid-phase chemical manufacturing and biological fermentation.
How Does the Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) Design Calculator Work?
Computes exit reaction rate at tank concentration C_A = C_A0·(1 - X_A).
Solves design equation for reactor volume V.
Evaluates space time τ = V / v₀.
Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) Design Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
V = (v₀ · C_A₀ · X_A) / (-r_A), -r_A = k · C_A₀ · (1 - X_A), τ = V / v₀
Ideal CSTR design equation derived from molar conservation balance at steady state.
How to Use the Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) Design Calculator
- Enter volumetric flow rate and feed concentration.
- Specify target fractional conversion and reaction rate constant.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Isothermal First-Order CSTR
Input Values:
volumetricFlow:2
feedConcentration:500
conversion:0.8
rateConstant:1.5
Worked Steps: 2 m³/h throughput converted to 80% with k = 1.5 h⁻¹.
Understanding Your Result
Primary output indicates required tank volume in cubic meters.
Summary displays residence space time in hours and minutes.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Reaction kinetics and temperature (Arrhenius rate constant).
- High conversion requires disproportionately larger volume because reaction rate is lowest at exit concentration.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- Chemical reactor sizing, wastewater treatment aeration basins, and continuous bioprocessing.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes ideal backmixing with uniform temperature and concentration throughout vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard Levenspiel chemical reaction engineering formulation.