School of Chemical

Engineering
Name of
Lecturer
Name of
Student
Matrics
Number

: Professor Dr. Bassim H.

Hameed
: Gopal a/l Kananiasan
: 120500

EKC 338:
Reactor
Design &
Analysis

Research Laboratory Observation

and Short Report

Last week Wednesday , we third year visit Prof. Bassims lab.

We were introduced with few reactors that have been used in the
laboratory. We were briefed about the operation of the reactors and
the components related to it, which is beneficial to us in the end of
the day.
I get to know how the equipment work. Reactor is designed to
maximize net present value for the given reaction and producing the
highest yield of product while requiring the least amount of money
to purchase and operate. Safety is more important in the laboratory.
There are a lot of equipment in the laboratory.
The table below summarizes the types of reactors studied in
both research and petroleum laboratories as well as their
characteristics throughout the period of explanation.

No.

Type of Reactor
Pyrolysis of Biomass for
Activated Carbon
Preparation Reactor

Characteristics of Reactor

1.

Have 2 reactors.
Biomass undergoes pyrolysis at
temperatures of up to 500C.

Biomass samples are carbonized and

activated in a one-step treatment
involving pyrolysis in a flow of steam in a
fixed bed reactor.
The yield of liquid product increases and
the gas yield decreases when the rate of
the steam flow is increased.
Catalyst fixed inside the reactor
Cooling system also exists with this reactor.

2.

Monolith Support Batch

Reactor

Batch reactor with monolith support.

A motor is used to drive the stirrer.
Able to withstand pressures of up to 100 bar.

Semi-batch Reactors With

Condensers

Consist of condenser to control the reaction

Control system able to set desired
temperature and revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Condenser also turns vapour to liquid and
recirculates the reactants. Also prevents
vapour from escaping.

3.

4.

Catalytic Pyrolysis of
Biomass Reactor

Batch Photocatalytic
Reactor

5.

6.

High Pressure Batch Reactor

Maintains the volume in the reactor

Catalysts are stationed inside the reactor as

beds.
Thermal pyrolysis occurs to accommodate
catalytic reaction with biomass from the
palm oil industry.
Nitrogen is flushed through the system
taking all the volatile matter, which passes
through the catalyst bed.
It is a monolith reactor, cheap glass and
using of thermocouples.
Contains four lamps producing UV light.
Intensity of the light can be controlled via
control system.
Uses a magnetic bar to stir the solution.

Consist of lid to minimize external light.

Catalyst is suspended in solution.
Parameter includes number of lamps and
has lid to minimize light exposure of
disturbances.

Batch reactor
No loss in volume
Reactor volume of 2 liters.
Able to withstand pressures of up to 100 bar.
Consist of thermocouple and a safety valve
to fend off excessive pressure built-up in the
reactor..
Desired temperature and pressure can be
set using a control system.
Versatile and can be used for various

reactions.

Gas Adsorption System

7.

Can hold 6 to 8 pieces of monolith to provide

support for catalysts.

Usage of CO2 and N2 gases

Concentration profile against time can be
plotted. Conversion of reactants against time
as well.

The laboratory visit gave us we also have given opportunity to get exposure
what reactor is and the working principle of the reactor . I think it will be more useful
during my design in 4th year. Finally , thousand of thanks Prof.