The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	A study of an adiabatic tubular reactor for the multiple chlorination of methane
Author:	Braun, Richard L.
View Online:	njit-etd1974-016 (viii, 105 pages ~ 3.0 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Chemical Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Hanesian, Deran (Committee chair) Joffe, Joseph (Committee member) Salamone, Jerome J. (Committee member)
Date:	1974-06
Keywords:	Methane -- Mathematical models Chemical reactors -- Mathematical models
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	A computer program has been developed which simulates the multiple chlorination of methane in an adiabatic, tubular reactor. Euler's method is used to approximate the solutions of the programs differential equations. The program is designed to determine the amount of an inert diluent required in the feed stream to attain some specified conversion of methane in a safe and efficient temperature range. Particular emphasis is put on determining the amount of diluent required to attain 98% conversion of methane at an outlet temperature of 723°K. The program also determines the reactor volume necessary to achieve the specified conversion, and the product distribution at the reactor outlet. The three diluents investigated were CCl4, HCl, and N2. Relationships between reactor volume required to attain 98% conversion of methane at an outlet temperature of 723°K and reactant feed temperature are presented for each diluent. The use of elevated pressure to reduce the reactor volume of the HC1 inerted system is also discussed. The developed program is readily adaptable to any set of operating data and should provide a useful tool for designing adiabatic, tubular reactors for exothermic, competitive, consecutive reactions.