ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the performance equation of a variable volume batch reactor under nonisothermal operation. For any reaction the conversion and the temperature of the reacting system are uniquely related. In addition, the energy balance of the reactor provides a unique relationship between conversion and reactor temperature. The conversion temperature relationships must be compatible with each other. The reacting system will automatically self adjust to attain the permissible combination of temperature and conversion. Alternatively, the feed conditions will have to be manipulated in order to have a new permissible combination of temperature and conversion that matches with the operating conditions. The permissible set of values for the reactor temperature and conversion can be estimated by simultaneously solving the energy balance and the material balance of the reactor. For a liquid-phase reaction, a volume change of the reacting system is negligible.
