ABSTRACT
In this chapter we illustrate the dynamic simulation of tubular plug-flow reactors using both commercial simulators. Many industrial processes use tubular reactors, particularly those in which a solid catalyst is required. The typical tubular reactor has a vessel that is packed with solid catalyst. lithe reactor operates adiabatically, the catalyst fills the entire cross-section of the vessel and reactor diameter is not an issue, except fbr fluid velocity considerations. If the reactor is cooled for heated), the catalyst is usually packed inside a number of small-diameter tubes located inside the shell of the vessel. The cooling (or heating) fluid is outside the tubes in the shell, and heat is transferred between the process fluid and the cooling fluid. Tube diameter is an important design parameter because of its conflicting effects on pressure drop and the ratio of heat-transfer area to reactor volume.
