Chemical Engineering Basic Process Principles - CE series

CE
SERIES
Chemical Reactors Teaching Equipment – CEXC
COMPUTER CONTROLLED AS STANDARD
5 REACTORS AVAILABLE
The Armfield CEXC family is a range of chemical reactors specifically TUBULAR, TRANSPARENT BATCH, CSTR, PLUG FLOW, LAMINAR FLOW
developed for the teaching and demonstration of chemical reactor OPEN ENDED FOR PROJECT WORK
capabilities to chemical engineering students. Real chemical reactions
take place within the reactors. Armfield has developed a number
of representative reactions which are easy and safe for students to use
in the laboratory environment.

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Unique features CEXC service unit shown fitted with CEB-MkIII transparent batch reactor (laptop not supplied)
u Computer control and data logging u Transparent reactors enabling the student to u Five different reactor types available:
as standard see what is happening Continuous stirred tank reactor - CEM-MKII
u Compact benchtop equipment u Colour tracer experiments possible for some Tubular reactor - CET-MKII
u Real-time reaction monitoring instrumentations reactor types
Batch reactor - CEB-MKII
eliminating the inconvenience and inaccuracy u Cost effective. Up to five reactors share the
of multiple iterations same service unit Laminar flow reactor - CEY
u Safe and student friendly Plug flow reactor - CEZ

U K office - email: [email protected] tel: +44 (0) 1425 478781 (for ROW) Issue: 3 Applications

USA office - email: [email protected] tel: +1 (609) 208-2800 (USA only) URL: http://www.armfield.co.uk/cexc ChE IP
We reserve the right to amend these specifications without prior notice. E&OE © 2020 Armfield Ltd. All Rights Reserved

armfield.co.uk
CEXC Chemical reactors teaching unit
The CEXC Chemical reactors teaching unit provides the services A dual-range conductivity sensor allows for a wide range of operation.
required to run the various reactor types. It includes; a hot water Armfield has developed an algorithm for the saponification reaction
re-circulator used to control the temperature of the reactions, (ethyl acetate and sodium hydroxide) linking the degree of conversion of
glass feed vessels for the reactants, two peristaltic pumps to pump the reactants to the electrical conductivity, thus allowing the progress of
the reagents to the reactors, computer software for data logging, the reaction to be monitored using the software.
sensors and instrumentation. The service unit includes a mounting position for the reactor being used.
The CEXC is fully computer controlled, supplied with software to allow It is possible to change reactors quickly and easily without the use of tools.
the user to; vary the feed pump speeds and flow rates, vary the heater All fittings on the CEXC and the reactors are of the quick-release type.
power in the hot water, implement a PID control loop ensuring stable The CEM-MkII, CET-MkII and CEB-MkIII reactors are completely contained
temperatures, switch on and off the hot water pump and to control on the CEXC base unit. The CEY and CEZ also include floor standing
the speed of the stirrers used on some of the reactors. columns for positioning next to the CEXC base unit.
Instrumentation for temperature and conductivity measurements is The CEXC provides a locating position for two standard 2.5 litre chemical
also supplied and these values are displayed on the computer screen. storage bottles for the reagents within the plinth. This provides safety
Two ‘K’ type thermocouples are included; one for the hot water in use. The bottles can be quickly capped and removed as necessary for
and one for the reactor contents. safe handling. Two 2.5 litre bottles are also provided with the equipment.
Note: A
 n input for a third user-supplied sensor is also Alternatively, for longer experiments, larger feed vessels could be located
provided for project work. either on the floor or on the bench next to the equipment.
The CEXC requires a computer (not supplied by Armfield),
running Windows 7 or above, with a spare USB port.

Full educational software is provided with the CEXC for all the
Armfield chemical reactors.
Optional accessory -
Separate programs are provided for each reactor. Typical facilities are: CW-17 Chilled water circulating unit
u All the temperatures and flow rates are displayed on a diagrammatic The CW-17 is a thermostatically controlled chilled water circulating
representation of the equipment unit which can be used for providing water at below ambient
u The feed pump speeds are between 0 and 100%. The predicted flow temperature. It is essential for use with the CEZ reactor and for the
rate for these speeds can be displayed and used for subsequent CEB-MkIII isothermal demonstration and can be used with the other
calculations. These values can be user calibrated for greater accuracy reactors. The temperature of the water is controlled by an adjustable
u The stirrer speeds can be controlled in a similar manner thermostat mounted on the CW-17. Alternatively, it can be used as
u The hot water temperature is set by entering a required an ice bank chiller to supply water slightly above freezing point.
temperature set point into a PID control function
u Data from the sensors is logged into a spreadsheet format Essential accessories
u Sophisticated graph plotting facilities are provided. Comparisons CEXC CEM-MkII CET-MkII CEB-MkIII CEY CEZ
between data taken on different runs can be displayed
At least
u Processing of measured values to obtain calculated values one reactor CEXC CEXC CEXC CEXC CEXC
u The data samples (measured and calculated) can be saved accessory
or exported directly in Microsoft Excel format Windows PC CW-17 (for
with 2 spare isothermal CW-17
u Data from the sensors can be displayed independently from USB ports operation)
the data logging. This can be in bar graph format or a recent
history graphical display
Requirements Scale
Presentation screens are available giving an overview of the software,
the equipment, the procedure and the associated theory. This is
backed up by a detailed ‘Help’ facility giving in-depth guidance and PC USB
1Ph COLD
background information
Electrical supply: Single phase (See ordering codes below)
PC (see essential accessories)
Ordering specification At least 1 reactor - CEM-MKII, CET-MKII, CEB-MKII, CEY, CEZ

u A self-contained benchtop service unit designed to provide Overall dimensions

services for up to five different chemical reactors:
Length 1.00m
- Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor – CEM-MKII
- T ubular Reactor – CET-MKII Width 0.50m
HOT COLD

- T ransparent Batch Reactor – CEB-MKII Height 0.50m

- L aminar Flow Reactor – CEY Packed and crated shipping specifications 1Ph
PC IFD
7

- P  lug Flow Reactor – CEZ USB COLD

FM
6X
Volume 0.4m3
u Fully computer controlled and supplied with educational software HEARING
PROTECTION
oil
DRAIN

specific to each reactor type. Simple interfacing to the (user supplied) Gross weight 40Kg EXTRACTOR

computer by a USB interface

u Two peristaltic feed pumps with individually variable flow rates Ordering codes
0-140 ml/min CEXC-A: 220-240V / 1ph / 50Hz, 10 amp
u Provides PID temperature-controlled hot water in order to maintain CEXC-B: 120V / 1ph / 60Hz, 10 amp
reactor temperature CEXC-G: 220-240V / 1ph / 60Hz, 10 amp
u Complete with two thermocouples, an input for a third (user) CW-17-A: 220-240V / 1ph / 50Hz, 13 amp
thermocouple and a dual-range conductivity sensor CW-17-G:* 220-240V / 1ph / 60Hz, 13 amp
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u A comprehensive instruction manual is included which details *CW-17-G version has optional 3kVA transformer available to accommodate
installation and operating procedures 120V / 1ph / 60Hz supply. If you require this option please specify at time of order.

PC IFD
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USB FM
COLD
6X
CEM-MKII Continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR)
The CEM-MKII Continuous stirred tank reactor is probably the most
common type of reactor found in industry. The CEM-MkII is a small-scale
demonstration version for educational use. It is extremely flexible in use
and can be used for both continuous and batch reactions.
The volume of the reactor is adjustable to between 0.4 and 1.5 litres
using an adjustable standpipe allowing different hold-up volumes
and residence times to be investigated. The temperature probe and
conductivity probe (supplied with the CEXC) can be positioned in the
reactor vessel.
A stainless steel coil is used for temperature control of the reactor
from the hot water supply on the CEXC (or cold water from such
as the CW-17 Chilled Water Circulating Unit).
A variable-speed mixer/agitator is included (controlled by the CEXC)
together with baffles to improve the mixing.
The CEM-MkII uses the saponification reaction and uses conductivity to
measure the progress of the reaction. It also uses a step input change
experiment to obtain the residence time distribution.

Experimental content
u To find the reaction rate constant in a Continuous Stirred Tank
Reactor
u Effect of varying the temperature on reaction rate
u Effect of varying the reactor volume
u Effect of varying the mixing speed
u Effect of varying the feed rate
u Effect of varying the flow rate on conversion
u Determination of the Residence Time using tracer techniques
u To determine the effect of inadequate mixing on the reaction rate
u Evaluation of empirical rate expressions from experimental data
In use the CEM-MkII is wholly contained on the CEXC. When removed
from the CEXC, storage dimensions are 350mm high, 250mm wide,
300mm deep.

Ordering specification
u  A small-scale continuous stirred tank reactor for use with the CEXC
u Adjustable volume of 0.4-1.5l
u The vessel is equipped with a variable-speed square
blade turbine agitator
u The vessel is constructed from borosilicate glass and PVC with
stainless steel heat transfer coil and removable reactor baffle
u Fitting points for temperature and conductivity sensors
(supplied with CEXC)
CEM-MKII Software screen capture

Overall dimensions
Requirements Scale Length 1.00m
Width 0.50m
CEXC Height 0.50m
Packed and created shipping specifications
Requires CEXC Base unit to operate
Volume 0.4m3
Consumables: Gross weight 40Kg
u 50ml Ethyl Acetate
u 20g NaOH Sodium Hydroxide Ordering codes
u 100g Potassium Chloride CEM-MKII

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PC IFD
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USB FM
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CET-MKII Tubular reactor
The CET-MKII Tubular reactor is in the form of a tube wrapped in a
spiral around an acrylic former which is enclosed in a transparent tank.
Water at a controlled temperature (from the CEXC) is circulated within
the tank, this maintains the reactants at constant temperatures.
The reagents are piped separately to the reactor through quick-release
fittings mounted on the lid, they are preheated in stainless steel coils in
the water tank before being mixed and fed into the reactor coil.
Mounting positions are provided for the CEXC water temperature sensor
(in the water tank) and the conductivity probe (at the reactor output).
CET-MkII uses the saponification reaction and conductivity
to measure the progress of the reaction.

Experimental content
u Determination of reaction rate constant using a tubular reactor
u Effect of varying the temperature on reaction rate
u Effect of varying the reactant concentration on reaction rate
u Effect of varying the feed rate
u Investigation of the effect of throughput on conversion
u Demonstration of the temperature dependence of the reaction and
the rate constant
u Determination of the residence time distribution
u Study of the effect of flow rate on conversion
u To determine the kinetic constant of a reaction using an indicator for
visually monitoring
When in use the CET-MkII is wholly contained on the CEXC.
When removed from the CEXC, storage dimensions are 500mm high,
250mm wide and 300mm deep.

Ordering specification
u A small-scale tubular reactor for use with the CEXC capable of
demonstrating large-scale behaviour
u The 20m long reactor coil is mounted in a clear acrylic vessel
through which heating or cooling medium is circulated.
Volume of reactor coil is 0.4l
u Two heat exchanger coils bring the reactants up to the reaction
temperature separately before they are mixed to start the reaction Requirements Scale
u Fitting points for temperature and conductivity sensors
(supplied with the CEXC) CEXC

Requires CEXC Base unit to operate

Consumables:
u 50ml Ethyl Acetate
u 20g NaOH Sodium Hydroxide
u 100g Potassium Chloride

Overall dimensions HOT COLD

Length 1.00m IFD

PC 7
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Width 0.50m USB COLD
FM
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Height 0.50m HEARING

PROTECTION
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Packed and crated shipping specifications EXTRACTOR

Volume 0.1m3
Gross weight 10Kg

Ordering codes
CET-MKII Software screen capture CET-MKII

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CEB-MKIII Transparent batch reactor
The CEB-MkIII Transparent batch reactor is a double-skinned glass
vessel with a one-litre internal working volume, fitted with a variable-
speed agitator.
Hot water from the CEXC or cold water from the CW17 can be circulated
through the jacket for temperature control purposes maintaining the
reactor contents at constant temperature.
Glands in the clear acrylic lid allow the CEXC conductivity and
temperature probes to be fitted to facilitate monitoring of the reactions
in progress such as the important saponification reaction.
Isothermal and adiabatic operation reactions may be demonstrated.
(Note, the isothermal reaction requires the Armfield CW17 accessory
if experiments at low temperature are to be studied or if the ambient
temperature is high).
For adiabatic operation, the use of dyes enables the chemical reaction
rates to be monitored visually by the change in colour at different
degrees of conversion.

Experimental content
u Isothermal Operation -To Determine the reaction rate constant in a
stirred batch reactor.
u Adiabatic Operation - To determine the rate equation for the
hydrolysis of acetic anhydride to acetic acid in an adiabatic reactor.
u Investigation of the effect of reactant concentration on the reaction
rate
u Investigation of the effect of temperature on conversion
u Visual monitoring of the chemical reactions
u Study of the temperature variation of an exothermic reaction on an
adiabatic operation
Note: CEB-MkIII is designed for use with the CEXC service unit.
CEB-MkIII can be used with the CEX service unit, but an additional
5TS5 temperature sensor will be required for complete functionality.

Ordering specification
u A small-scale batch reactor for use with the chemical reactors service
unit designed to demonstrate both adiabatic and isothermal operation
CW-17 accessory is recommended for isothermal operation).
u 1l working volume
u The vessel includes a jacket through which hot water from the CEXC
or chilled water from the CW-17 is passed. A variable-speed agitator
aids heat transfer through the vessel
u The vessel is made of glass to give full visibility of the contents and
enables the use of colour tracers to illustrate the reaction process
u Fitting points for temperature and conductivity sensors
(supplied with the CEXC)

CET-MKII Software screen capture

Requirements Scale
Overall dimensions
CEXC Length 1.00m
Width 0.50m
Requires CEXC Base unit to operate Height 0.50m
Consumables: Packed and crated shipping specifications
u 20g NaOH Sodium Hydroxide Volume 0.1m3
u 50ml Ethyl Acetate Gross weight 15Kg
u 10mg Crystal Violet
u 100ml Acetic Anhydride Ordering codes
u 150ml Acetic Acid
u 25ml Sulphuric Acid
HOT COLD
CEB-MKIII
PC IFD
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USB FM
COLD
6X

HEARING oil
PROTECTION DRAIN

EXTRACTOR
CEY Laminar flow reactor
The CEY Laminar flow reactor is a tubular reactor made of clear acrylic,
mounted on a floor standing steel frame with two diffusers packed
with glass beads located at the ends. A static premixer at the bottom of
the column provides premixing of the reagents entering the reactor to
improve the flow distribution.
It includes two reagent vessels fitted with heat exchangers, mounted
on the CEXC plinth. The heat exchangers are used to cool down the
reagents before performing the experiment. A cold water jacket keeps
the reactor contents at constant temperature in order to maintain the
laminar characteristic. A thermostatically controlled supply of chilled
water is required for this such as the CW17.
A clear acrylic sensor block is mounted on the frame for the CEXC
conductivity and temperature sensors. The reagents are fed to the
reactor by the CEXC peristaltic pumps using PTFE tubing.
Pulsation dampers are used to ensure a smooth flow.
Tracer experiments and conversion experiments may be demonstrated
and followed visually. Conductivity data logging allows the student to
apply the flow pattern characterisation theory and compare it with the
experimental results.

Experimental content
u Determination of the residence time distribution of a Plug Flow
reactor
u Study of the reactor response to different perturbations:
u step and pulse change
u Effect of flow rate and feed concentration on the determination of
flow pattern
u Demonstration of the flow pattern in the reactor and comparison
with the theoretical model
u Determination of the steady-state conversion of a second order
reaction
u Effect of flow rate and feed concentration on the steady-state
conversion
u Visual demonstration of the reactor response with tracer techniques
u Visual monitoring of the steady-state conversion for a chemical
reaction

Ordering specification Requirements Scale

u A small scale laminar flow reactor (400ml working volume) designed
CEXC
to demonstrate both flow pattern characterisation
and steady-state conversion in a tubular reactor
u The reactor column is 1300mm long including diffusers packed Requires CEXC Base unit to operate
with glass beads Consumables:
u A static premixer is fitted at the base of the column u 100g Potassium Chloride
u Reactor column is jacketed with easy connections for u 20mg Indigo Carmine
recirculating cooling system u 20g NaOH Sodium Hydroxide
u A feed assembly is supplied with the reactor which consists of two u 50ml Ethyl Acetate
pulsation dampers mounted on a base plate, special lids for Service
Unit reagent vessels and PTFE interconnecting pipe Overall dimensions HOT

u Stainless steel coils are mounted on the reagent vessel lids to cool Length 1.00m
their contents. Quick-release connectors allow easy supply of cold Width 0.50m 1Ph
PC
transfer medium to the coil and reagents
Height 0.50m USB COLD

u The unit is mounted on a painted frame and includes a sensor block

for conductivity and temperature sensors Packed and crated shipping specifications HEARING
PROTECTION
oil

u Can perform flow visualisation where the progress of the reaction Volume 0.5m3 EXTRACTOR

can be monitored visually using colour Gross weight 22Kg

u Can also perform true reactions where the progress of the reaction Ordering codes
is recorded using the CEXC conductivity sensor and compared with
the theory CEY
HOT COLD

PC IFD
CEZ Plug flow reactor
The CEZ Plug flow reactor demonstrates step and pulse changes for
plug flow characterisation and steady-state conversion for a second
order reaction. It is a tubular packed column reactor made of clear
acrylic and mounted on a steel frame. A static premixer at the bottom
of the column provides premixing of the reagents entering the reactor
to improve the flow distribution.
A clear acrylic sensor block is mounted on the floor standing frame
and houses the CEXC conductivity and temperature sensors.
The reagents are fed to the reactor by the CEXC feed pumps using PTFE
tubing. A six-port injection valve fitted to the CEXC is used to provide
the step or pulse input changes of the reagents.
Tracer experiments and conversion experiments may be demonstrated
and followed visually. Conductivity data logging allows the student to
apply the flow pattern characterisation theory and compare it with the
experimental results.

Experimental content
u Determination of residence time distribution of a Laminar flow
reactor
u Flow pattern characterisation - Step change
u Flow pattern characterisation - Pulse change
u Study of the reactor response to inlet perturbations: step change
u Effect of flow rate and feed concentration on the determination of
flow pattern
u Effect of temperature on the laminar flow characterisation
u Demonstration of the flow pattern in the reactor and comparison
with the theoretical model
u Determination of the steady-state conversion of a second order
reaction
u Effect of flow rate and feed concentration on the steady-state
conversion
u Visual monitoring of the steady state

Ordering Specification
u  A small-scale plug flow reactor for use with the CEXC designed to
demonstrate both flow pattern characterisation and steady-state
conversion in a packed tubular reactor with axial dispersion
u The reactor column is 1044mm long with a 1l working volume.
It is packed with 3mm diameter glass beads
u A feed assembly is supplied with the reactor which consists of a
six-port injection valve mounted on a base plate and a feed vessel
assembly with heat exchangers for cooling for use with the CEXC
and the CW-17
u The reactor assembly is mounted on a painted frame and includes
a sensor block for the conductivity and temperature sensors from
the CEXC
u Can perform flow visualization where the progress of the reaction
can be monitored visually using colour
u Can also perform true reactions where the progress of the reaction CEZ Software screen capture
is recorded using the CEXC conductivity sensor and compared with
the theory
Overall dimensions
Requirements Scale
Length 1.00m
Width 0.50m
CEXC
Height 0.50m
Requires CEXC Base Unit to operate Packed and crated shipping specifications
Volume 0.5m3
Consumables:
Gross weight 22Kg
u 500ml of 2M Hydrochloric acid
u 10mg Crystal Violet
u 50ml Ethyl Acetate Ordering codes
u 20g NaOH Sodium Hydroxide
u 20mg Indigo Carmine CEZ

HOT COLD

PC IFD
1Ph 7
FM
 Armfield Agents
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w.a . Armfield products are distributed throughout the world. It is our policy in
w most countries to deal direct or through proven and accredited sales agents,

uk
who after suitable approval, may become exclusive representatives.
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In exchange for this exclusivity they are required to offer a comprehensive

service including the highest degree of after sales support.

Customer Demonstration
To arrange a demonstration please contact your local Armfield representative.
Details can be found on our website here: www.armfield.co.uk, or contact
Ltd

Armfield HQ directly using the information below.

ld
fie

Soc Ar
m
ial M e disaearch Your local Armfield Agent:

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