Chemical reactor

A vessel or device in which chemical reactions are carried out under controlled conditions. Its design governs heat transfer, mixing, pressure, and how long reactants remain inside.

Chemical kinetics: The study of reaction rates and how they depend on conditions and concentrations. Kinetic laws determine how quickly reactants convert during their time in the reactor.
Continuous stirred-tank reactor: A continuously fed reactor whose contents are mixed so composition is approximately uniform. It is the ideal model for a well-mixed vessel with continuous inflow and outflow.
Catalytic reactor: A reactor designed to carry out reactions accelerated by a catalyst. Catalysts alter rates and selectivity, while reactor design manages contact with the catalyst.
Semibatch reactor: A batch vessel in which at least one reactant is added or removed during the reaction. It offers feed-rate control that a fully charged batch reactor lacks.
Thermal runaway: A self-accelerating rise in temperature caused when heat generation exceeds heat removal. Exothermic reactions can become uncontrollable when a reactor cannot remove heat fast enough.
Residence time: The time material spends inside a process unit. Residence time links reactor flow to the opportunity for reaction.
Plug flow reactor: A continuous reactor model in which fluid moves forward with negligible mixing along its direction of flow. It represents tubular equipment where composition changes along the reactor length.
Fluidized bed reactor: A reactor in which upward-flowing fluid suspends solid particles and gives the bed fluid-like behavior. It enables strong heat transfer and continuous handling of particulate catalysts or solids.
Loop reactor: A reactor that circulates reaction mixture through a loop, often using a pump or gas lift. Circulation can improve mixing and heat transfer compared with a simple vessel.
Process safety: The prevention and mitigation of fires, explosions, and releases of hazardous materials in industrial processes. Reactor hazards can involve high temperatures, pressure, toxic chemicals, and rapid energy release.

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