CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

1. Liquid A decomposes by first order kinetics in (B) the order of the forward reaction is not same
an isothermal batch reactor. Fifty percent of A is as that of the backward reaction
converted in 300 seconds. The time required for
(C) The reaction takes place in gas phase only
a conversion of 75% is
(D) none of the above
(A) 300 x 0.75/0.25 seconds
[Gate 1989]
(B) 300 ln 1 seconds
5. For the following reaction , the rate constant at
(C) 300 ln (0.5/0.25) seconds
373K is 0.5 per minute
(D) 300 [ln(0.25)/ln (0.5)] seconds
0.5A  B  C
[Gate 1988]
The overall order of the reaction is
2. In transition-state theory , the rate of reaction
(a) 0.5 (b)1.0
is derived by assuming that the activated
complex is in equilibrium with
(c) 1.5 (d) 0
(a) the products
[Gate 1989]
(b) the reactants
(c) both reactants and products
6. A reaction A  B of unknown kinetics is to be
(d) none of the above [Gate 1988]
carried out isothermally using two plug flow
reactors of equal volume arranged either in
series or in parallel. In the parallel arrangement,
3. The reaction A  B occurs in an isothermal
the feed is split equally between the two
catalyst pellet under steady state conditions. If
reactors. The total feed rate and the inlet
the diffusion of A into the pellet is the rate
concentration of reactants respectively are same
controlling step , the rate of diffusion of A is
for both the arrangements. Which arrangement
(a) faster than the rate of reaction does give higher overall conversion ?
(b) equal to the rate of reaction [Gate 1989]
(c) slower than the rate of reaction
(d) may be faster or slower , depending upon the 7. An exothermic gas phase reaction proceeds
kinetics [Gate 1988] according to the equation 3A + 2B → 2R . The
equilibrium conversion for this reaction
(A) increases with increase in temperature
4. From the stoichiometry , one can say that the
following reaction is non-elementary (B) decreases on dilation with an inert gas

N 2  3H 2 2 NH 3 (C) decreases with an increase in pressure

The reason is (D) is unaffected by the presence of a catalyst

(A) no elementary reaction has an order greater [Gate 1990]

than 3

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

8. What is the exit conversion of reactant A for a each operating at 600C. Find the exit conversion
zero order reaction taking place in a CSTR with if both the reactors are operated in series, when
the following data (rate constant = 1 mol/min-L)
(i) both the reactors are ideal plug flow reactors
, feed concentration = 1 mol/L ; feed flowrate =
0.5 L/min and reactor volume is 1L (ii) An ideal plug followed by an ideal backmix
reactor
(A) 50% (B) 75%
additional data
(C)100% (D)200%
feed rate is 20 L/min
[Gate 1990]
feed concentration is 1 mol/L
9. In a homogeneous gas phase reaction A + 2B
→R+S, what is the relationship between rAand rB rate constant 0.5 min-1
(A) 2rA = rB (B) rA= 2 rB oth [Gate 1990]
(C) rA = rB (D) none of the above
14. The reaction of A and B produces the desire
[Gate 1990]
product R as well as the unwanted product S.
What level ofreactant concentration (high,
medium, low) should we use for the following
10. A 10 m3 CSTR is used to decompose a dilute
reaction scheme in order to maximize the
solution of A . The decomposition is irreversible
conversion of A to R.
with a first order rate constant of 3.45 hr -1. If
Reaction Scheme:
95% decomposition of A is desired , the required
A+B R 𝑟1 =𝑘1 𝐶𝐴 𝐶 2 𝐵
feed rate is [Gate 1990]
A S 𝑟2 =𝑘2 𝐶𝐴
A) low 𝐶𝐴 , low 𝐶𝐵
B) High 𝐶𝐵 , Any 𝐶𝐴
11. For a unimolecular gas phase reaction A →
C) High 𝐶𝐴 , Low 𝐶𝐵
Products, the reaction mechanism is given by
D) High 𝐶𝐴 , Any 𝐶𝐵
k1k2 [ A]2 [GATE 1991]
r=
k2 [ A]  k3
15. Qualitatively, find the optimum temperature
what would be the order of reaction at very high progression to maximize 𝐶𝑇 for the elementary
and very low pressures ? [Gate 1990] reaction scheme given below: [GATE 1991]

12. For an elementary reaction

A  B  products , the reaction rate at 500 K is 10
times of that at 400 K. Calculate the activation
energy of this reaction .
[Gate 1990] 𝐸1 =25, 𝐸2 =10, 𝐸3 =25, 𝐸4 =35, 𝐸5 =40, 𝐸6 =25
13. An irreversible homogeneous liquid phase E= Activation energy in KJ/mol;
reaction A  B  C is carried out in two A) Decreasing “T”
isothermal flow reactors of 100 litre capacity B) Increasing “T”
C) Decreasing T first then increasing “T”

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

D) “T” Remains constant. Starting with a gaseous mixture containing 50%

A (rest inert), the ratio of final to initial volume
16. Your company has two mixed flow reactors is found to be 1.6 , the percentage conversion of
of unequal size for producing a specific product A is
formed by a homogeneous second order (a) 30 (b) 50
reaction. How should these reactors be (c) 60 (d) 74
connected to activate a maximum production [GATE 1992]
rate? [GATE 1991]
21. The conversion of a reactant, undergoing a
first order reaction, at a time equals to three
times the half life of the reaction is.
17. Fill in the blanks
(a) 0.875 (b) 0.5
For a zero order solid catalyzed reaction having
a Thiele Modulus equals to one, the value of (c) 0.425 (d) Insufficient data.
effectiveness factor is given by ___________ [GATE 1992]
[GATE 1991]
22. The unit of frequency factor in Arrhenius
18. For a reversible exothermic elementary equation is
catalytic reaction of the type A ↔ B ; find the a) Same as those of the rate constant.
optimum operating reaction temperature a b) Depends on the order of reaction.
conversion level, 𝑋𝐴 =0.8; Data : 𝑘1 =𝑒 (10−5000/𝑇) ; c) Depends on the pressure, temperature etc of
𝑘2 =𝑒 (40−15000/𝑇); the reaction.
Maximum allowable temperature( 𝑇𝑚𝑎𝑥 )=300k d) Cycles per unit time.
[GATE 1992]

23. Transition state theory approaches the

problem of calculating reaction rates by
19. The rate of a liquid phase reaction of the concentrating on the idea of __________________
type A  B  products ; it is found to be
independent of concentration of A and B, equals In the first order reaction , A  products
to 1K mole/𝑚3 at 300K. Find the conversion in a The reaction becomes slower as it proceeds,
mixed flow reactor having volume equals to 2𝑚3 because the concentration of A _______________
with feed concentration of A and S equals to 5K , and the rate is ___________________.
mole/𝑚3 ,feed flow rate equals to 1 𝑚3 /𝑚𝑖𝑛, and [GATE 1992]
reactor temperature equals to 300K. If the 24. A homogeneous liquid phase reaction
activation energy of the reaction is given as A R; −𝑟𝐴 = 𝑘𝐶𝐴 2 ;
83.1kJ/mole, find the volume of an isothermal Takes place with 50% conversion in a well
plug flow reactor for the same conversion and mixed reactor operating isothermally. What will
feed conditions as in the case of the above be the conversion in the reactor is replaced by a
mentioned reactor but with reactor temperature plug flow type if equal size all else remaining the
kept at 320K. [GATE 1991] same? [GATE 1992]

20. A gaseous reaction, A  2B  C takes place

Isothermally in a constant pressure reactor 25. Consider the set of elementary reactions

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

95% conversion. If a plug flow reactor of the

A 
B
k1
same total volume replaces this system , what is
the increase in the production rate for the same
A  B 
k2
C
conversion.
A  D 
k3
 2E [GATE 1993]

At time t=0, a batch reactor is filled with a 31. The observed rate using a cube of 2cm
mixture of A and D. What is the relation between catalyst pellet is 10-8 mol/s-cm3 pellet , calculate
the concentration of B and D after time t? the value of first order reaction rate constant.
[GATE 1992] The effective diffusivity is 0.01 cm2/s
[GATE 1993]
26. The temperature dependence of chemical
reaction rate in general can be written as 32. For the gaseous reaction 2A  B , where the
k  k0T m exp( E / RT ) . What is the value of m feed consists of 50 mol% A and 50 mol% inert ,
from collision theory, transition state theory and the expansion factor is
from Arrhenius law? [GATE 1993]
(a) 1 (b) -0.5
27. Every two minutes, one reactor volume of
feed is being treated at specified conditions in a (c) -0.25 (d) 0
continuous reactor. What is the space velocity? [GATE 1994]
[GATE 1993]
33. To maximized the formation of R in the
28. Choose the correct answer : For multiple simulation reactions
reactions 2 A  R; 2 R  S . The number of moles A+B R 𝑟𝑅 =2𝐶𝐴 0.5 𝐶𝐵 2
of S present when the number of moles of A and A+B S 𝑟𝑠 =𝐶𝐴 𝐶𝐵
R is 0.3 and 0.5 respectively (initially 2 moles of We should have
A are only present) is a) Low 𝐶𝐴 , Low 𝐶𝐵 b) Low 𝐶𝐴 , High 𝐶𝐵

(A) 0.125 (B) 0.175 c) High 𝐶𝐴 , Low 𝐶𝐵 d) High 𝐶𝐴 , High 𝐶𝐵

[GATE 1994]
(C) 0.535 (D) 0.350
[GATE 1993] 34. Fill in the blanks
The Arrhenius equation for the temperature
29. The irreversible gas-phase reaction A  3B dependency of the reaction rate constant is
will be carried out isothermally. The reaction is
zero order, the initial concentration of A is 2
mol/lit and the system contains 40% inert. The For a given conversion and a first order reaction,
specific reaction gas constant is 0.10 mol/L-min. the volume required for a mixed reactor
Calculate the time required to achieve 80% is____________ than that for a plug
conversion in a constant pressure batch reactor. flow reactor [GATE 1994]
[GATE 1993]
35. TRUE or FALSE
30. At present a first order , isothermal , liquid
phase reaction is being conducted in a cascade of  If the rate of the irreversible reaction
two equal sized mixed flow reactor to obtain

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

A+B → 2C is kCACB, then the reaction is always C. CC shows a

elementary. maximum with time
D. CB continuously
 Two mixed reactors of unequal size are decreases with time
available for producing a specified
product, formed by a homogeneous
second order reaction. To achieve [GATE 1994]
maximum production rate, the smaller 39. The Thiele modulus for a first order
reactor should be placed in series before isothermal reaction for a flat plate
the larger reactor. geometry catalyst is found to be 2. Calculate
 For the same conversion, the holding the catalyst effectiveness factor.
time required in a batch reactor is always [GATE 1994]
equal to space time required in a plug flow
reactor. 40. 50% conversion is obtained in a CSTR for
 The mechanism for the decomposition a homogeneous, isothermal, liquid phase,
of CH3CHO into CH4 and CO in the presence of irreversible second order reaction. What is
I2 is the conversion if the reactor volume is five
CH3 CHO+I2 → CH3 + HI +CO , slow
times the original-all else remaining
CH3 I+H I → CH4I+𝐼2 , fast
unchanged? [GATE 1994]
Then the rate of disappearance of 𝐶𝐻3 CHO
is equal to kCCH 3 I and 𝐻𝐼 acts as a catalyst.
41. A homogeneous gas phase decomposition
[GATE 1994]
reaction 4A → B + 7S takes place in an
isothermal plug flow reactor. The reaction rate
36. In a batch reactor an irreversible first order is, -r A = k1CA with k1 = 0.17 s-1; feed
reaction A→ R takes place. The reaction rate concentration of A (CAo) = 0.1 mol/m 3
constant (k) =0.2/sec., and the initial Feed Flow rate (FAo) = 0.17 mol/s.
concentration of A C Ao =0.1 mole/𝑚3 . Find Determine the size of the reactor in order
the conversion of the reactant after 2 seconds. to achieve 50% conversion
[GATE 1994] [GATE 1994]

37. The heat of reaction at 300 k and at one 42. For an ideal mixed flow reaction (CSTR) the
atmosphere pressure for the following gas exit age . Distribution E(t) is given by
phase reaction, A + 3B → C is -50,000 calories a) A dirac delta function b) A step function
per mole of A converted. Data on the molar heat c) A ramp function d) None of the above
capacity at constant pressure (cal/mol. K) of [Gate-1995]
the various components are:
for CP for A = - 0.4 + 80 × 10 -3 T, T in K 43. The conversion XA and resistance time data
𝐶𝑃 for B = 7; 𝐶𝑃 for C = 26 are collected for zero order liquid phase reaction
Calculate the heat of reaction at 500 K and at in a stirred tank reactor, which of the following
one atmosphere pressure. will be straight line
[GATE 1994]
a) XA VS τ b) XA VS lnτ
XA
38. Match the following c)1−X VS τ d) XA (1 − XA ) VS τ
A
[Gate-1995]
I. A  B  C A. rate of reaction of A
shows a maximum 44. The dimensions of rate constant for reaction
with time 3A→ B are (L/gram mole)-min. Therefore the
II. A  B  2B  C B. CB shows a reaction order is
maximum with time a) 0 b) 1 c) 2 d) 3
[Gate-1995]

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

45. A first order reaction A→B occurs in an 51. From collision theory, the reaction rate
isothermal porous catalyst pellet of spherical constant is proportional to
shape. If the concentration of A at the centre of a) e−(E/RT)
E
b) e(−2RT )
the pellet is much less than that at the external 𝐸
surface, the process is limited by c) √𝑇 d) 𝑇 𝑚 𝑒 (−𝑅𝑇)
a) Diffusion within the pellet [Gate-1996]
b) Reaction 52. The sequence in which three C.S.T.R.’s of
c) External mass transfer volumes 5, 10 and 15 cm3 will be connected in
d) None of the above [Gate-1995] series to obtain the maximum production in a
second order irreversible reaction is
46. The rate constant of a chemical reaction (a) 15, 10, 5 (b) 5, 10, 15
increases by 100 times when the temperature is (c) 10, 5, 15 (d) 10, 15, 5
increased from 400 K to 500 K. Assuming [Gate-1996]
transition state theory is valid, the value of E/R
is 53. For a mixed flow reactor operating at
a) 8987 K b) 9210 K steady state, the rate of reaction is given by
c) 8764 K d) 8621 K
[Gate-1995] FAo dC A

FAo dC A

(a) (b)
V dt V dt
47. For the first order reaction taking place in
an isothermal batch reactor, 80% of liquid
reactant is converted to produce in 15 minutes. FAo dC A
Calculate space velocity require to achieve same (c) XA (d) 
conversion In a plug flow reactor and in a back V dt
mix flow reactor. [Gate-1995] [Gate-1996]
48. The rate of homogeneous liquid phase
is given by  rA  kC A2 This reaction takes 54. For a tubular reactor with space time τ and
place with 50% conversion in a back mix residence time θ, the following statement holds
reactor. What will be the conversion if this (a) τ and θ are always equal
reactor is replaced by a bigger one which is
six times larger. All other conditions remain (b) τ = θ when the fluid density changes in
unchanged. [Gate-1995] the reactor
(c) τ = θ for an isothermal tubular reactor
49. Liquid A decomposes in a batch reactor by in which the density of the process fluid
a second order kinetics. If 50% of A is is constant
converted in a five minute run, how long it
(d) τ = θ for a non-isothermal reactor
would take to reach 75% conversion
[Gate-1996]
[Gate-1995]
55. If the pore diffusion controls in a catalytic
50. The energy balance equation over tubular reaction, the apparent activation energy E a is
reactor under transition condition is equal to
(a) The intrinsic activation energy E
a) An ordinary non-linear differential equation (b) (E + ED) where ED is activation energy due
b) An algebraic equation to diffusion
c) a linear partial differential equation (c) (E + ED)/2
d) A non-linear partial differential equation (d) ED /2
[Gate-1996] [Gate-1996]

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

(d) desorption of C
56. The reaction A (l) = R(g) + S(g) is [Gate-1996]
allowed to reach equilibrium conditions in an
60. When an exothermic reversible reaction is
autoclave. At equilibrium there are two phases, conducted adiabatically the rate of reaction
one a pure liquid phase of A and the other a
vapour phase of A, R and S. Initially A alone (a) continuously increases
is present. The number of degrees of freedom (b). continuously decreases
are (c) passes through a maximum
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 0
[Gate-1996] (d) passes through a minium
[Gate-1996]
57. Given, 3𝐻2 + 𝐶𝑂 = 𝐶𝐻4 + 𝐻2 𝑂, 𝐾𝑝 = 101.84
4𝐻2 + 𝐶𝑂 = 𝐶𝐻4 + 2𝐻2 𝑂, 𝐾𝑝 = 101.17 61. At a given space time τ, a mixed reactor is
The 𝐾𝑝 for the reaction CO+𝐻2 𝑂 = 𝐶𝑂2 + 𝐻2 is operated at a temperature which maximizes
the concentration C R of the desired product
for the elementary reactions A  k1
 R 
k2
S
a) 103.01 b) 10−0.67 k1 = 0.0333 s , τ = 300 s, E 1/E2 = 3, where
-1
c) 10−3.01 d) 100.67 E1 and E2 are the activation energies of the
[Gate-1996] two reactions. Find the value of k2 at this
temperature. The feed to the reactor
58. The rate expression for a heterogeneous consists of pure A.
catalytic reaction is given by [Gate-1996]
-rA = k kA PA / (1 + kA PA + kR PR ) where
62. Match the items in the left column with
k is surface reaction rate constant and kA and the appropriate items in the right column
kR are adsorption equilibrium constants of A
and K respectively. If k R P R >> (1 + kA PA) the (i) RTD for a.  (t   )
apparent activation energy- EA is equal to laminar flow
(given E is the activation energy for the t
reaction, and ΔHR and ΔH A are the activation b. exp(  )

energies of adsorption of R and A)
(ii) RTD for a 
a) E b) E + ΔH A CSTR c.  2 / 2t 3 for t 
c) E + ΔH A - ΔH R d) ΔHA + ΔHR 2
[Gate-1996]
d. {exp(-t/τ)}/τ

59. For a heterogeneous catalytic reaction A +B

→ C, with equimolal feed of A and B, the [Gate-1996]
initial rate -rA0 is invariant with total
pressure. The rate controlling step is 63. The constant density isothermal
elementary reaction A + B → C + D is
(a) surface reaction between adsorbed A conducted in a set-up consisting of a plug
and B in the gas phase flow reactor followed by a mixed reactor.
A is in excess and hence the reaction may
(b) surface reaction between adsorbed A
be considered first order in B. Does
and adsorbed B reversing the order of the two units
increase the production? Justify your
(c)surface reaction between A in the gas answer. [Gate-1996]
phase and adsorbed B

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

64. Acetaldehyde (A) decomposes to methane consists of 80 mol% A and 20 mol% inerts. If the
(B) and carbon monoxide(C)according to the conversion of A at the reactor exit is 50% then
irreversible gas phase reaction A  k
BC . 1 CA/CAo at the outlet of the reactor is
kmol/s of A is to be decomposed at 527°C and 1
atmosphere in a-plug flow reactor. The first (a) 2/3 (b) 5/8
order rate constant k was 0.5 /s. Calculate the
volume of the reactor for 40% (c) 1/3 (d) 3/8
decomposition of A. [Gate-1997]
[Gate-1996] 69. For a first-order isothermal chemical
65. A reversible liquid phase endothermic reaction in a porous catalyst, the effectiveness
reaction is to be carried out in a plug flow factor is 0.3. The effectiveness factor will
reactor. For minimum reactor volume , it should increase if the
be operated such that the temperature along the
length
(a) catalyst size is reduced or the catalyst
(a) decreases diffusivity is reduced

(b) increases (b) catalyst size is reduced or the catalyst

diffusivity is increased
(c) is at the highest allowable temperature
throughout (c) catalyst size is increased or the catalyst
diffusivity is reduced
(d) first increases and then decreases (c) catalyst size is reduced or the catalyst
[Gate-1997] diffusivity is increased
[Gate-1997]
66. The residence time distribution of an ideal
CSTR is 70. The rate of the heterogeneous catalyst
reaction 2 A( g )  B( g )  C ( g ) is
1  t  t
(a) exp    (b)  exp    -rA = (kKAPAPB)/(1+KAPA+KCPC)
    
where KA and KC are the adsorption equilibrium
 t  
(c) exp    (d) exp    constants. The rate controlling step for this
   t reaction is
[Gate-1997] (a) adsorption of A

67. The decomposition of A into B is represented (b) surface reaction between adsorbed A and
by the exothermic reaction A   B . To achieve adsorbed B
maximum decomposition , it is desirable to carry
out the reaction (c) surface reaction between adsorbed A and B in
the gas phase
(a) At high P and high T
(d) surface reaction between A in the gas phase
(b) At low P and high T and adsorbed B
[Gate-1997]
(c) At low P and low T
71. For a second-order liquid phase reaction
(d) At high P and low T A  products , occurring in an isothermal plug
[Gate-1997] flow reactor , the conversion id 50%. What will
be the conversion if the plug flow reactor is
68. The gas phase reaction 2A  B is carried out replaced by a continuous stirred tank reactor of
in an isothermal plug flow reactor. The feed the same volume ? [Gate-1997]

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

P +Q → R + S is
72. Liquid A decompose in a batch reactor by
zeroth order kinetics. The initial concentration (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
of A is 0.5 kmol/m3 and for a reaction time of
1200s , the conversion is 40%. Assume
isothermal conditions. 77. Second order consecutive irreversible
reactions A  k1
 B 
k2
 C were carried out
determine the rate constant for this reaction. in a constant volume isothermal batch reactor
with different initial feed compositions.
what will be the conversion for a reaction time
Reactor temperature was same in all the cases.
of 3600s [Gate-1997]
In experiments where the ratio of
73. The first order , exothermic , irreversible , concentration of B to that of A in initial feed
liquid phase reaction A + B is to be conducted in was less than 0.5, the concentration of B
an adiabatic CSTR . The desired conversion is increased first, reached a maximum and then
70% and the reactor is to be operated at 353K. declined with time. However, for all
For the data given below, find experiments where this concentration ratio
was 0.5 or above, concentration of B
a. the required volume of the CSTR decreased monotonically with time right
b. the feed temperature from the beginning. What is the ratio of the
two rate constants (k 1 / k2) ?
Data : The rate constant at 353 K = 0.02 s-1
(a) 1/4 ( b) 1/2 c) 2 d) 4
inlet volumetric flowrate = 0.01 m3/s [Gate-1998]
density of inlet stream = 1000 kg/m3
inlet concentration of A = 2 kmol/m3 78. A spherical porous catalyst particle of
radius R is subjected to reactant A which
Heat of reaction (independent of temeperature)
reacts to form B by a zero order surface
= -50000 kJ/kmol A reacting
reaction A → B. Film mass transfer
Average heat capacity of inlet and outlet streams resistance is negligible and pore diffusion
= 2 kJ/kg-K of A is rate controlling. The effectiveness factor
[Gate-1997] of the catalyst is reported as 7/8. Which of the
74. The liquid phase parallel reaction following statements is true ?
A  R : rR  k1C A : k1  0.3s 1
A  S : rS  k2 ; k2  0.3 kmol / m3 .s (a) Inner catalyst core of radius R/8 does not
participate in reaction.
is conducted in an isothermal plug flow reactor . (b) Inner catalyst core of radius R/2 does
The inlet concentration of A is 2 kmol/m 3. No not participate in reaction
products are present in the feed . If conversion of
(c) Inner catalyst core of radius 7R/8 does
A is 80% , then determine the exit concentration
of R. not participate in reaction.
[Gate-1997] (d)Effectiveness factor for a zero order
reaction cannot be 7/8 as it must always be
75. For reaction P + 2Q → 3R , molar rate of 1.
consumption of P is [Gate-1998]
(a) double of that of Q (b) same as that of Q
79. A liquid phase, first order, reversible
(c) half of that of Q (d) 2/3 of that of Q reaction A ↔B is carried out in a continuous
[Gate-1998] stirred tank reactor. Molar densities of A
and B are same. Other things (such as space
76. Molecularity of an elementary reaction time, flow rate, temperature) remaining the
same, a feed of pure A to the reactor results

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

in 40% conversion of A, while a feed of pure found to be 0.3 at a space velocity of 0.1 /minute.
B results in 50% conversion of B. Estimate the What will be the conversion for a PFR with a
reaction equilibrium constant. Assume steady space velocity of 0.2/min ? Assume that all other
state operation in both the cases. operating conditions are the same for CSTR and
[Gate-1998] PFR.

80. Steady state plug flow reactor (PFR) data (a) 0.15 (b) 0.3
for isothermal irreversible reaction A → B is as (c) 0.6 (d) 0.9
shown in the table. Reactor space time was [Gate- 1999]
10 seconds in both the cases. Other things
such as feed and product density, reactor 86. Consider the nth order irreversible liquid
temperature etc. are same in both the cases. If phase reaction A→ B. Which one of the
the reaction is known to be of non-zero integer followings plots involving half- life of the
order, find the reaction order and the rate reaction (t1/2 ) and the initial reactant
constant. concentration (CA0 ) gives a straight line plot
81. Pure A in gas phase enters a reactor, 50% of Concentration of A (kilo
this A is converted to B through the reaction A → mole/m3 )
3B. Mole fraction of A in the exit stream is In Feed In Product
Case-I 1 0.5
(a) 1/2 ( b) 1/3 Case-II 2 0.555
(c) 1/4 (d) 1/5
(a) CA0 vs t1/2 (b) 𝑙𝑛CA0 vs t1/2
[Gate- 1999]
(c) CA0 vs 𝑙𝑛 t1/2 (d) 𝑙𝑛CA0 vs 𝑙𝑛 t1/2
82. For the reaction A+B → 2B+C [Gate- 1999]

(a) rA = rB (b) rA = −rB 87. At a given value of E/R (ratio of activation

energy and gas constant ) the ratio of rate
(c) rA = 2rB (d) rA = rB /2 constant at 500 K and 400 K is 2 if Arrhenius law
[Gate- 1999] is used . What will be this ratio if transition state
theory is used with the same value of E/R
83. The exit gas distribution curve E(t) ideal (a) 1.6 (b) 2
CSTR with residence time 𝜏, is given by (c) 2.24 (d) 2.5
[Gate- 1999]
(a) e−t/τ (b) (1/𝜏)e−t/τ
88. An isothermal plug flow reactor is designed
(c)1-e−t/τ (d) 1-(1/𝜏)e−t/τ to give 80% conversion A for a second order
[Gate- 1999] liquid phase reaction A→ 𝐵. Pure A at
concentration 1 kilo mole/ m3 is fed to the
84. An endothermic second-order reaction is reactor at a flow rate of 5 m3 /hr. The rate
carried out in an adiabatic plug flow reactor. The constant for the reaction at a specific operating
rate of heat generation is temperature is 0.5 m3 /kmole hr . When the
(a) Maximum at the inlet of the reactor reactor is actually operated based on this design
(b) Maximum at the exit of the reactor it was found that 30% of the initial reactor
(c) Maximum at the centre of the reactor behaves as a well mixed reactor while the
(d) Constant throughout the reactor. remaining behaved as a plug flow reactor.
[Gate- 1999] Calculate the conversion obtained in such a
reactor.
85. For the liquid phase zero- order irreversible
reaction A→ B, the conversion of A in a CSTR is

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

[Gate- 1999] (b) High temperature in a CSTR.

(c) Low temperature in a PFR.
89. Two parallel first-order reactions (d) High temperature in a PFR.
A  B and A  C are taking place in liquid phase [Gate- 2000]
in a well-mixed batch reactor. After 60 minutes
of operation, 80% of A has reacted while 2 moles 94. In solid catalysed reactions the diffusional
of B per mole of C was detected in the reactor. effect are more likely to affect the overall rate of
Calculate the rate constant k1 and k2 for the two reaction for
reactions. Assume that no B and C were initially (a) fast reactions in catalysts of small pore
present in the reactor diameter.
[Gate- 1999] (b) fast reactions in catalysts of large pore
diameter.
90. For the reversible reaction A  2B , if the (c) slow reactions in catalyst of small pore
equilibrium constant K is 0.05 mol/l , starting diameter .
from initially 2 moles of A and zero moles of B, (d) slow reaction in catalyst of large pore
how many moles will be formed at equilibrium? diameter.
[Gate- 2000]
(a) 0.253 (b) 0.338
95. At a given temperature, K1 , K 2 and K 3 are the
(c) 0.152 (d) 0.637 equilibrium constants for the following reactions
[Gate- 1999] 1, 2, 3 respectively
𝐶𝐻4 (𝑔) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑔) ↔ 𝐶𝑂(𝑔) + 3𝐻2 𝑂 (𝑔)….(1)
91. The experimentally determined ,overall 𝐶𝑂(𝑔) + 𝐻2 𝑂(𝑔) ↔ 𝐶𝑂2 (𝑔)+ 𝐻2 (𝑔)…………(2)
order for the reaction A+B→ C+D is two, then 𝐶𝐻4 (𝑔) + 2𝐻2 𝑂(𝑔) ↔ 𝐶𝑂2 (𝑔) + 4𝐻2 (𝑔)….(3)
the Then K1 , K 2 and K 3 are related a
(a) Reaction is elementary with a molecularity of (a) K 3 = K1 K 2 (b) K 3 = (K1 K 2 )0.5
K K
2 (c) K 3 = 12 2 (d) K 3 = (K1 K 2 )2
(b) Molecularity of the reaction is 2 but the
reaction may not be elementary . [Gate- 2000]
(c) Reaction may be elementary with a 96. The conversion for a first order liquid phase
molecularity of 2 reaction A → B in a CSTR is 50 %. If another CSTR
(d) Reaction is elementary but the molecularity of the same volume is connected in serie, then
may not be 2. the % conversion at the exit of the second
[Gate- 2000] reactor will be
(a) 60 (b) 75 (c) 90 (d) 100
92. The reaction A→B is conducted in an [Gate- 2000]
isothermal batch reactor. If the conversion of A
increases linearly with holding time, then the 97. The following half-life data are available for
order of the reaction is the irreversible liquid phase reaction, A→
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 1.5 (d) 2 Products
[Gate- 2000]
Initial Half life
concentration (min.)
93. For the liquid phase parallel reactions (kmole/m3 )
A→ R, rR = K1 C 2 A , E1 =80 KJ/mole 2 2
A→ S, rS = K 2 CA , E1 =120 KJ/mole 8 1
the desired product is R. A higher selectivity of The overall order of the reaction is
R will be achieved if the reaction is conducted at (a) 0.5 (b) 1 (c) 1.5 (d) 2
(a) Low temperature in a CSTR. [Gate- 2000]

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

[Gate- 2000]
98. The first order series reaction is conducted
in a batch reactor. The A  k1
 B k2
 C . Initial 101. The elementary, second order liquid phase
concentration of A, B, and C (CA,CB,Cc , reaction A+B→C+D is conducted in an isothermal
respectively) are all non zero. The variation of CB plug reactor of 1 m3 capacity. The inlet
with reaction time will not show a maximum if volumetric flow rate is 10 m3/hr and CAo =
(a) K 2 CBo > K1 CAo (b) K1 CAo > K 2 CBo CBo = 2 kilo mole /m3 . At these conditions,
conversion of A is 50% , now if a stirred tank
(c) CBo > CAo (d) CAo > CBo reactor of 2 m3 capacity is installed in series,
[Gate- 2000] upstream of the plug flow reactor, then what
conversion can be expected in the new system of
99. The reaction A →B is conducted in an reactors?
adiabatic plug flow reactor ( PFR). Pure A at a [Gate- 2000]
concentration of 2 kilo mole /m3 is fed to the
reactor at the rate of 0.01 m3 /sec. and at a 102. The following liquid phase reactions are
temperature of 500K. If the exit conversion is carried out in a PFR, A+C→2B+P (rp= k1 CA CC );
20%, then the exit temperature ( in K) is A→D (rD= k 2 CA ); What is the ratio of moles of P
formed to moles of D formed at the reactor exit if
(a) 400 (b) 500 (c) 600 (d) 1000 the conversion of C is 50% , no product is
present in the feed. CAo =CCo = 2 kmol/m3 ; k1
Heat of reaction at 298 K= -50,000 kJ/kmole of A =1m3/kmol-s and k2 = 1 s
reacted , Heat capacities CPA = CPB = 100kJ/ [Gate- 2000]
kmole K . (may be assumed to be independent of
temperature)
[Gate- 2000]
100. The rate controlling step for the
heterogeneous irreversible catalytic reaction
A(g)+ B(g) → C(g) Is the surface reaction of
adsorbed A with adsorbed of B to give adsorbed
C. The rate expressed for this reaction can then
be written as?

kk A p A pB
(a)
1  k A p A  k B pB

kk A k B p A pB
(b)
1  k A p A  k B pB

kk A k B p A pB
(c)
1  k A p A  k B pB  kc pc

kk A k B p A pB
(d)
1  k A pA  kB pB  kc pc 
2

Where kA,kB and kC are the adsorption

equilibrium constants and k is the rate constant
of the rate controlling step.

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CHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING PYQ (1988-2020)

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