The effect of heat transfer rate on the characteristics and operation of a tubular reactor

A numerical model of a non-isothermal reactor was investigated subject to a general wall heat transfer boundary condition. Both laminar and plug flow were considered. As part of the investigation, a series of simulations were performed under different conditions with respect to the dimensionless groups appearing in the balance equations. It was observed that the influence of these groups was dependent on the degree of heat transfer within the reactor and with the environment that was occurring. Specifically, three distinct heat transfer regimes were identified. These regimes were themselves functions of the internal and external heat transfer driving forces.