CSTR and Plug Flow Reactor Calculator
Compare ideal reactor volumes needed for a target first-order conversion at one constant volumetric feed rate.
YOUR CALCULATION
Result
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Calculation steps
Work through one step at a time or reveal the complete calculation. The steps use your current inputs.
How to calculate
Apply steady ideal mixed-tank and plug-flow material balances for the same irreversible first-order reaction.
τCSTR=X/(k(1−X)); τPFR=−ln(1−X)/k; volume=flow×residence time
Worked example
At 1 L/min, k=0.01/s and target conversion 0.9, ideal CSTR volume is 15 L and PFR volume about 3.83764182 L.
Assumptions and input details
Constant density/temperature/rate, single irreversible first-order law and no pressure or heat effects. These are ideal model volumes, not reactor sizing, safe throughput or actual equipment performance. Zero conversion gives zero modeled volume.
Unit definitions
Unit selection is independent of language. Each selector contains only units for its physical quantity. Calculations use defined base units internally.
Using this calculator
Can I enter my own problem?
Yes. Replace the example values with your own inputs. The result, calculation steps, tables and applicable diagrams update from those inputs. Blank or invalid values clear the result; example values are never silently substituted for missing inputs.
Are the results exact?
Results use floating-point arithmetic and displayed rounding. Read the formula, assumptions and any stated data precision before interpreting the result.
Is my input uploaded?
The calculation runs in your browser. No account, file upload or external AI service is required. Inputs are not saved between page reloads.
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