Analysis of Reactors with Immobilized Enzymes Subject to Deactivation

The performance of the plug flow reactor (PFR) and the ideal stirred tank reactor (ISTR) for five enzyme deactivation rates coupled with four common rate expressions for enzyme catalyzed reactions is evaluated for two modes of operation. In the first, the flow rate is constant, in the second, the outlet conversion is kept constant by varying the flow rate. A mathematical technique is developed to compare efficiencies of the two reactors for an arbitrary reaction or deactivation rate. The overall performance of the two ideal reactors is mainly governed by the type of the deactivation equation, and the superiority of the plug flow reactor or the first mode of operation cannot be taken for granted.