Analysis of Apparent and True Kinetics in Batch Circulation Reactor Systems

Abstract Kinetic parameter determination in tubular reactors coupled with recirculation tanks is often complicated by kinetic disguises arising from simplified data treatment. When the reaction occurs solely in the tubular reactor but concentration measurements are taken in the stirred tank, treating the system as a batch reactor leads to falsified apparent kinetic parameters. Here we analyze this configuration using asymptotic methods for zeroth-, first-, second- and nth- order kinetics, deriving simple equations that relate apparent kinetic parameters to their true values. These relationships enable correction of falsified parameters under defined conditions, revealing that at low conversion per pass, reaction order remains accurate while rate constants are underestimated, whereas at high conversion per pass, the apparent kinetics shifts to first-order with rate constants governed by tank dynamics. This work provides practical tools for accurate kinetic analysis in batch recirculation reactors, improving reactor design and kinetic modeling.