Introduction to Chemical Reaction Engineering: Kinetics and Reactor Design

Chemical reaction engineering is the core discipline that transforms laboratory chemistry into safe, profitable, and large-scale industrial processes. Understanding how reactions behave and how to design the vessels that contain them is essential for any aspiring chemical engineer. This text-only course guides you from the fundamental principles of chemical kinetics to the practical design and arrangement of ideal industrial reactors. You will develop the analytical skills needed to size reactors, predict conversion rates, and evaluate process efficiency. What you'll learn: Understand fundamental chemical kinetics, reaction pathways, and rate laws; Formulate design equations for batch, plug flow (PFR), and continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR); Compare reactor performance and determine optimal reactor sizing and arrangements; Analyze temperature and pressure effects on reaction rates and reactor yields; Apply modern numerical approximation concepts to solve complex multi-reaction system equations; Evaluate reactor safety principles, including runaway reactions and thermal stability. You will begin with essential terminology and the molecular basics of reaction rates before moving step-by-step through mathematical design equations for single and multiple reactor systems. Each concept is reinforced with practical written scenarios and calculation exercises. This course is designed for undergraduate chemical engineering students, chemistry graduates transitioning to engineering, and professionals seeking a clear refresher on reaction engineering basics. No prior reactor design experience is required. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in chemical reaction engineering.