2.

0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig 2.1 Calibration curve

This graph demonstrate the calibration curve graph of conductivity versus the
concentration of sodium hydroxide. From this graph the outlet concentration of sodium
hydroxide was determined by the conductivity value. The conductivity is directly
proportional to the concentration of sodium hydroxide.

Fig 2.2

Graph of conversion versus reaction time for 135 ml/min

From the graph of conversion, X vs reaction time t for flow rate of 145 ml/min it is
clearly shows that as the reaction time increase, the conversion % X is also increases which is
said to be both of them are directly proportional. This is because as times goes on the reactant
are converted to product. On top of that the highest conversion was achieved is 91.2% at time
of 110min which obeys the theoretical concept.

Fig 2.3 Graph of conversion versus reaction time for 200 ml/min

On the other side, from the graph of conversion, X vs reaction time t for flow rate of
200 ml/min, it is clearly shows that when the reaction time increases the conversion % X is
also increases which obeys the theory where almost all the reactant has been converted to
product. The highest conversion obtained was 89.9% at time of 35 min.
The calculated avg for 145 ml/min and 200 ml/min is 47.945 min and 24.375 min
respectively. Furthermore, the highest conversion at avg = 47.945 min is 91.2% whereas, the
highest conversion at avg=24.375 min is 89.8%. This shows that, the highest flow rate gives
the maximum conversion with less avg. Though 145 ml/min gives the biggest conversion, than
200 ml/min, when compared the avg,= 200 ml/min have the lowest value compare to at 145
ml/min. In addition, with the lowest avg it reached the maximum conversion.From the
equation of of reaction rate constant,k is inversely proportional to the avg . when the avg
increases, the rate constant k decreases and vice versa. On the other hand, from the equation
of rate of reaction -r

A,

the rate constant, k is directly proportional to the -r

A.

Thus, avg is

inversely proportional to -r A.
At the avg = 47.945min the calculated value of reaction rate constant, k and -r

are

49.127M-1min-1 and 9.510910-4 mol/dm3min. Whereas, for the avg = 24.375min the k and
-r

are 70.8209 M-1min-1 and 1.842110-3 mol/dm3min. this clearly demonstrate the theory

where the value of avg decreases the value of k and -r A will increases.
Last but not least, there are few significant errors occurs which causes the faulty or
error in the final conversion. Firstly, a blockage happen at valve 10 (V10) which carries
Ethyl Acetate (initial stages), thus only sodium hydroxide was pumping into the reactor
whereas the Ethyl Acetate does not pump in which results in then flowrate to be low. This
problem also causes some of the chemical lost when the technician repair the valve. On top of
that, at minute 25, the flow rate of Ethyl Acetate adjusted manually up to 135 ml/min though
we should not disturb or adjust the flow rate once the run has started. This was manually done
due to the frequent drop of flow rate of Ethyl Acetate. This subsequently will disturb the
conductivity value.

3.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4

As a conclusion, the average residence time will indirectly effect the rate of reaction.
The relationship between the average residence time and rate of reaction can be said both of
them are inversely proportional. When the value of average residence time increases, the
value of rate of reaction will be decreased and vice versa. On top of that, the highest flow rate
will gives the lowest average residence time and highest rate of reaction. To reduce the error
in the yield, the technician should clean all the pipeline to reduce any contamination or
sedimentation in the pipeline. On top of that, when preparing the sample must be very
careful. This is because the concentration will give a big effect in the yield production.
Moreover the stirrer play a very important role, if it fails to work, the reactants will not be
mixed thoroughly thus will give error in the conductivity. So the manual inspection is very
important which must be done frequently so that can repair the reactor if there any faulty.