Design and fabrication of a multi-tubular fixed bed reactor for acetone production as a pilot plant model for chemical engineering training in developing nations

Authors

  • Toyese OYEGOKE Ahmadu Bello University
  • Yusuf Adamu Ahmadu Bello University
  • Opeoluwa Fasanya NARICT Zaria (Environment & Materials Synthesis)
  • Akanji Isaiah Olufemi Ahmadu Bello University
  • Bello Sadiku Itokpa Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa
  • Ibrahim Abdulrauf Ahmadu Bello University
  • Mashood Abubakar Alao Ahmadu Bello University
  • Mahmud Aminu Dikko Ahmadu Bello University
  • Ahmed Aliyu Abdullahi Ahmadu Bello University
  • Paul Avbenake Ahmadu Bello University
  • Buba Mathew Adamu NILEST Zaria
  • Mohammed Yunusa CERT, Ahmadu Bello University
  • Akanji Nathaniel Abiodun Federal Polytechnic Bida
  • Benjamin Olufemi Aderemi Ahmadu Bello University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05021

Keywords:

Reactor Design, Chemical Reaction Engineering Education, Multi-tubular Fixed-Bed Reactor, Fabrication

Abstract

In this work, the design and fabrication of a pilot-scale multi-tubular fixed bed reactor have been carried out with the aid of computational software (MATLAB R2010b), aiming to process 6.5 L/h of isopropanol to acetone using non-adiabatic thermal conditions. The reactor fabricated would serve as a demonstration rig to enhance research practice, teaching, and learning processes in Advanced Reactor Analysis. The acetone production studied involves four stages, which are simultaneous vaporization and dehydrogenation, condensation, and storage. In the simultaneous vaporization and dehydrogenation, isopropanol is heated to 473 K indirectly to change the phase of raw material from liquid to vapor. In comparison, isopropanol is dehydrogenated to be acetone and hydrogen with 50 % conversion using Cu/SiO2 composite as a catalyst in the multi-tubular fixed bed reactor at 473 K and 1 bar. Condensation occurs when an ice bath cools down the vapor product to liquid. Hence, the condensed product is tested for acetone, and the overall cost analysis for the whole process is
calculated. The design can be a model for other chemical engineering schools to fabricate a locally made reactor
for the training and re-training of chemical engineers, especially in developing nations.

Author Biographies

Toyese OYEGOKE, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Department, Lecturer & Researcher (Computer-Aided Engineering of Processes & Design of Materials)

Yusuf Adamu, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Lecturer

Opeoluwa Fasanya, NARICT Zaria (Environment & Materials Synthesis)

Senior Researcher

Akanji Isaiah Olufemi, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Researcher

Bello Sadiku Itokpa, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Chief Lecturer

Ibrahim Abdulrauf, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Lecturer

Mashood Abubakar Alao, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Researcher

Mahmud Aminu Dikko, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Lecturer

Ahmed Aliyu Abdullahi, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Researcher

Paul Avbenake, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Lecturer

Buba Mathew Adamu, NILEST Zaria

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Principal Lecturer

Mohammed Yunusa, CERT, Ahmadu Bello University

Snr Researcher

Akanji Nathaniel Abiodun, Federal Polytechnic Bida

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Chief Lecturer

Benjamin Olufemi Aderemi, Ahmadu Bello University

Chemical Engineering Departmant, Full Professor (Reaction Engineering & Catalysis)

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Published

2022-11-14

How to Cite

OYEGOKE, T., Adamu, Y., Fasanya, O., Olufemi, A. I., Itokpa, B. S., Abdulrauf, I., Alao, M. A., Dikko, M. A., Abdullahi, A. A., Avbenake, P., Adamu, B. M., Yunusa, M., Abiodun, A. N., & Aderemi, B. O. (2022). Design and fabrication of a multi-tubular fixed bed reactor for acetone production as a pilot plant model for chemical engineering training in developing nations. Journal of the Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers, 50(2). https://doi.org/10.54693/piche.05021