Chemical Reaction Engineering: Transport Resistances in Reactor Design

In chemical and biological engineering, the rate of reaction is often limited not just by chemistry, but by how quickly reactants can move. Understanding how internal pore diffusion and external mass transfer resistance interact is critical to predicting real-world reactor performance. This course provides a clear, step-by-step foundation in these transport phenomena without requiring advanced prerequisites. You will transition from basic mass transfer concepts to analyzing complex, multi-resistance systems with confidence. By learning to calculate effectiveness factors and identify rate-limiting steps, you will gain the skills needed to optimize catalyst design and reactor operation. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental principles of external mass transfer and internal pore diffusion in heterogeneous catalysis - Analyze how combined internal and external transport resistances limit overall reaction rates - Calculate effectiveness factors and apply the Thiele modulus to predict catalyst utilization - Identify rate-limiting regimes using diagnostic criteria to optimize reactor operating conditions - Practice evaluating transport limitations in both chemical and biological reaction systems This course begins with core definitions and governing equations before guiding you through practical engineering calculations and diagnostic methods. Through clear explanations and written exercises, you will develop a strong intuitive and mathematical grasp of transport-limited reactions. This course is designed for engineering students, chemistry professionals, and beginners looking to build a solid foundation in reaction engineering. No prior advanced transport phenomena experience is required.