A method for determining constants of first-order reactions from experimental data

✍ Scribed by W. P. Isaacs; A. F. Gaudy Jr.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1968
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 474 KB
• Volume: 10
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0006-3592
• DOI: 10.1002/bit.260100106

✦ Synopsis

The authors have utilized a previously proposed mathematical equation (introduced originally for development of empirical equations) as a useful tool for evaluation of first-order reaction rate constants. By assigning physical significance to the parameter a, the equation can be utilized in obtaining excellent estimates for limiting boundary values and velocity constants.

A number of processes of interest in the bioengineering field proceed in accordance with first-order kinetics. Two of the most important "reactions1' are physical reaeration in receiving streams and exertion of biochemical oxygen demand. While the order of reaction of the latter process may be subject to much debate, it is usually assumed to proceed with kinetics typical of monomolecular reactions. The kinetic constants are usually determined from experimental data, and many methods have been proposed for the evaluation of the velocity constant, K 1 , and the ultimate BOD, Lo.' However, many of these methods are either so tedious that their use is avoided, or so simplified that they provide only a gross approximation of the constants. It is the purpose of this paper to describe the use of a method for obtaining first-order constants which was originally introduced by Davis2 for use in adjusting data which did not show linearity when plotted on semilogarithmic paper. The authors have found that, in addition to its originally intended use, the method of Davis can be successfully employed to obtain accurate values of first-order reaction constants.

The mathematics of first-order reactions are well known, and only a brief review seems warranted. If the rate of a reaction or a process