CSTR's in biochemical reactions: an optimization problem

For homogeneous enzymatic catalysis taking place in an aqueous solution of substrate, the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) possesses a number of relevant features for industrial operation. Besides the lower construction costs when compared to classical tubular reactors, the efficient stirring of the reactor ensures uniform temperature coupled with ease of access to the interior surface and appreciable residence times. The goal of this paper is to apply the classical approach for optimization of reactor design to a home problem in the biochemical field. Although the general solution can be graphically obtained, a number of analytical asymptotic solutions are developed. These solutions enable one to obtain a quick estimate of the size profile of the series of CSTR's. The problem concerns positive cooperativity for the homotropic enzyme.