What is the Relationship Between Space Time and Residence Time?
Space time and residence time are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. Space time (τ) is a design parameter based on reactor volume and flow rate, while residence time (τR) is an actual measure of the time a molecule spends in the reactor. In ideal reactors, space time and residence time are equal, but in real reactors, deviations can occur due to factors like mixing inefficiencies and flow patterns.
