A question concerning 1st order and second order kinetics for a hypothetical hazardous waste reactor?

A waste with a concentration of 0.1 gram per liter is to be introduced to a hazardous waste reactor that is to achieve 90% destruction. A reactant, which is intended to cause an exothermic reaction is to be mixed with the waste stream so that there is only one common/mixed input to the reactor. If the waste is in excess of the reactant and is modeled with 1st order kinetics equal to k=1000/minute --- what does this mean? And if the reactant was in excess to the waste stream and was modeled with 2nd order kinetics equal to k = 1000 g-moles per liter minute --- what does this mean? What is the simple difference between the first and second order kinetics? Is there a benefit to one pro... click for more

Arrhenius Equation for Process/Air Pollution Control

A thermal process (in this example a large rotating dryer) operating at 1500 degrees F is said to have air emissions of 5 lbs/hr formaldehyde (from the presence of formic acid) and 2 lbs/hr acetaldehyde (from the presence of acetic acid). The air stream from the thermal process is quantified as 75,000 cu. ft. per minute. The problem asks us to use kinetics and the Arrhenius equation to predict the level of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde air emissions if the the thermal process temperature was reduced to 750 degrees F (and assuming all else equal).

Explanation of Arrhenius Law and Kinetics

I need help understanding the meaning and units involved in the Arrhenius Law equation. Assuming a first order reaction: k = Ae^-Ea/RT 1) Can this be re-written as: logk = -Ea/RT + constant ? What is the constant? 2) In either case: a) How do I determine or choose the activation energy Ea? Where would I find this value? b) Similarly, how would I determine the frequency factor A??? c) Is it assumed that the exponent e value is really power 10^-Ea/RT? I just want to know how I actually plug in values in this equation if I am trying to determine the difference in the rate reaction at temp 1060 degrees K and 673 degrees K Is k ultimately in units of 1/sec... click for more