Plug-flow

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009044",
  "term": "Plug-flow",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An idealized flow pattern in a tubular or packed-bed reactor in which the fluid advances as a plug with uniform velocity and composition across the cross-section and no back-mixing along the flow direction. Every element therefore spends the same residence time in the reactor, and composition changes only with distance along the bed. It contrasts with a continuous stirred-tank reactor, where mixing is complete.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "catalyst",
    "flow reactor"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1976, 46, 71. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units - Appendix II. Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry. Part II: Heterogeneous Catalysis' on page 80 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197646010071)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/plug-flow/"
}