Problem $4$

The conversion of a pollutant over a catalyst is chemically controlled and is carried out

in a packed bed reactor. Due to the use of a relatively small catalyst particles, the

pressure drop over the packed bed cannot be ignored. The plant is expanding and the

feed to the reactor will double. The idea is to put a second reactor containing the same

catalyst in series or in parallel with the current reactor. The reaction is first order.

Which configuration will yield the highest conversion of the pollutant? Motivate!