The driving force distribution for minimum lost work in a chemical reactor far from equilibrium. Oxidation of SO_2

A mathematical procedure for determination of the driving force distribution in a chemical reactor that gives minimum entropy production for a given production rate, is applied to oxidation of SO_2. The solution for the force is calculated from known reaction kinetics and compared to the actual force. A large difference is found. Two practical ways that do not include changes in the apparatus, are suggested for moving the process towrads minimum entropy porduction. Reductions of 5 and 21 in lost work % and an increased production of SO_3 are obtained. The ideal results suggest that there is room for further improvements, especially if the apparatus is changed.