Compound A undergoes a reversible isomerization reaction A ⇌ B over a supported metal catalyst. Under reaction conditions, A and B are both liquids with nearly identical density. The equilibrium constant based on concentration is 5.8. In a packed-bedPFR, a feed of pure A undergoes a net conversion to B of 55%. The reaction is first order in both directions as determined from experimental data. If a second, identical flow reactor at the same temperature is placed downstream from the first, what overall conversion would you expect if: a. The reactors are directly connected in series.

b. The product from the first reactor are separated by appropriate processing and only the unconverted A is fed to the second reactor?