What is adiabatic reactor operation and how does temperature vary?

Adiabatic operation means no heat exchange with surroundings - all heat of reaction changes reactor temperature. Energy balance: rho*Cp*dT/dt = (-delta_H_rxn)*(-rA). Temperature rise relates to conversion via: T = T0 + (-delta_H_rxn)*CA0*X / (rho*Cp). For exothermic reactions, temperature increases with conversion (adiabatic temperature rise). The adiabatic operating line on X-T diagram shows this relationship. Maximum adiabatic temperature rise is when X=1. Multi-bed reactors with intercooling are used to control temperature.