|
Problem: The reaction between propane and hydrogen chloride to form propyl chloride and hydrogen is carried out in a continuous reactor. The product stream is analyzed and found to contain 27.45 mole% C3H7Cl, 27.45 mole % H2 and 14.6% HCl. The feed to the reactor contains only propane and hydrogen chloride. Calculate the fractional conversion of the limiting reactant and the percentage by which the other reactant is in excess. If the molar flow rate of the feed stream is 290 mol/s, what is the extent of reaction? (Give its numerical value and its units.) Explanation: Overall mass balances will always work around any system. However, they are not the most useful tool for finding out information around reactors because the number of moles around the reactor will be changing. Most of the definitions like selectivity and extents of reaction are in molar amounts. The extents of reaction equations using molar quantities allow us to solve the pieces of the problem around the reactor. When you solve a problem with a reactor in it, it's generally a good idea to convert all your inlets and outlets to masses so you can verify that your mass balance does close and that you haven't made a mathematical mistake somewhere. |
|
© 2007 Arizona Board of Regents for The University of Arizona |