Answer 4.3.1: Why we almost always need a table to keep track of information

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:

As we saw in the mass balance problems in general, it is often helpful to make a table to keep track of all our flowrates in. This can help us by organizing the information so we can readily see what we already know and do not know. It can also show us when we have found the information we are looking for. Remember that the number of columns in a table for a standard mass balance is equal to the number of chemical species in our system plus one more to keep track of the total amount. The number of rows is equal to the number of streams in the system.

For this problem, answer the following questions below:

How many rows do we need?
How many columns do we need?
What units do we want to have on all our information in the table?
masses
moles







The University of Arizona. All copyrights © reserved.

© 2007 Arizona Board of Regents for The University of Arizona