Answer 4.3.1: Why we almost always need a flowsheet

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:

A flowsheet is what organizes your thoughts in any chemical engineering problem. You can think of it as building the preliminary game plan for getting through to the final answer. Without this beginning organization of information, you won't know what you know, won't know what you are looking for, and can't write any equations.

You've already solved a few examples of drawing the flowsheet before so we'll just quickly ask:

How many pieces of equipment do you have?







The University of Arizona. All copyrights © reserved.

© 2007 Arizona Board of Regents for The University of Arizona