Answer 4.3.1: Inlets and outlets...

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:

You should remember that most reactors have only one inlet and one outlet for our purposes. If we are told two things are entering the reactor together, then we normally have a mix point before the reactor instead of having them mix directly into the reactor. We want to have only one inlet and one outlet generally so we can write our extents of reaction equations easier. In later examples we might have more inlets and outlets, but that will be after you learn how to solve balances around reactors. Our picture should be:

You'll want to have this schematic handy later on when you're asked to write some equations because you'll need to refer to the stream numbers in this way.

To continue on beyond the step selection page, you'll need to have the following code number:

8







The University of Arizona. All copyrights © reserved.

© 2007 Arizona Board of Regents for The University of Arizona