Project ForgeProcess Calculations
Material Balance
GATE 2009
Hard
Dehydrogenation of ethane, C2H6(g)→C2H4(g)+H2(g), is carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The feed is pure ethane. If the reactor exit stream contains unconverted ethane along with the products, then the number of degrees of freedom for the CSTR is
- 1
- B2
- C3
- D4
Explanation
Unknowns: the 3 exit molar flow rates (ethane, ethylene, H2) plus the extent of reaction ξ = 4 unknowns. Equations: 3 independent species balances (each exit flow related to the inlet pure-ethane flow and ξ via the reaction stoichiometry). DOF = 4 unknowns − 3 equations = 1.
Source: GATE CH 2009 (2009)
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