Question

In one of her experiments, she used a binary mixture of n-pentane (density 39.1 lbm/ft^3) and p-xylene (density 53.8 lbm/ft^3). One outlet stream of her condenser was measured to have a flow rate of 37 ft^3/min and a concentration of 30/70 n-pentane/p-xylene by volume. The other outlet stream was measured to have a flow rate of 22 ft^3/min and a concentration of 50/50 n-pentane/p-xylene by volume. If the system operates at steady state and the only inlet to her condenser has a flow rate of 59 ft^3/min, what is the inlet concentration of n-pentane in % by volume?Your answer should be between 0 and 100. Round your answer to 1 decimal place for entry into eCampus. Do not enter units. Example: 12.3

Answer 1

Check the explanation

Step-by-step explanation:

Let inlet concentration of n-pentane, in % = Ci

Inlet flow, Fi = 59 ft^3/min

Outlet 1 flow, F1 = 37 ft^3/min

Outlet 1 n-pentane concentration, C1 = 30%

Outlet 2 flow, F2 = 22 ft^3/min

Outlet 2 n-pentane concentration, C2 = 50%

Volume balance of n-pentane gives:

Fi Ci = F1 C1 + F2 C2

59 Ci = 37 * 30/100 + 22 * 50/100

Ci = 0.375

Ci in % = 37.5