Question

A gas stream contains 18.0 mole% hexane and the remainder nitrogen. The stream flows to a condenser, where its temperature is reduced and some of the hexane is liquefied. The hexane mole fraction in the gas stream leaving the condenser is 0.0500. Liquid hexane condensate is recovered at a rate of 1.50 L/min.

(a) What is the flow rate of the gas stream leaving the condenser in mol/min? (Hint : First calculate the molar flow rate of the condensate and note that the rates at which C6H14 and N2 enter the unit must equal the total rates at which they leave in the two exit streams.)

(b) What percentage of the hexane entering the condenser is recovered as a liquid?

Answer 1

A. 72.34mol/min

B. 76.0%

Step-by-step explanation:

A.

We start by converting to molar flow rate. Using density and molecular weight of hexane

= 1.59L/min x 0.659g/cm³ x 1000cm³/L x 1/86.17

= 988.5/86.17

= 11.47mol/min

n1 = n2+n3

n1 = n2 + 11.47mol/min

We have a balance on hexane

n1y1C6H14 = n2y2C6H14 + n3y3C6H14

n1(0.18) = n2(0.05) + 11.47(1.00)

To get n2

(n2+11.47mol/min)0.18 = n2(0.05) + 11.47mol/min(1.00)

0.18n2 + 2.0646 = 0.05n2 + 11.47mol/min

0.18n2-0.05n2 = 11.47-2.0646

= 0.13n2 = 9.4054

n2 = 9.4054/0.13

n2 = 72.34 mol/min

This value is the flow rate of gas that is leaving the system.

B.

n1 = n2 + 11.47mol/min

72.34mol/min + 11.47mol/min

= 83.81 mol/min

Amount of hexane entering condenser

0.18(83.81)

= 15.1 mol/min

Then the percentage condensed =

11.47/15.1

= 7.59

~7.6

7.6x100

= 76.0%

Therefore the answers are a.) 72.34mol/min b.) 76.0%

Please refer to the attachment .