Consider the problem given in Example 23.10 and assume that the ejector rated for the design conditions given in Example 23.10 has been purchased and is operating. However, during operation it has been noted that the air leak into the system has increased and the pressure at the top of the column is around 36.7 kPa instead of the design value of 27.5 kPa. For this situation, answer the following:

1. Estimate the rate of air leak into the tower assuming that the flow and pressure of steam is the same as the design condition.

2. Could increasing the flow of 1000 kPa steam reduce the column pressure to the desired value of 27.5 kPa?

Example 23.10

Estimate the flowrate of medium pressure steam (T = 180°C, P_a = 1000 kPa) required to remove an air leak of 300 kg/h into an overhead condenser system operating at 27.5 kPa pressure and 50°C using a single-stage steam ejector. You should assume that the steam and air stream will be partially condensed in a heat exchanger operated at an inlet pressure of 110 kPa (P_OUT).