Thermal decomposition of n-butane can progress by three different gas-phase reaction pathways, forming ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene:
Question:
Thermal decomposition of n-butane can progress by three different gas-phase reaction pathways, forming ethylene, propylene, or 1-butene:
(R1): C4 H10 ↔ C2 H4 + C2 H6
(R2): C4 H10 ↔ C3 H6 + CH4
(R3): C4 H10 ↔ C4 H8 + H2
1000 mol/hr of n-butane enter a reactor in which these three reactions occur simultaneously. The exiting stream is at equilibrium, with P = 1 bar. Use the rigorous method of accounting for the effect of temperature on equilibrium constants.
A. Find the composition of the exiting stream if the reactor is at T = 500°C.
B. Find the composition of the exiting stream if the reactor is at T = 1000°C.
C. What temperature leads to the maximum yield of propylene?
Step by Step Answer:
Fundamentals Of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
ISBN: 9781111580704
1st Edition
Authors: Kevin D. Dahm, Donald P. Visco