(a) As part of a methanol synthesis process similar to problem 17.10, one side reaction that can have an especially unfavorable impact on the catalyst is coke formation. As a first approximation of whether coke (carbon) formation would be significant, estimate the equilibrium extent of coke formation based solely on the reaction:

Conditions for the reaction are 600 K and 100 bar.

(b) Is coke formation by the reaction from part (a) expected at the conditions cited in problem 17.10?

Data from problem 17.10

The feed gas to a methanol synthesis reactor is composed of 75 mol% H₂, 12 mol% CO, 8 mol% CO₂, and 5 mol% N₂. The system comes to equilibrium at 550 K and 100 bar with respect to the following reactions:

Assuming ideal gases, derive the equations that would be solved simultaneously for ξ₁, ξ₂ where 1 refers to the first reaction listed. Provide numerical values for the equilibrium constants. Determine ξ₁ and ξ₂ ignoring any other reactions.

Transcribed Image Text:

CO + H₂ C(s) + H₂O.