One step in the manufacture of sulfuric acid is the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide.
Consider performing this oxidation at a pressure of 1 bar with an excess of 100 mole % oxygen, using air as the oxygen source. For the optimal yield of SO3, it is desirable to maintain the reactor at a constant temperature of 700°C. You may assume Δhrxn o is independent of temperature.

(a) What is the equilibrium constant at processing conditions?

(b) If equilibrium is attained within the reactor, what is the exit stream composition?

(c) How much heat must be supplied to or removed from the reactor to maintain isothermal operation?

(d) What is the effect of increasing the pressure on the extent of reaction?

(e) What is the effect of increasing pressure on the equilibrium constant?

(f) Would an increase in pressure be justifi ed from a processing standpoint? Explain.