Question
Lactic acid can be hydrogenated to propylene glycol in the vapor phase over a copper catalyst at 200C. In this process a liquid aqueous solution
Lactic acid can be hydrogenated to propylene glycol in the vapor phase over a copper catalyst at 200C. In this process a liquid aqueous solution of lactic acid is combined with gaseous H2, both at 30C and 1 atm (760 mmHg) pressure. The combined stream is then heated to 200C in a heater before being fed to the reactor. Assume the feed stream to the heater contains 46.51 mol% lactic acid, 41.86 mol% water, and 11.63 mol% hydrogen, and the molar flow rate of the feed stream is 215 gmol/min. Determine whether the stream leaving the heater is saturated vapor, superheated vapor, saturated liquid, subcooled liquid, or vapor-liquid mixture. Determine the rate of energy supplied by the heater (kW).
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started