Fuel cell automotive systems are being considered that will require hydrogen of 95% purity. A refinery stream of 800,000 scfm (at 32^οF, 1 atm), containing 72.5% H₂, 25% CH₄, and 2.5% C₂H₆, is available. To convert this gas to the required purity, oil absorption, activated charcoal adsorption, and membrane separation are being considered. For oil absorption, an available n-octane stream can be used as absorbent. Because the 95% H₂ must be delivered at not less than 375 psia, it is proposed to operate the absorber at 400 psia and 100^οF. If at least 80% of the hydrogen fed to the absorber is to leave in the exit gas, determine the:

(a) Minimum absorbent rate in gpm; 

(b) Absorbent rate if 1.5 times the minimum amount is used; 

(c) Number of theoretical stages; 

(d) Stage efficiency for each of the three species in the feed gas, using the O’Connell correlation; 

(e) Number of trays actually required; 

(f) Exit gas composition, accounting for octane stripping; and 

(g) If the lost octane in part 

(f) Is not recovered, estimate its value if the process operates 7,900 h/year and the octane is valued at $1.00/gal. Would the octane preclude use of this hydrogen in fuel cells?

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546.2 lbmol/h 6.192 cfs y, mol% 0.0006 C3 0.4817 nC4 60.2573 C2 nC5 32.5874 nC6 6.6730 Bottom tray C₂ C3 nC4 nC5 nC6 x, mol% 0.0001 0.1448 39.1389 43.0599 17.6563 Figure 6.47 Data for Exercise 6.18. 621.3 lbmo/h 171.1 gpm 230.5° F 150 psia