Ethanol is manufactured by the catalytic hydration of ethene according to the eq
ID: 489847 • Letter: E
Question
Ethanol is manufactured by the catalytic hydration of ethene according to the equation: C_2H_4 + H_2O Squareroot C_2H_5OH The reaction is reversible, and under typical operating conditions the conversion of ethene in a single pass through the reactor is only 4.2%. Consequently, the achievement of a yield of 100% depends on recycling unreacted material, as shown in the figure below. In the process considered, the water and ethanol are completely removed in the condenser that follows the reactor, and discharged as product. Ethene and water are fed to the reactor (stream 2) in the ratio 1 to 0.6. Calculate the recycle ratio [moles of recycle (stream 5)/mole of make-up (stream 1)]. Find the composition of the make-up (stream 1). Calculate the composition of the ethanol-water product (stream 4).Explanation / Answer
Solution:
The conversion of ethene to ethanol = 4.2%
As per the equation (let us consider that there are a total of 100moles of ethene and water)
C2H4 + H2O C2H5OH
Moles of make -up stream 50moles 50moles
4.2% conversion means 2.1moles 2.1moles 2.1 moles
Remaining 47.9moles 47.9 moles
Stream 2 has recycled ethene and water ( from stream 5)in the ratio of1: 0.6 respectively
C2H4 : H2O
1 : 0.6
Therefore 47.9moles : ? moles
47.9moles : 28.74 moles
a) Recycle ratio in moles stream 5/ stream 1=[(47.9/28.74)/(50/50)]=1.67/1=1.67moles:1mole
b) Composition of the makeup stream 50moles of ethene to 50 moles water (equimolar)
c) Composition of ethanol –water product (stream 4) =2.1moles-47.9moles respectively
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