Question

How do I convert volume % to volumetric flow rate? I have the volume amount of the sample. This is for a disitllate of a disitllation column. I also have the density of each compound at the given temperature ( water and methanol).

Answer 1

Solution:

First of all we need to know the basic relationship in stoichiometry,

Volume% = mass% = mole%

So at the start assume some basis i.e. 100 kg/h feed

Now multiply my volume % to this feed to get flow of that component in kg/hr

We should also need to write overall material balance

F = D + W

where,

F = feed = 100 kg/h

D = distillate in kg/h

W= bottoms in kg/h

Considering individual material balance

F*Xf = D*Xd + W*Xw

Where, Xd = volume % of distillate

Using above two equations, calculate D (distillate in kg/h) and W (bottoms in kg/hr)

After calculation of D (distillate in kg/h), convert it into volumetric flow rate,

D = distillate in kg/h / density of distillate compound in kg/m3

D = kg/h * m3/kg

D = m3/hr (Volumetric flow rate of distillate)