Question

Benzaldehyde is produced from toluene in the catalytic reaction C6H5CH3 + O2 ? C6H5CHO + H2O Dry air and toluene vapor are mixed and fed to the reactor at 350.0°F and 1 atm. Air is supplied in 100.0% excess. Of the toluene fed to the reactor, 13.0% reacts to form benzaldehyde and 0.100% reacts with oxygen to form CO2 and H2O. The product gases leave the reactor at 379°F and 1 atm. Water is circulated through a jacket surrounding the reactor, entering at 80.0°F and leaving at 105°F. During a four-hour test period, 34.3 lbm of water is condensed from the product gases. (Total condensation may be assumed.) The standard heat of formation of benzaldehyde vapor is –17,200 Btu/lb-mole; the heat capacities of both toluene and benzeldehyde vapors are approximately 31.0 Btu/(lb-mole °F); and that of liquid benzaldehyde is 46.0 Btu/(lb-mole·°F). 1-Calculate the volumetric flow rates (ft3/h) of the combined feed stream to the reactor and the product gas. (in and out) 2- Calculate the required rate of heat transfer from the reactor (Btu/h) and the flow rate of the cooling water (gal/min).

Answer 1