It is desired to convert heptane (C7)
to methyl cyclohexane (MCH).
A steady-state flow process consists of a reactor, distillation column,
a separation tank and a recycle stream.
The total feed rate to the process is 10 moles per minute, composed of 98 mole % C7 and 2 mole % toluene (T). 70% of the C7 entering the reactor is converted to MCH in a single pass. However, none of the toluene, C7H8, reacts.
The reactor's products are sent to the distillation column. The T and the C7 are not separated by this distillation because there is no difference in volatility. The bottom stream containing only C7 and T is recycled to join the fresh feed and produce the mixture sent to the reactor.
The top stream leaving the distillation column is sent to the separation tank. The ouput from the separation tank are as stream of pure H2, and a product stream, contains 95 mole % MCH, the remainder being C7 and toluene.
a. Write down the balanced hemical reaction occurring in the reactor, showing the chemical structure of each species involved. How does the sum of the moles of C7 plus the moles of MCH vary with the extent of the reaction?
b. Draw a schematic of the process, showing each piece of equipment and their interconnection, and indicating all flow rates and compositions in terms of given data or variables to be found in later.
c. What is the flow rate of the product stream in moles per minute? What is the composition of this stream? What is the production rate of MCH in moles per minute?
d. What is the composition of the recycle stream?
e. What is the flow rate of the recycle stream in moles per minute?