Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua

Procesos de Separación III, Unidad IV, Absorción, 17 de noviembre de 2020

Nombre: ___________________________________________ No. De Control: ______________

1.

A wastewater stream containing benzene and ethylbenzene enters the top of a

stripper at 0.0475 m3∕s, where 99.9+ wt% of the VOCs at 15°C are to be
removed with air entering the bottom at 2.41 m3∕s,15°C, and 103 kPa. For these
conditions, the ideal-gas law is applicable and a modified Raoult’s law, Ki =
Psi/xsi P, can be used to estimate the K-values of the VOCs. Calculate the
number of equilibrium stages required using the following data:
 2.

Determine by the Kremser method the separation that can be achieved for the
absorption operation indicated in Figure for the following conditions:
(a) Six equilibrium stages and 75 psia operating pressure,
(b) Six equilibrium stages and 100 psia operating pressure,
(c) Six equilibrium stages and 150 psia operating pressure,
(d) Four equilibrium stages and 75 psia operating pressure,
(e) Four equilibrium stages and 100 psia operating pressure,
(f) Four equilibrium stages and 150 psia operating pressure,
(g) Two equilibrium stages and 75 psia operating pressure,
(h) Two equilibrium stages and 100 psia operating pressure,
(i) Two equilibrium stages and 150 psia operating pressure,

Graph the results and What do you conclude about a trade-off between
pressure and stages?
 3.
Fuel cell automotive systems are being considered that will require hydrogen
of 95% purity. A refinery stream of 800,000 scfm (at 32∘F, 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 the absorbent. Because the 95% H2 must be delivered at
not less than 375 psia, the absorber will operate at 400 psia and 100°F. If at
least 80% of the hydrogen fed to the absorber is to leave in the exit gas,
determine the following:
(a) the minimum absorbent rate in gpm;
(b) the absorbent rate if 1.5 times the minimum amount is used;
(c) the number of theoretical stages;
(d) the stage efficiency for each of the three species in the feed gas, using the
O’Connell correlation;
(e) the number of trays actually required; and
(f) the exit gas composition, accounting for octane stripping.

Would the use of octane preclude use of this hydrogen in fuel cells?