Problem 1

Simulation of a Demethanizer unit (Expander Plant)

The demethanizer in an expander plant removes methane
from a gas stream whose:
 Flowrate : 8 m3/s
 Temperature : 120oF (Fahrenheit)
(0F = (0C  1,8) + 32)
 Pressure : 602,7 psia
(psia = pound per square inch absolute)
(1 psi = 0,06896 bar; 602,7 psia = 588,2 psig (gauge))
1 atm = 1,01325 bar
 Composition of the inlet gas

Component % mol Component % mol

N2 7,91 n-C4H10 2,44

CH4 73,05 i-C5H12 0,69

C2H6 7,68 n-C5H12 0,82

C3H8 5,69 C6H14 0,42

i-C4H10 0,99 C7H16 0,31

PFD of Expander Plant
 100F = Hot Inlet - Cold Outlet Temperature Approach
(HICO)
 Specification: maintain a C1/C2 molar ratio of 0.015 in
the column liquid product
 The expander efficiency is: EX1 = 80% and the
compressor efficiency is C1 = 75%.
Determine:
1. Actual work of compressor C1?
2. Composition, flowrate, temperature and pressure of
gas and liquid products?