Question

Liquid methanol is fed to a space heater at a rate of 12.0 L/h and burned with excess air. The product gas is analyzed and the following dry-basis mole percentages are determined: CH3OH = 0.45%, CO2 = 9.03%, and CO = 1.81%. (a) After drawing and labeling a flowchart, verify that the system has zero degrees of freedom. (b) Calculate the fractional conversion of methanol, the percentage excess air fed, and the mole fraction of water in the product gas. (c) Suppose the combustion products are released directly into a room. What potential problems do you see and what remedies can you suggest?

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) The bellow flow chart shows that the system has 0° of freedom.

(b) i - Fractional conversion of menthol: 0.960 mol CH₃OH reacted/mol fed

    ii - The percentage excess air fed: 28.5%

   iii - molecular fraction of water in the product gas: 0.178 mol H₂O/mol

(c)  Potential Problems: Remedies

    Conflagration: The gas should be vented outside to prevent fire outbreak.

    Toxicity: Put a CO detection alarm in the room.

Explanation:

See picture for the flow chat and calculation of other answers.