The ethylene oxide reactant used in the production of ethylene glycol is made by

Question

The ethylene oxide reactant used in the production of ethylene glycol is made by the partial oxidation of ethylene with excess oxygen over a silver catalyst. The primary reaction is: C2H4 + O2 = C2H4O Unfortunately some of the ethylene also undergoes complete oxidation to C02 and water according to: C2H4 + O2 CO2 + H2O For a feed flow of 1000 moles/h containing 10% (mole basis) ethylene, and an ethylene conversion of 25%, a yield of 8% ethylene oxide is obtained, determine the flow rates of the species leaving the reactor.

Explanation / Answer

feed flow = 1000 mol/hr

so moles of ethylene = 100 mol/hr

and no of moles of ethylene converted = 25 mol/hr

no of moles of ethylene not converted =75 mol/hr

yield of ethylene oxide = 8% of 25 = 2 moles/hr

yield of co2 + water = 92%of 25 = 23 moles/hr

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.