Process A → B Simultaneous Solution
(a) Consider the material balance problem for the mixer,
reactor, and separator shown in Figure P4.8. In the reactor,
30% of the incoming A is converted to B on a molar basis.
The recycle rate (stream 5) is set at 5% of the stream into
the separator (stream 3); using Equation (3.19), N5 = α5N3,
with α5 = 0.05. Calculate all flows in the process using the
simultaneous solution approach and using the Gauss–
Jordan VBA code.
(b) An advantage of the simultaneous solution approach is
the ease of solution when linear alternative specifications
are utilized. Replace the natural specification
NA
1 = 100 mol/h with an alternative specification for
the molar concentration of A entering the reactor,
N N N A A B
2 2 2 /( ) . + = 0 895. Compare the solution effort
requiredhere (part b) with those in Section 3.5.