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Coal being used in a power plant at a rate of \(8000 \mathrm{lb}_{\mathrm{m}} / \mathrm{min}\) has the following composition: $$\begin{array}{lc}\hline \text { Component } & \text { Weight } \% \text { (dry basis) } \\ \hline \text { Ash } & 7.2 \\\\\text { Sulfur } & 3.5 \\\\\text { Hydrogen } & 5.0 \\\\\text { Carbon } & 75.2 \\ \text { Nitrogen } & 1.6 \\\\\text { Oxygen } & 7.5 \\\\\hline\end{array}$$ In addition, there are \(4.58 \mathrm{lb}_{\mathrm{m}} \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) per \(\mathrm{lb}_{\mathrm{m}}\) of coal. Determine the molar flow rate of each element in the coal (including water) other than ash.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The molar flow rates of each element (C, H, O, N, S and H2O) other than ash in the coal are calculated by firstly deriving their mass flow rates and then converting these values into molar flow rates using the respective molar masses. The specific values are determined from the calculations described in the step-by-step solution.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Provided Data

From the problem, it's given that the overall coal usage is 8000 lbm/min. The composition of the coal by weight (on a dry basis) is also given, as well as the additional 4.58 lbm H2O per lbm of coal.
02

Determine the Mass Flow Rate of Each Elemental Component

The mass flow rate of each element can be calculated by multiplying the total coal usage with the respective weight percent (converted into decimal form). For example, the mass flow rate of carbon (C) is \(8000 lbm/min \times 0.752 (or 75.2 / 100)\). Follow this procedure for each element in the coal.
03

Compute the Molar Flow Rate of Each Element

The molar flow rate of each element is obtained by dividing its mass flow rate by its molar mass. The molar mass of each element is: carbon (C): 12 lbm/lbmol, hydrogen (H): 1 lbm/lbmol, oxygen (O): 16 lbm/lbmol, nitrogen (N): 14 lbm/lbmol, and sulfur (S): 32 lbm/lbmol. Water (H2O) has a molar mass of 18 lbm/lbmol.
04

Include Water in the Calculation

Besides the elements in the coal, water is also present. Calculate the mass flow rate of water by multiplying the total amount of coal with the given ratio (4.58 lbm H2O per lbm of coal). This mass flow rate is then converted into molar flow rate using the molar mass of water.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Elemental Composition
Elemental composition is a fundamental concept in chemical process analysis, where we dissect a substance into its elemental constituents. In the context of coal, this means understanding the makeup of each element present in the coal. Knowing the composition is crucial for further calculations, such as determining mass and molar flow rates.
The given problem specifies the elemental composition of coal used in a power plant. Each element, on a dry basis, has a percentage weight:
  • Ash: 7.2%
  • Sulfur: 3.5%
  • Hydrogen: 5.0%
  • Carbon: 75.2%
  • Nitrogen: 1.6%
  • Oxygen: 7.5%
Understanding these values helps us calculate how much of each element is present, considering both the coal and the additional water content. This is a critical step before diving into mass and molar flow calculations.
Molar Flow Rate
The molar flow rate tells us how many moles of a chemical species flow through a system over a given time. Understanding molar flow rate is essential in processes where chemical reactions occur. The calculation involves two steps: first, identifying the mass flow rate of an element, and second, converting that to its molar equivalent by dividing the mass by its molar mass.
For instance, in the given problem, if the carbon mass flow rate is determined by the equation \[ \text{Mass Flow Rate of Carbon} = 8000 \text{ lbm/min} \times 0.752 \] we then calculate the molar flow rate using the molar mass of carbon (12 lbm/lbmol):\[ \text{Molar Flow Rate of Carbon} = \frac{\text{Mass Flow Rate of Carbon}}{12 \text{ lbm/lbmol}} \]
We perform a similar calculation for other elements, like sulfur, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, using their respective molar masses. This method ensures streamlined and systematic conversion from mass to mole units.
Coal Combustion Analysis
Coal combustion analysis involves studying how coal burns, where elemental composition plays a significant role. By understanding the composition, we can predict how efficiently the coal will burn, the heat released, and the emissions generated.
This problem highlights coal's interaction with additional water. Water changes combustion dynamics since it needs energy to evaporate, thus impacting the efficiency.
In combustion analysis, calculating the molar flow rates helps understand the stoichiometry of the combustion reactions. Knowing exact proportions of carbon, hydrogen, and other elements, including additional water, allows engineers to optimize combustion processes, improve efficiency, and reduce pollutants.
For example, precise molar flow rates of hydrogen and carbon allow the calculation of water and carbon dioxide produced during combustion, which is vital in designing emission control systems. Therefore, a meticulous approach to elemental analysis boosts the understanding and optimization of coal combustion.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How many of the following are found in 15.0 kmol of xylene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10}\right) ?\) (a) \(\mathrm{kg} \mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10}\); (b) mol \(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10}\); (c) lb-mole \(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10} ;\) (d) mol (g-atom) \(\mathrm{C} ;\) (e) mol \(\mathrm{H} ;\) (f) \(\mathrm{g} \mathrm{C} ;\) (g) \(\mathrm{g} \mathrm{H} ;\) (h) molecules of \(\mathrm{C}_{8} \mathrm{H}_{10}\).

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