AECH2111 Principles of Chemical Engineering-I

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of a humidifier?

To remove moisture from air

To filter impurities from air

To increase moisture in air (correct)

To cool the air

What characteristic distinguishes a flash separator from other processes?

It involves chemical reactions

It absorbs components from a gas stream

It only treats saturated gases

Vaporization occurs by reducing pressure or heating (correct)

In a gas absorption column, what happens to soluble components?

They remain in the gas phase

They are filtered out of the system

They are absorbed by a liquid phase (correct)

They are evaporated into vapor

What defines a batch reactor's operation?

Processing is done in discrete batches Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the exit streams in a chemical reactor?

They may separate due to different phases Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR)?

It maintains a constant input and output flow Signup and view all the answers

How does the liquid stream behave in an absorption column?

It flows down due to gravity Signup and view all the answers

In gas absorption processes, a suitable solvent is used to absorb which type of components?

Impurities from the gas stream Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a splitter in a process unit?

To divide a flow rate into two or more streams with different flow rates Signup and view all the answers

In the mixing process, how many exit streams result from the blending of incoming streams?

One exit stream Signup and view all the answers

What type of process is filtration primarily considered to be?

A mechanical or physical operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a distillation process?

To separate substances based on differences in volatilities Signup and view all the answers

What phase can the incoming streams of a mixer consist of?

Any phase: gas, liquid, or solid Signup and view all the answers

What byproduct is commonly produced in a drying operation?

Moisture vapor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a dehumidification device?

To reduce the humidity level in air or gas Signup and view all the answers

Which process is specifically used to remove moisture by evaporation?

Drying Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs)?

They have uniform properties throughout the reactor. Signup and view all the answers

What materials are commonly used to fabricate reactors?

Steel, stainless steel, glass, and exotic alloys. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do batch processes offer?

They can produce a wide range of different products in the same equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the packing material in a Packed Bed Reactor (PBR)?

To improve contact between two phases in a chemical process. Signup and view all the answers

How do Fluidized Bed Reactors (FBRs) operate?

They suspend solid particles to create an environment similar to gas or liquid. Signup and view all the answers

Where do liquids typically discharge from in a batch reactor?

From the bottom. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of a Packed Bed Reactor (PBR)?

It contains packing material that can be randomly filled. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to reactants in Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs)?

They are continuously introduced and products are removed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Process Units: Basic Functions

Unit operations are essential in chemical engineering processes, primarily focusing on mass transfer through physical or chemical means.

Divider (Splitter)

Divides flow rate of a stream into multiple streams with varied rates.
Composition remains unchanged among outgoing streams.

Mixer (Blender)

Involves two or more incoming streams that blend into a single exit stream.
Applicable for gas, liquid, or solid phases.

Dryer (Direct Heating)

A mass transfer process that removes moisture via evaporation.
Utilizes heat to produce vapor; dried products may retain some solvent.
Can handle feed in solid, slurry, or solution forms.

Filter

Technique for impurity removal from liquids or solid isolation from fluids.
Operates mechanically or physically to separate solids via a permeable medium.

Distillation Column

Separates substances based on volatility differences.
Produces distillate from more volatile components and bottoms from less volatile ones.
Separation achieved through boiling.

Dehumidification

Reduces humidity levels in air or gas streams.
Condensate is a liquid containing only the condensable component (e.g., water).

Humidifier

Increases moisture in air, usually via evaporation or air circulation through a wet surface.
Feed gas is unsaturated; the exit product may or may not be saturated.

Flash Separator

Splits liquid feed into vapor and liquid phases.
Operates similarly to a partial condenser; involves pressure reduction or heating for vaporization.

Absorption Column

Absorbs soluble components from a gas stream using a liquid solvent.
Liquid flows downward, while the gas stream moves upward through the absorbent.

Reactors

Facilitate chemical reactions, altering molecular species from input to output.
Various reactor types include batch, plug flow, packed bed, continuous stirred tank, and fluidized bed reactors.

Batch Reactor

A tank with an agitator and heating/cooling system, suitable for small-scale or varied product processes.
Varying sizes up to over 15,000 liters; liquid and gas discharge through overhead connections.

Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR)

An open system operating at steady-state with continuous reactant input and product removal.
Provides uniform conditions inside the reactor and exit stream.

Packed Bed Reactor (PBR)

Comprises a filled vessel that enhances phase contact during reactions.
May contain catalysts or absorbents; applicable in reactors, distillation, and scrubbing processes.

Fluidized Bed Reactor (FBR)

Conducts multiphase reactions where a fluid suspends solid granular materials, acting as a fluid.
Suitable for high-velocity gas or liquid introduction, promoting uniform mixing and contact.

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Description

This quiz covers Topic 2 from the course AECH2111, focusing on the basic functions of process units in chemical engineering. It provides a brief overview of unit operations and details on how splitters work to divide flow rates in various streams.