LearnChemE

Gas-Phase Chemical Equilibrium: Example Problems

Try to solve these problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.

Example Problem 1

Hydrogen for a fuel cell can be formed by the reaction: \[CH_3OH(g) + H_2O(g) \rightleftharpoons CO_2(g) + 3H_2(g)\]

The reactor feed is at 2.0 bar and the water/methanol ratio is 1.5. What is the equilibrium conversion at 80°C and 2.0 bar? Assume ideal gases.

Example Problem 2

At 900°C, K = 0.329. The catalytic reaction: \[C_4H_8(g) \rightleftharpoons C_4H_6(g) + H_2(g)\] takes place at 900°C, 1.0 bar. The feed has steam and C4H8 in a 10:1 ratio. 
   1. What is the equilibrium conversion?
   2. Does equilibrium conversion increase or decrease if steam is not fed to the system?