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Propylene glycol (PG) is one of important chemical inter used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins wh

Propylene glycol (PG) is one of important chemical inter used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins wh

Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
8th Edition
ISBN:9781259696527
Author:J.M. Smith Termodinamica en ingenieria quimica, Hendrick C Van Ness, Michael Abbott, Mark Swihart
Publisher:J.M. Smith Termodinamica en ingenieria quimica, Hendrick C Van Ness, Michael Abbott, Mark Swihart
Chapter1: Introduction
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1.1P
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a) Suggest the type of continuous-flow reactor for the process. Justify your answer.

b) Design a suitable continuous-flow reactor by calculating the reactor volume to achieve
90% conversion of PO.

Propylene glycol (PG) is one of important chemical intermediates in chemical industry. It is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins which are used in surface coatings and glass fibre reinforced resins. Industrially, PG is produced by the hydration of propylene oxide (PO) in which PO reacts with water to yield PG. PO and water are fed into a reaction tower, where, at a temperature of 200°C (473 K) and a pressure of 12 bar, PG and higher glycols are obtained. The process is carried out as non-catalytic hydration of PO at high temperature with a large amount of water. To limit the quantity of higher glycols formed, the amount of water is carefully controlled to give a mole ratio of water to PO of 15:1. The reaction follows an elementary rate law as follows: CH3COHCH₂ + H₂O →→ CH₂CHOHCH₂OH Given that the specific reaction rate, k at 358 K is 0.439 x 104 L/mol.min with the activation energy, E at 358 K is 29,838 J/mol. The entering molar flow rate is 0.04 mol/min. The process operates at isothermal and isobaric conditions with the aim to achieve 90% conversion of PO.
Transcribed Image Text:Propylene glycol (PG) is one of important chemical intermediates in chemical industry. It is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins which are used in surface coatings and glass fibre reinforced resins. Industrially, PG is produced by the hydration of propylene oxide (PO) in which PO reacts with water to yield PG. PO and water are fed into a reaction tower, where, at a temperature of 200°C (473 K) and a pressure of 12 bar, PG and higher glycols are obtained. The process is carried out as non-catalytic hydration of PO at high temperature with a large amount of water. To limit the quantity of higher glycols formed, the amount of water is carefully controlled to give a mole ratio of water to PO of 15:1. The reaction follows an elementary rate law as follows: CH3COHCH₂ + H₂O →→ CH₂CHOHCH₂OH Given that the specific reaction rate, k at 358 K is 0.439 x 104 L/mol.min with the activation energy, E at 358 K is 29,838 J/mol. The entering molar flow rate is 0.04 mol/min. The process operates at isothermal and isobaric conditions with the aim to achieve 90% conversion of PO.
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