Question

Liquid methanol is fed to a space heater at a rate of 12.0 L/hr and burned with excess air. The product gas is analyzed and the following dry basis mole percentages are determined: CH₃OH: 0.45%, CO₂=9.03%, CO=1.81% (make sure you think about what else needs to be in the product gas).

a) (1 point) Draw and fully label a PFD

b) (2 points) Calculate the fractional conversion of methanol, the percentage excess air fed, and the mole fraction of water in the product gas.

c) (1 point) Suppose the products are released directly into a room. What potential problems do you see and what remedies do you suggest?

Answer 1

Answer (c) When the products gas released directly int he room , than the amount of methanol , carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide increases in the room, these gases are undesirable in fresh air to breath. So potential problem of breathing will arise because of decrease in oxygen concentration. Also methanol is poisonous in nature.

So the space heater should be provides with stack so the flue gas released in ambient atmosphere outside the room. If this is not possible than we should provide proper veltilation in the room.