Question

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is produced by reaction with a massive flow rate of 6000 kg / h and 99% pure calcium fluoride (CaF2) sulfuric acid. The reaction takes place with 97% conversion. The reaction equation is given below: CaF2 (solid) + H2SO4 (g) → CaSO4 (solid) + 2HF (g) Solid by-product, unreacted solid reagents and impurities are taken from the bottom of the reactor. The gas phase HF and unreacted H2SO4 are taken from the reactor and sent to the bottom of an absorption column. Aqueous acid solution containing 40% acid (HF + H2SO4) by weight is taken from the bottom of the column by absorbing 99% of HF and 99% of H2SO4 with the water sent over the column. 1% of the acid vapors emerge from the top of the column without absorption (Ca: 40; F: 19; H: 1,; S: 32; O: 16) a) Draw the block flow chart. b) Establish mass balance around each device and over the entire system.

Answer 1