CHE 2152: CHEMICAL PROCESS CALCULATIONS [3 1 0 4]

Chemical engineering as a Profession – Role of Chemical Engineer – Unit operations and unit
processes –Units and dimensions – Physical and chemical properties of compounds and mixtures
– Techniques of problem solving – Choice of basis – Chemical equations and stoichiometry –
Properties of gases – Ideal and real gases – Phase equilibrium – Vapor pressure – Raoult's law –
Calculation of bubble point and dew point – Humidity and Saturation Humidity charts and their
use– Concepts of steady and unsteady state processes and material balance equations – Material
balances involving unit operations and unit processes – Material balance with recycle, bypass
and purge – Energy and energy balances – Balances on non-reactive and reactive systems – Heat
of reaction, heat of formation and heat of combustion – Standard state – Calculation of heat of
reaction at temperature different from standard state – Adiabatic reaction temperature and
theoretical flame temperature.

Reference Books:
1. David M. Himmelblau, Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical
Engineering, Eastern Economy ed., Prentice Hall of India (P) Ltd. 6th Ed. 2009.
2. Richard Felder and Ronald W. Rausseau, Elementary Principles of Chemical
Processes, 2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, 2004.
3. D. Sikdar., Chemical process calculations, Prentice Hall India, 2013.
4. Bhat B.I. and S.M. Vora, Stochiometry 4th ed., Tata McGraw-Hill, ND, 2004.

5. A. Hougen, K.M. Watson and R.A. Ragatz, Chemical Process Principles, Part –
I, John Wiley and Asia Publishing Co. 1970.
6.
6Edward V. Thomson and William H. Cekler, Introduction to Chemical
Engineering, McGraw Hill, 1977.
7. V. Venkataramani and N Anantharaman, Process Calculations, Prentice Hall
India, 2003.
Units and Dimensions

 Dimension can be a property that can be measured such as length,

time, mass and temperature.

 Units are means of expressing the dimensions. Eg. Feet, cm, m for
length.

 There are totally seven base dimensions.

Seven base dimensions in the SI system

Length [L] Mass [M] Time [T] Temperature [θ]
meter kg sec K

Electric Current Luminous Amount of

[I] Intensity [J] substance [N]
Ampere Candela mol
Dimensional Homogeneity
Any equation or expression is said to be dimensionally homogeneous if the dimensions
on the LHS matches the dimensions on the RHS.

V = Vo + gt
m/s m/s (m/s2) . s

For an equation to be valid, the equation must be dimensionally homogeneous.

When all the independent terms of an equation have same units, then it is termed
consistent
Example

1.05 m =1.0 m + 5 cm (dimensionally homogeneous, valid, inconsistent)

1.05 m = 1.0 m + 0.05 m (dimensionally homogeneous, valid, consistent)

1.05 m = 1.0 m + 0.05 m/s (dimensionally non-homogeneous, invalid)

Conversion of Units
1A Convert 36 mg to g
1B Convert an acceleration of 1cm/s2 to km/yr2
1C Convert 23 (lbm.ft) /min2 to its equivalent (kg.cm) /s2

1A
36 mg 1g
1000 mg

ANS: 0.036 g
1B
1cm 1m 1 km (3600 (24h)2 (365 days)2
sec)2
sec2 100 cm 1000 m (1 h)2 (1 day)2 (1yr)2

ANS : 9.945 x 109 km/yr2

1C
23 lb. ft 1 kg 12 inches 2.54 cm (1 min)2

min2 2.2 lb 1ft 1 inch (60 sec)2

ANS: 87.12x 10-3 kg.cm/sec2

2. Consider the equation

 D (ft) = 3 t(s) + 4
where D and t are variables representing diameter and time, respectively
i) If the equation is valid, what are the dimensions of constants 3 and 4?
ii) If the equation is consistent in its units, what are the units of 3 and 4?

Ans:
i) ft= (ft/sec ) sec + ft
Therefore, dimension of 3 = [L][T]-1
Dimension of 4 = [L]
Units of 3 and 4 are ft/sec and ft, respectively
3. The quantity K depends on the temperature T in the following manner:

K (moles)/(cm3.s) = 1.2x105 exp (-20,000)/(1.987 T)

The units of 20,000 are cal /mole and T is in Kelvin. What are the units of 1.2x105 and
1.987?
Ans: Units of 1.2x105 = moles/cm3.sec
Units of 1.987 is cal/(mole K)

(Whenever functions like exp, sin, cos are used, the quantity within brackets should
be dimensionless)
Dimensionless Quantity
Example: Reynolds Number = Nre= DVϱ / µ

m m/sec Kg/m3
Kg/m.sec

= Dimension less

4. Convert:
i) Density of 10g/cc to kg/m3 and lb/ft3
10g 1kg (100)3 cm3
cm3 1000g 1m3
 = 10000 kg/m3
ii) Viscosity of 5 cP to lb / (ft.h)
(1 cp= 0.001 kg/m.sec)

5x10-3 kg 2.2 lb 1m 3600

sec
m. sec 1 kg 3.28 ft 1 h

12.073 lb/ ft. h

iii) Mass flow rate of 40 lb/ (h.ft2) to SI system

40 lb 1 kg hr (3.28
ft)2
hr ft2 2.2 lb 3600 1 m2
sec

s=0.054 kg/m2 .sec

Conversion Factors Volume 1 m3 = 1000 L
1 m3 = 106 cm3
1 m3 = 35.315 ft3
Length 1m = 3.281 ft 1 ft3= 28.317 L
1 ft = 30.48 cm 1 L= 1000 cm3
1 in = 2.54 cm 1 barrel= 158.9 L
1 mile= 1.609 km 1 UK gal = 4.546 L
1m= 103 mm = 106 µm 1 US gal = 3.785 L
= 109 nm Density 1 kg/m3 = 0.062 lb/ft3
Mass 1 kg = 2.205 lb 1 lb/ft3 = 16.02 kg/m3
1 lb = 453.5 g 1 kg/m3= 103 g/cm3
1 Tonne = 1000 kg Force 1 N= kg m/sec2
1 quintal = 100 kg dyne= gm cm/sec2
Area 1m2 = 10.764 ft2 1 N= 105 dyne
1 ft2 = 0.0929 m2 1 kgf/cm2 = 9.81 N
1 in2 = 6.452 cm2 1 kgf = 2.205 lbf
1 lbf = 32.2 lb ft/ sec2
Pressure 1 Pa= 1 N/m2 Power 1 hp = 746 W
1 bar = 105 N/m2 1 kW = 1.341 hp
1 atm= 14.7 lbf/in2 (psi) Temperature o
C = (5/9) (oF – 32)
1 atm = 1.01325 bar o
F = (1.8 oC) +32
1 atm = 1.01325 x 105 Pa o
R= 1.8 K
1 atm = 101.325 kPa o
R = 1.8 x oC + 491.67
1 kgf/cm2 = 98.07 kPa Temperature 1 oC = 1.8 oF = 1K
1 atm= 760 mm Hg = 76 cm Interval Difference
Hg Viscosity 1 Pa sec = 1 kg/(m sec)
1 atm= 33.9 ft of water = 1 N sec/m2
1 atm = 10.33 m of water 1 Poise = 1 g/(cm sec)
1 Torr = 1 mm Hg 1 cP = 10-3 kg/(m sec)
Energy 1 J = 1 N m gmole 1 gmol= 6.022 x 1023
1 BTU = 1055 J molecules
1 kJ = 0.9478 BTU
1 BTU = 0.2519 kCal
Process Variables

Volumetric Flowrate:

Q= volumetric flow rate (m3/sec)

m= mass flow rate (kg/s);
v= velocity (m/s);
ϱ = density (kg/m3);
A = cross section area of the pipe. Πd2/4 (m2);
G= mass flux (kg/s.m2).

m=ϱAV
G= m/A or G= ϱV
Solved example:
A gas flows through a pipeline at a rate of 600 m3/h. The internal diameter of the pipe
is 50 mm. Calculate the velocity in the pipeline in m/s.

Q= 600 m3/h = 600/3600 (0.166 m3/sec)

Q= VA V=Q/A = Q/ (Πd2/4)
0.166
𝑉= 2
Π(502 . 10−3 )
4
V=84.8 m/s
Pressure

Absolute pressure, Gauge Pressure, Vacuum

1. Absolute Pressure:

It is the zero referenced to perfect vacuum which exists in the air free space of the
universe.
Absolute pressure is the sum of gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure.
P(abs) = P(gauge) + P(atm)
2. Gauge Pressure:
It is the zero referenced against ambient pressure. Gauge pressures is positive for
pressures above atmosphere and negative for pressures below it.
P(gauge)= P(abs) – P(atm)
3. Atmospheric Pressure:
It is the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. It is basically a pressure around you
i.e. ambient pressure.
4. Vacuum Pressure:
It is the pressure below atmospheric pressure measured by vacuum gauges. It indicates the
difference between atmospheric pressure and absolute pressure.
P(vac) = P(atm) – P(abs)
OR P(vac) = P(–gauge)
Pressure Gauge Vacuum gauge
Q5 Convert:
i) 3 atm to N/cm2
ii) 10 cm Hg to dyne/m2
iii) 25 ft of water to kPa
iv) 10 psi(g) vacuum to mm Hg abs
v) 20 psia to cm of CCl4
i) 3 atm to N/cm2
Ans:
3 atm 1.0132 N 1m2
x105
1atm m2 (100
cm)2

=30.39 N/cm2

ii) 10 cm Hg to dyne/m2
Ans:
dyne= gm.cm/sec2
1 atm = 1.01325x 105 N/m2 (kg m/sec2)/m2
10 cm 1.01325 kg m 1000g 100 cm
Hg x 105
 76 cm sec2 . m2 1 kg 1m
Hg

=1.33x109 dyne/m2
iii) 25 ft of water to kPa

Ans:
25 ft water 101.325 kPa
33.9 ft water

=74.7 kPa
iv) 10 psi(g) vacuum to mm Hg abs
1atm = 14.7 psi =760 mm Hg
10psig = (10/14.7) x760 = 517 mm Hg
Pabs = P atm + (-P gauge)
Pabs = 760-517
Pabs= 243 mm Hg

v) 20 psia to cm of CCl4
Ans:
 20 psia = (20/14.7) x 76 = 103.36 cm Hg
h1 ρ 1g = h 2 ρ 2 g
h1 ρ1 = h2 ρ2
103.4 x 13,600 = h2 x1,600
h2= 878.9 cm of CCl4

Specific Gravity:
(For Solids and Liquids)
What is Specific Gravity?
Specific Gravity or relative gravity is a dimensionless quantity that is defined as the ratio of the
density of a substance to the density of the water at a specified temperature and is expressed
as

SG=ρsubstance/ ρwater
It is common to use the density of water at 4 oC as a reference point as water at this point has
the highest density of 1000 kg/m3.

Specific gravity is determined by dividing the density of a material by the density of water at 4
degrees Celsius. For the calculation, the density of the material and that of the water must be
expressed in the same units.
Example 1: Calculate the specific gravity of mercury.
The density of mercury is 13600 kg/m3. The specific gravity of mercury-related to water
is calculated as follows:

SGmercury=(13600 kg/m3)/(1000 kg/m3)=13.6

Hence, the specific gravity of mercury is 13.6.
Example 2: If the density of carbon tetrachloride is 1.6 g/cc, what is its specific gravity?
We can calculate the specific gravity of carbon tetrachloride as follows:
SGCCl4=(1.6 g/cm3)/(1.0 g/ cm3)=1.6

Hence, the specific gravity of CCl4 is 1.6

Example 3: If the specific gravity of ice is 0.92, then what is its density?
The density of ice can be calculated by interchanging the specific gravity formula as follows:
 SG=ρsubstance/ ρwater ⇒ ρsubstance=SG⋅ ρwater

Substituting the values in the above equation, we get

ρsubstance=0.92⋅1000kg/m3=920kg/m3

Specific Gravity of Gas

For gases, the specific gravity is normally calculated with reference to air. Specific
gravity for gases is defined as the ratio of the density of the gas to the density of air at
a specified temperature and pressure. The density of air at room temperature is 1.20
kg/m3.

SG = ρgas / ρair ≈ Mwt gas / Mwt air

Material Specific Gravity
Osmium 22.59
Gold 19.3
Mercury 13.6
Iron 7.8
Aluminium 2.7
Ethanol 0.78
Petrol 0.72
Diesel 0.85
 Table salt 2.17
Oak wood 0.75
Water 1.0
Carbon dioxide 1.51
Chlorine 2.45
Note: Specific gravity is a function of temperature and pressure

TEMPERATURE SCALES:
The four important temperature scales are as follows: Celsius, Kelvin, Fahrenheit and
Rankine.

T(K) =T(oC) + 273.15

T(oF) = 1.8T(oC) + 32
T(oR) = 1.8T(oF) + 459.17
T(oR) = 1.8T(K)
Temperature interval:
∆100 OC = ∆180 OF
⇒ ∆1 OC = ∆1.8 OF

Thermal conductivity of stainless steel = 16.2 BTU/ (h. ft. oF).

Convert this into kJ/ (h. m. oC)
16.2 BTU 1 kJ 3.28 ft 1.8 oF
h.ft.oF 0.9478 BTU 1 m 1 oC

=100.91 kJ/h.oC
Chemical Composition:
Molecular wt and mole:
Mole (gmol) = Mass of substance in g / Mol Wt.
1 mol of water = 18 g
1 mol of CO= 28 g
1 mol of CO2= 44 g
1mol of Benzene= 78 g
1 mol of Cl2 =71 g
1 mol of O = 16 g
1mol of O2 =32 g
Q7. How many of each of the following is contained in 100 g of CO2
i. Moles of CO2
100/44 =2.273 mols
ii. lb moles of CO2
44 lb= 1 lb mole
100 g = 100/454 =0.22 lb
0.22 / 44 = 0.005 lb mole
iii. Moles of carbon
1 mole of CO2 has 1 mole of carbon
Ans: 2.273 moles of carbon
iv. Moles of O (Oxygen atom)
1 mole of CO2 has 2 moles of ‘O’
Ans: 4.546 moles of ‘O’
 v. Moles of O2 (Oxygen molecule)
1 mole of CO2 has 1 mole of O2
Ans: 2.273 moles of O2
vi. gm of O2
Ans: 2.27x32 = 72.64 g
vii. Molecules of CO2
2.273 x 6.022 x 1023 molecules
Ans: 1.36 x 1024 molecules
Wt. Fraction and Mole fraction
Consider a mixture containing species A and B. Let WA and WB be the mass of A and B,
respectively. Let MA and MB be the molecular weights of A and B, respectively.
Then wt. fraction of A = WA / (WA+WB)
wt. fraction of B =WB / (WA+WB)
moles of A = WA / MA
moles of B = WB/ MB
𝑊𝐴
𝑀𝐴
Mole fraction of A = 𝑊𝐴 𝑊𝐵
+
𝑀𝐴 𝑀𝐵
𝑊𝐵
𝑀𝐵
Mole fraction of B = 𝑊𝐴 𝑊𝐵
+
𝑀𝐴 𝑀𝐵

Mole% = mole frn. x 100

Mole fraction of A + mole fraction of B = 1
Average molecular weight
= 𝑦1 𝑀1 + 𝑦2 𝑀2 +𝑦3 𝑀3 + ⋯
= ∑𝑖=𝑛
𝑖=1 𝑦𝑖 𝑀𝑖

Where yi mol frn of ith component.

Solved Example 1 : Mole ratio of two species A and B in a sample is 4. What is the mole
fraction of A in the sample?

Mole ratio is 4. Which means for every 4 moles of A there will be 1 mole of B. Total
moles =5. Therefore, mole fraction of A = 4/5 = 0.8.
Solved Example 2:
20 g of ethanol (C2H5OH) is mixed with 50 g of water. What is mol fraction of ethanol
and water in mixture?
Moles of ethanol = Mass/ MWt = 20/46 = 0.435
Moles of water = Mass/ MWt = 50/18 = 2.778
Total moles = 3.213
Mole frn of Ethanol = 0.435/ 3.213= 0.135
Mole frn of water = 1-0.135 = 0.865
BASIS :
Basis is the reference for solving a given problem.
Generally, for solids and liquids, mass is chosen as the basis ( e.g. 1 kg, 100 kg, 1 Ton
etc)
Generally for gases, mole is chosen as the basis (100 moles, I mole, 100 kg moles etc)
A few guide lines for choosing Basis:
i. Time: Choose the time basis in which results are to be presented. (kg/h or Ton/day)
ii. For a batch process use 1 batch as basis.
iii. Choose the basis (moles or mass) appropriately based on maximum information
given.
iv. For gases Volume% = Mole %

Chemical Equation and Stoichiometry:

C7H16 + 11O2 → 7 CO2 + 8H2O

Qualitative information:
Heptane reacts with oxygen to give CO2

Quantitative Information: C7H16 + 11O2 → 7 CO2 + 8H2O

i. 1 mole of heptane reacts with 11 moles of O2 to give 7 moles of CO2 and 8 moles
of water
ii. 1 gmole of heptane + 11 mole of O2 gives
7 gmoles of CO2 and 8 moles of H2O
iii. 1 kg mole of heptane + 11 kg mole of O2 gives
7 kg mole of CO2 and 8 kg mole of H2O
iv. 1 lb mole of heptane + 11 lb mole of O2 gives
7 lb moles of CO2 and 8 lb moles of H2O
v. 1 x 6.023x1023 molecules of heptane + 11 x 6.023x1023 molecules of O2 gives
7 x 6.023x1023 molecules of CO2 and 8 x 6.023x1023 molecules of H2O
 vi. 100 g of heptane reacts with 352 g of O2 to give 308 g of CO2 and 144g of water
Stoichiometric coefficients:
The coefficients of compounds in the equation are known as stoichiometric
coefficients. (1for C7H16, 11 for O2, 7 for CO2 and 8 for H2O).

Q8. How many gm of C are present in 264 g of Carbon dioxide?

12 g of C in 44 g of CO2
∴ in 264 g (12/44 x 264) = 72 g.

Q9. The composition of coal from a place is given below:

C=80%, H=10%, S=0.5%, N=4.5%, O=5%
Express the composition in mole basis.
Ans: (Note: For solids and liquids, the default composition is given on mass basis and
for gases on a mole basis.)
Basis: 100 kg
Qty MWt Moles Mole frn Mole %
C 80 12 6.67 6.67/12.003= 55.6
0.556
H2 10 2 5.0 0.417 41.7
S 0.5 32 0.0156 0.0013 0.13
N2 4.5 28 0.1607 0.01339 1.339
O2 5 32 0.1563 0.013025 1.3025
Σ= 12.003 100.07
Average Mol wt. = Mav= (mass of mixture/ total no. of moles)
=100/12.003 = 8.333.
Q10. Natural gas has the following composition in volumetric %
CH4 = 83.5%, C2H6 = 12.5%, N2 = 4%
Calculate:
i. Composition in mole% and wt%
ii. Average mol wt.
Basis: 100 g moles of natural gas
moles MWt. Wt (g) Wt %
CH4 83.5 16 83.5x16=1336 (1336/1823)
x100=73.28
C2H6 12.5 30 375 20.57
N2 4 28 112 6.15
Σ= 1823 100.0
Avg. Mol. Wt. =1823/100 = 18.23

Q 11. A compound whose molecular wt. is 103 has the following

analysis:
C=81.5%, H=4.9%, N=13.6% by wt. What is its chemical
formula?
Basis: 100 g of the compound
Wt. MWt Moles Coefficient
C 81.5 12 6.79 6.79/0.97 = 7
H 4.9 1 4.9 5
N 13.6 14 0.97 1
Empirical formula = C7H5N Empirical formula Wt. = 103
The steps for determining the empirical formula and molecular formula of a
compound are as follows:
1. Step 1: Obtain the mass of each element present in grams.
2. Step 2: Determine the number of moles of each type of atom present.
3. Step 3: Divide the number of moles of each element by the smallest number of
moles.
4. Step 4: Calculate the empirical formula wt. and ratio of molecular weight to
empirical formula weight. Suppose this ratio is n, molecular formula = n x empirical
formula.
Empirical formula = C7H5N Empirical formula wt = 103
(molecular weight)/ (empirical formula weight) = 103/103 =1
Molecular formula = C7H5N
Q12. A substance was found by analysis to contain Na=32.32%,
S=22.44%, O=45.24% by wt. What is its empirical formula?
Basis: 100 g of substance
Wt. MWt. Moles Co-efficient
Na 32.32 23 1.405 2
S 22.44 32 0.701 1
O 45.24 16 2.83 4

Empirical formula: Na2SO4

Q13. A limestone analyzes CaCO3 = 92.89%, insoluble = 1.7%,
MgCO3 = 5.41%
i. How many kg of CaO can be made from 5 Tons of this limestone.
ii. How many kg of CO2 can be recovered per kg of limestone?
Ans:
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 ---- (1)
(100) (56) (44)
MgCO3 → MgO + CO2 ----(2)
(84) (40) (44 )
Basis: 100 kg of limestone
i. 100 kg of CaCO3 = 56 kg of CaO
100 kg of limestone will give (56/100) x 92.89
= 52.0184 kg of CaO
∴ for 5 Tons of limestone (52/100) x 5000 =2600 kg

ii. From reaction 1 we get 44/100 x 92.89 = 40.87 kg

From reaction 2 we get 44/84 x 5.41 = 2.83 kg
Total = 43.7 kg of CO2
Per 1 kg of limestone 0.437 kg of CO2
Composition of Liquid Solutions:
i. Molarity (M):
It is the number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 L of solution. (solution = solute +
solvent).
ii. Normality (N)
It is the number of gram equivalents dissolved in 1 L of solution.
Gram of solute
Gram equivalent =
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑊𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒

Equivalent wt.= Mol wt. (for HCL, HNO3, KOH, NaCl, CH3COOH, NaOH)
Equivalent wt. = ½ molecular wt. (for H2SO4, Na2SO4, Na2CO3)
Equivalent wt. = ⅓ molecular wt. (for H3PO4, Na3PO4, K3PO4)
Equivalent wt. = ⅙ molecular wt. (for K2Cr2O7)
iii. Molality
It is defined as the number of moles of solute dissolved in 1 kg of solvent.
Q14. A solution of caustic soda in water contains 20% by wt of sodium hydroxide at
333K The density of the solution is 1.196 kg/L. Find the
a. Molarity
b. Normality
c. Molality
Ans: Basis: 100 kg of solution
a. 20 kg of NaOH present
Volume of solution= 100 kg/1.196 kg/L = 83.612 L
Number of kg moles = kg of NaOH/ MWt of Na OH
= 20/40 = 0.5 kgmole
Molarity = gmole /L of solution = 0.5 x 1000 (gmol) / 83.612 L
= 5.96 M
b. Normality = Molarity (for NaOH) = 5.96 N
c. Molality = (gmoles / kg of solvent) = (0.5 x1000)/80 = 6.25

Q15. Make the following conversions:

i. 294 g/L H2SO4 to Normality
ii. 4.8 mg/mL CaCl2 to Normality
iii. 5 N H3PO4 to g/L
iv. 54.75 g/L HCL to Molarity.
v. 3 Molar K2SO4 to g/L

Ans:
i. 294 g/L H2SO4 to Normality
Mol wt of H2SO4 = 98
Eqt wt = 98/2 =49
 Normality = 294/49 =6N
ii. 4.8 mg/mL CaCl2 to Normality
Mol wt. of CaCl2 = 111 Eqt wt. = 111/2 = 55.5
4.8 𝑥 10−3
1 𝑥 10−3
Normality= = 0.0865 𝑁
55.5

iii. 5N H3PO4 to g/L

Mol wt . of H3PO4 =98; Eqt wt. = 98/3= 32.67
Ans: 32.67 x 5 = 163.33 g/L

iv. 54.75 g/L HCL to Molarity.

HCl Mol wt. = 36.5
Normality = Molarity= 54.75/36.5 =1.5
v. 3 Molar K2SO4 to g/L
Mol wt of K2SO4 = 174
Ans: 3 x 174 = 522 g/L

IDEAL GASES :
Equation of state:
It is an equation that relates the quantity (mass or moles) and volume of gas to the
gas temperature and pressure.
The simplest and the most widely used is the ideal gas law
PV = nRT
P= Pressure; V=volume; n=no. of moles; R= universal gas constant; T=abs. temp.
 Note:
i. Ideal gas equation is applicable only at low pressure and moderate to high
temperature. At high pressure and low temperature all gases deviate from the
ideal gas equation.
ii. The use of the equation doesn’t require the knowledge of the species of the gas.
1 mole of an ideal gas at 0 oC and 1 atm occupies 22.4 L or 22,400 cc whether
the gas is argon, nitrogen, propane, air or any other. Similarly,1 kg mole occupies
22.4 m3 of volume.
iii. Numerical value of R=PV/nT
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 𝑥 22.4 𝐿
𝑅=
1 𝑔𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑥 273 𝐾
 R= 0.08206 (L . atm/gmole.K)
1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 . 22.4 𝑚3
𝑅=
1 𝑘𝑔𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 . 273 𝐾
R = 0.08206 (m3. atm/ kg mole. K)
𝑁
1.013 𝑥105 . 22.4 𝑚 3
𝑅= 𝑚2
1 𝑘𝑔𝑚𝑜𝑙 . 273 𝐾
R= 8.314 x 103 J/kgmol. K

1. Numerical Value of Universal Gas Constant

R = 0.0820
L.atm m3 .atm cm3 .atm
R = 0.0820 R = 82.056
gmol.K kgmol.K gmol.K
J kJ L.mm Hg
R = 8314 R = 8.314 R = 62.364
kgmol.K kgmol.K gmol.K

Q 16. Determine the volume of tank required to hold 50 kg of CO2 at 95oC and 3.5 atm
gauge pressure when atmospheric pressure is 1 atm.

Ans: PV = nRT
P = 3.5 +1 =4.5 atm , V=? m3, n=50/44 kg moles,
R=0.082 (m3. atm)/ (kg mole. K), T=273+95= 368 K

Substituting 4.5xV= (50/44) 0.082 x 368

V= 7.626 m3

Alt. method:
P=4.5x1.01325x105 N/m2 , V= ?m3, n=50/44 kg moles,
R= 8314 J/(kg mole . K), T=368K
Substituting, 4.5x1.01325x105 x V = 50/44 x 8314 x 368 » V= 7.626 m3
Solved example: Air is approximately 79% N2 and 21 % O2 by volume
Find:
i. Mole % of N2 and O2
ii. Mass % of N2 and O2

Ans: i. Mole % = Volume % for gases (79% N2 and 21% O2)

ii Basis : 100 moles
moles Mwt Mass Mass
(g) %
N2 79 28 2212 76.7
O2 21 32 672 23.3
Σ= 2884 100.0

Avg mol wt of air= Mav= 2884/ 100 = 28.84 ≈ 29

Q 17 A gas mixture has the following composition by volume:
Ethylene = 30.6%, Benzene = 24.5%, O2=1.3%, CH4=15.5%, Ethane=25%, N2=3.1%
i. Find the average molecular wt. of the mixture
ii. Composition by wt.
iii. Density of mixture at NTP

Ans:
Basis: 100 kg moles Vol% = Mol%
Kgmole MWt. Wt. kg Wt%
Ethylene 30.6 28 30.6x28=856.8 856.8/3894.2 =
(C2H4) 21.98 %
Benzene 24.5 78 1911 49.07
O2 1.3 32 41.6 1.068
CH4 15.5 16 248 6.37
Ethane 25 30 750 19.26
(C2H6)
Nitrogen 3.1 28 86.8 2.25
(N2)
Σ= 3894.2 ≈100.00
i. Mav= 3894.2/100 =38.942

iii. PV=nRT

n= PV/RT
n= (mass of sample/ MWt.) = PV/RT
rearranging, (mass of sample/V) = (P. Mwt./ RT)
Density ρ = (P. Mwt./ RT)

Substituting ρ = 1 x 38.942 / 0.082 x 273

= 1.74 kg/m3

Alt method: (1.01325 105 x 38.942)/ (8314 x 273) = 1.74 kg/m3

Q18. Analysis of a sewage gas sample is given below on a volume basis.
CH4 =68%, CO2=30%, NH3=2%. 600 m3/h of this gas at 30oC and 2 atm is flowing
through the pipe. Find the mass flow rate in kg/h.

Ans: Basis: 100 moles

moles Mwt. Mass

CH4 68 16 1088
CO2 30 44 1320
NH3 2 17 34
2442
Mav= 24.42
ρ = (2x24.42) / 0.0825 x 303
= 1.964 kg/ m3

m =Qxρ
m = 600 x 1.964 = 1178.56 kg/h
kg/h m3/h kg/m3
Q 19. By electrolyzing a mixed brine, a mixture of gases is obtained at the cathode
having the following composition by weight %.
Cl2 = 67%, Br2= 28%, O2 =5% Using ideal gas law, calculate:
i. Composition of gas by volume
ii. Density of gas mixture in g/L at 25oC and 740 mm Hg
iii. Specific gravity of the mixture wrt air.
(At. Wt. of Br = 80, Cl= 35.5)

Ans: Basis: 100 kg of the gas mixture

Wt Mol wt. Kg moles mol %
kg
Cl2 67 71 0.9437 0.9473/ 1.275 x
100 =74.03
Br2 28 160 0.175 13.74
O2 5 32 0.156 12.29
Σ= 1.275 Σ= 100.0
b) ρ = PxMav/R T
Mav = 100/ 1.275 = 78.43
= (740/760) x 78.43/ (0.0825 x 298) = 3.123 g/L= 3.123 kg/m3

c) density of air
ρair = PxMav/R T
= (740/760) x 29/ (0.0825 x 298) = 1.15 g/L
s.g. = (ρmix/ ρair) = 3.125/1.15 = 2.717

Q20. A gas mixture having Avg mol wt. of 43 has the following composition by volume CO2=
40%, CO=20%, O2=5% and rest inert gas. What is the mol wt. of the inert gas?
Basis: 100 kg mole
MWt. Kgmol Mass (kg)
CO2 44 40 1760
CO 28 20 560
O2 32 5 160
Inert gas x 35 35x
Σ= 2480+35x
(2480+35x)/100 = 43
Solving, x = 52
Q21. A gas mixture consists of 3 components
Argon = 40 mole% , B= 18.75% by mass,
C=20 mole%
(Mol wt Argon =40, MWt C=50) Find:
i. MWt. of B
ii. Avg. Mol wt. of the mixture

Basis: I kg mole
i. Argon+ C = 0.6 kg mole.
⸫ B= 0.4 kg mole
Mass of B = 0.4 Mwt B
0.4 . 𝑀𝑤𝑡 𝐵
0.1875 =
0.4 . 40 + 0.2 . 50 + 0.4 . 𝑀𝑊𝑡 𝐵

» MWt B = 15
ii. Total mass = 0.4 x 40 + 0.2 x 50 + 0.4MWt B
= 32 kg
Avg. Mol Wt. = 32/1 = 32
Q22. Two engineers are calculating the average MWt. Of a gas mixture containing O2
and other gases. One uses the correct mol.wt. of 32 for O2 and calculates the average
mol wt as 39.2, and the other uses an incorrect value of 16 and determines the avg mol
wt as 32.8. What is the % of O2 in the mixture?
Ans: Hint Mav= ∑𝑖=𝑛 𝑖=1 𝑦𝑖 𝑀𝑖

Let x be the mole frn of O2 and 1-x be the mole frn of other gases.

32 x + (1-x) MWt of other gases = 39.2 ----- (1)

16 x + (1-x) MWt of other gases = 32.8 ------ (2)

(1)- (2) gives

16 x =6.4 » x=0.4 ⸫ %ge of O2 =40%
Q 23. A mixture of gases containing equimolar amounts of ethylene, ethane and
propane is used in a process. Calculate the mass fraction of the mixture and avg. mol.
Wt.

Ans: Basis: 1 mole

MWt Moles Mass g Mass frn
Ethylene 28 0.3333 9.3324 0.2745
Ethane 30 0.3333 9.9999 0.2941
Propane 44 0.3333 14.6652 0.4313
Σ= =33.9975 ≈ ≈ 1.0
34

⸫ Mav = 34
IDEAL GAS MIXTURE
Consider a mixture containing 3 components having nA, nB, nC moles in a volume
V and temperature T and total pressure P.
Partial pressure: (PA or pa)
The pressure that would be exerted by nA moles of A alone in the same total
volume V at the same temperature T.

Pure component volume (vA)

The volume that would be occupied by nA moles of A alone at the total pressure P
and temperature T of the mixture.

PV =nRT ----(1)
pA V = nART -----(2) (At constant volume)

(2)/(1) gives
pA/P = nA /n =yA ---- (3)
pA = yA .P
pB = yB .P
… …..
… …..
(pA +pB +……..pn)= (yA+yB+……) P
= 1. P
(pA +pB +……..pn)= P

Similarly At constant pressure

PV=nRT ---(1)
PvA=nART ---(4)
(4)/(1) gives
vA/V = nA /n = yA ------ (5)
vA = yA . V
vB = yB . V
.. …
.. …
(vA +vB +……..vn)= (yA+yB+……) V

(vA +vB +……..vn)= (1.0) V

Comparing (3) and (5) we get
𝑣𝐴 𝑝𝐴 𝑛𝐴
= =
𝑉 𝑃 𝑛

Note:
Volume fraction = pressure fraction = mole fraction (true for ideal gases only)
Or, volume % = mole %

Important: The above is true only for ideal gas mixtures and not for liquid and
solid mixtures.
Q 24. A mixture of gas analyzing 20% CH4, 50% ethane and rest H2 by volume at a
temperature of 10oC and a pressure of 5 atm, flows through a pipe line at a rate of 600
m3/h. The internal dia of the pipe is 50 mm.
Calculate:
i. Density of the gas mixture
ii. Velocity in the pipeline
iii. Mass flow rate through the pipeline.
iv. Partial pressure of each component
Concentration of each component in kgmol/m3

Ans: Basis : 100 kgmole

kgmole MWt Mass (kg)
CH4 20 16 320
C2H6 50 30 1500
H2 30 2 60
100 Σ= 1880

Mav= 1880/100 = 18.80

 i. ρ = P Mav/ RT
= (5x 18.8)/ (0.08206 x 283)
= 4.05 kg/m3
ii. volumetric flow rate Q = 600 m3/h
Q= 600 m3/h = 600/3600 = 0.166 m3/sec
Q= VA V=Q/A = Q/ (Πd2/4)

0.166
𝑉= 2
Π(502 . 10−3 )
4
V=84.8 m/s

iii. m = Q x ρ
= 600 x 4.05
= 2430 kg/h

iv. P CH4 = y CH4 x P

= 0.2 x 5 =1 atm
P C2H6 = y C2H6 x P
 = 0.5 x 5
= 2.5 atm
P H2 = yH2 x P
= 0.3 x 5
= 1.5 atm
v. Conc. = kgmole/ m3
V = n RT/ P
= (100 x 0.082 x 283)/ 5
= 464.46 m3
20
Conc. Of CH4 = = 0.043 kgmole/ m3
464.46

50
Conc. Of C2H6 = = 0.1076 kgmole/ m3
464.46

30
Conc. Of H2 = = 0.0646 kgmole/ m3
464.46
 van der Waals Equation

𝑎𝑛2
(𝑃 + 2 ) (V − 𝑛𝑏) = 𝑛𝑅𝑇
𝑉
Van der Waals Equation of State for Real Gases
Kinetic theory of ideal gases assumes the gaseous particles as –
1. Point masses without any volume,
(Real gas particles have a definite volume, the volume available for their
movement is not the entire container volume but less. So the available volume is
less than the container volume V)
2. Independent having no interactions.
(Real gas particles do interact. For particles in the bulk the interactions cancel
each other. But, the particles near the walls of the container do face a net inward
force. Since the pressure is due to the force with which molecules hit the walls,
the particles exhibit lower pressure than shown by ideal gases. So a positive
correction term for the pressure term is needed.)
 a 
 P  2  Vm - b   RT
 Vm 

Vm is
molar volume, V is volume, n is the
2 2 𝑅𝑇𝐶
a
27 R T
64 Pc
C
; 𝑏 = 8𝑃𝐶 number of moles, a and b are van der Waals
constants, R is universal gas constant, P is
pressure, T temperature, TC , PC are the critical
nRT an 2
P  2 temperature and pressure respectively.
V  nb  V

 nRT  n2 aV n3ab
V V  nb 
3 2
  0
 P  P P