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Project Styrene

This document describes the production of styrene via the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Key points include: (1) Styrene is primarily used to produce polystyrene for various packaging applications; (2) The main reaction converts ethylbenzene to styrene and hydrogen gas while a side reaction produces coke; (3) Adding steam can eliminate coke formation by converting carbon to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Students are assigned a project to analyze how process conditions like water flow rate and reactor temperature/pressure impact the economics and profitability of styrene production.

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Renzo Jose Canro Calderon
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72 views

Project Styrene

This document describes the production of styrene via the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. Key points include: (1) Styrene is primarily used to produce polystyrene for various packaging applications; (2) The main reaction converts ethylbenzene to styrene and hydrogen gas while a side reaction produces coke; (3) Adding steam can eliminate coke formation by converting carbon to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Students are assigned a project to analyze how process conditions like water flow rate and reactor temperature/pressure impact the economics and profitability of styrene production.

Uploaded by

Renzo Jose Canro Calderon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Styrene Production

+ H2

Ethylbenzene Styrene

• Styrene – used primarily as a monomer for the


production of polystyrene (solid or foamed)
• Polystyrene used for packing peanuts, CD/DVD cases,
containers, lids, bottles, trays, etc.
Styrene Production

Ethylbenzene

4 H2, CO2, 6
H2O

1 2 3
CSTR
Ethylbenzene

5 7

Styrene
Styrene Production

• Main reaction:
C6H5-CH2CH3  C6H5-CH=CH2 + H2

• Side reaction (coking):


C6H5-CH2CH3  8 C + 5 H2

• Eliminate carbon deposition using steam:


C + 2 H2O  CO2 + 2 H2
Project - Styrene Production

Ethylbenzene
4 H2, CO2, 6
H2O
1 2 3
CSTR
Ethylbenzene

5 7

Styrene
What’s different from Problem Set 6:
• No information on H2O flow rate into system
• No information on conversion or selectivity
• Goal is to maximize profit
CHE 210 - Project
• Preliminary economic analysis
- What are the effects of the H2O flow rate and reactor conditions
(temperature and pressure) on the overall economics of the
process?
- How much profit can you make by selling styrene?
- How can you maximize the profit?
- Is this an attractive economic opportunity for your company?
• Suggested organization
- Executive Summary – key conclusions / recommendations
- Introduction – overview of project assignment
- Main Body – results, effects of key variables, graphs
- Appendices – supporting information
Comments / Advice
Treat project as a work assignment on your first job
• You need to cite sources of data and other
information as appropriate – plagiarism is clearly
unacceptable
• You should ask questions of me or the IAs as you
would ask questions of your boss / supervisor –
coming into my office saying “I don’t know what to
do” is not a good way to make a positive impression
on your supervisor
• Each student will have a slightly different set of
criteria: feed properties (flow rate, temperature,
pressure) and styrene purity
Comments / Advice
Treat project as a work assignment on your first job
• You need to cite sources of data and other
information as appropriate – plagiarism is clearly
unacceptable
• You should ask questions of me or the IAs as you
would ask questions of your boss / supervisor –
coming into my office saying “I don’t know what to
do” is not a good way to make a positive impression
on your supervisor
Grading: 15 points for technical accuracy / scope
5 points for overall quality
Due – Sunday, December 8th

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