A petrochemical plant in Island C produces formaldehyde (CH2O) industrially by the catalytic oxidation of methanol (CH3OH). The following is the chemical reaction:
CH3OH + ½O2 → CH2O + H2O --- (1)
Unfortunately, a significant portion of the formaldehyde will react with oxygen to produce CO
and H2O. The following is the side reaction:
CH2O + ½O2 → CO + H2O --- (2)
Assume twice the stoichiometric amount of air needed for oxidation (all chemical reactions) is
fed to the reactor. The conversion of methanol is 90% in the reactor. The outlet stream of the
reactor was analysed and found to be 150 kg/hr of formaldehyde, 30 kg/hr of CO and other
components.(i) Determine the mass flowrate (kg/hr) of Stream A. (ii) Determine the molar flowrate (kg-moles/hr) of Stream B (iii) Determine the mass flowrate (kg/hr) of water in the outlet stream.