A stream of oxygen enters a compressor at a rate of 200 SCMH. The oxygen exits at 360 K and 500 bar. Determine the volumetric flowrate exiting the compressor using the compressibility factor equation of state.

≈ 0.516 m^3/hr

Explanation:

Inlet of compressor = 200 SCMH

sheer standard conditions = 1 atm and 288.5 K

For oxygen :

critical pressure(Pc) = 49.8 atm

critical temperature Tc = 154.6 K

hence at compressor inlet

Tr = T / Tc = 288.5/154.6 = 1.866

Pr = P / Pc = 1 / 49.8 = 0.0204

Z1 ( from compressibility chart ) = 0.98

at compressor outlet

P2 = 500 bar = 500*0.9869 = 493.45 atm  , T2 = 360 k

hence : Pr = P / Pc = 493.45 / 49.8 = 9.91

            Tr = T / Tc = 360 / 154.6 = 2.33

Z2 ( from compressibility chart ) ≈ 1

V2( volumetric flow rate ) = V1*(P₁Z₂T₂) / (P₂Z₁T₁)

                                         = 200 ( 1 * 1* 360) / (493.45 *0.98*288.5)

                                         = 0.516 m^3/hr