A liquid stream of total molar flow rate 100 lbmole/h that contains 0.20 mole A/mole solvent must be reduced to 0.050 moles A/moles solvent. It is proposed to use a packed tower for this purpose. A 100% air stream (no solute A) is introduced into the bottom of the tower, and contacts the liquid stream in counter current flow. Equilibrium mole ratio distribution data at the temperature and pressure of operation are provided below.
a. Determine the required inlet air molar flow rate at 1.4 times the operable minimum (1.4 AG_s,min)and the mole fraction of solute A in the exiting gas stream.
b. Plot out the equilibrium line and the operating lines in both mole ratio and mole fraction coordinates. Is the operating line in mole fraction coordinates curved? Equilibrium distribution data for solute A in the solvent, as mole ratios: