For the styrene production process given in Project B.3 in Appendix B, do the following:

1. Construct a process conditions matrix (PCM) for the process, and determine all conditions of special concern.

2. Explain the reasons for using the conditions of special concern in the reactor.

3. Suggest any process alternatives for Part (b). 

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The process flow diagram is shown in Figure B.3.1. Ethylbenzene feed is mixed with recycled ethylbenzene, heated, and then mixed with high-temperature, superheated steam. Steam is an inert in the reaction, which drives the equilibrium shown in Equation (B.3.1) to the right by reducing the concentrations of all components. Because styrene formation is highly endothermic, the superheated steam also provides energy to drive the reaction forward. Decomposition of ethylbenzene to benzene and ethylene, and hydrodealkylation to give methane and toluene, are unwanted side reactions shown in Equations (B.3.2) and (B.3.3). The reactants then enter two adiabatic packed beds with interheating. The products are cooled, producing steam from the high-temperature reactor effluent. The cooled product stream is sent to a three-phase separator, in which light gases (hydrogen, methane, ethylene), organic liquid, and water exit in separate streams. The hydrogen stream is further purified as a source of hydrogen elsewhere in the plant. The benzene/toluene stream is currently returned as a feed stream to the petrochemical facility. The organic stream containing the desired product is distilled once to remove the benzene and toluene and distilled again to separate unreacted ethylbenzene for recycle from the styrene product.