The steam reforming of natural gas into syngas features the gas phase reaction: 

which has an equilibrium constant K₁₀₀₀ = 26.6 (Lu, 2010). This reaction is to be carried out in a sealed reaction vessel (Figure 14-4) that has a constant T = 1000 K and a constant pressure. The reactor initially contains 5 moles each of methane and water vapor, and no carbon monoxide or hydrogen. For each of the following cases, find the extent of reaction at equilibrium.

A. The reactor has constant P = 1.0 bar. 

B. The reactor has constant P = 0.2 bar. 

C. The reactor has constant P = 1.0 bar, and initially contains 40 moles of nitrogen in addition to the methane and water vapor

Figure 14‑4.

Transcribed Image Text:

CH₂ + H₂O → CO + 3H₂ 4