Formaldehyde is produced commercially by the catalytic oxidation of methanol. In a side reaction, methanol is oxidized to CO₂.

A mixture containing 55.6 mole% methanol and the balance oxygen enters a reactor at 350°C and 1 atm at a rate of 4:60 × 10⁴ L/s. The reaction products emerge at the same temperature and pressure at a rate of 6:26 × 10⁴ L/s. An analysis of the products yields a molar composition of 36.7% CH₂O, 4.1% CO₂, 14.3% O₂, and 44.9% H₂O. The required reactor cooling rate is calculated to be 1:05 × 10⁵ kW.

(a) Is the calculated cooling rate correct for the given stream data?

(b) The stream data cannot be correct. Prove it.

Transcribed Image Text:

CH3OH + 02 → CH2O + H2O CH3OH + 02 CO, + 2H2O →