An exhaust stream exits a plant at 1 atm and 160˚C at a rate of 1 m3/hr. Unfortunately, it includes 60,000 ppm of heptane, which was used as a solvent. Not only will this heptane contribute to ozone formation upon release, but this solvent costs $1.80 / L. The lost solvent, which has a specific gravity of 0.7, must be replaced when it exits in the exhaust. Consider proposing a cost-benefit analysis to the plant manager. One solution is to cool the exhaust stream, which requires energy and equipment. To recover 35% of the heptane before it is released to the atmosphere, what temperature would the exhaust need to be before exiting? How much money could the proposed equipment and operation cost per day while still breaking even?

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To perform a costbenefit analysis we need to calculate the cost of the proposed solution cooling the exhaust stream and compare it to the benefits of reducing heptane emissions Benefits 1 Reduced envi... View the full answer