Calculating Flow Rates in a Continuous Vacuum Evaporator

In summary, using a mass balance table, the flowrate of the product stream from the evaporator is 22 kg/h and the flowrate of the vapor stream is 48 kg/h. The amount of cooling water needed is 1380.15 kg/h, calculated using the latent heat of the process steam and the temperature difference between the feed and the product.
  • #1
tweety1234
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Homework Statement



In an experimental study, slurry is being concentrated in a continuous vacuum evaporator at a
rate of 70 kg/hour. The feed material has a temperature of 16°C and a total solids content of
11%. A product of 35% total solids is withdrawn at a temperature of 42°C. The evaporator
operates at a pressure of 7.375 kPa and removes vapour at 40°C. This vapour is fed to a
condenser, from which condensate at 40°C is removed.
i) Using a mass balance table over the evaporator, calculate the flowrates of the
product and vapour streams.

I have attached a diagram, for this question, I am stuck on how to calculate the flow rate.

there is 70kg/h of feed going into the evaporator, of which 11% is solids, so that's 7.7kg/h of solids, and so 62.3kg/h of liquid in the feed.

so now how do I calculate the amount of water in the vapour stream and the amount of solids in the product? I intially thought you just work out 35% of the 70kg/h feed for the product, since it says there is 35% solids in the product, but this is not correct.

Can someone please show/explain how to work out the flow rate of the product tream and vapour stream.

Thank you.
 

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  • #2
Start out with a solids balance on the evaporator
[tex]0.11 \left(70 \frac{kg}{h} \right) = 0.35 F_3[/tex]
[tex]F_3 = 70 \frac{kg}{h} \left( \frac{0.11}{0.35} \right) = 22 \frac{kg}{h}[/tex]
This is the product stream flowrate. Now, we do an overall mass balance on the evaporator
[tex]F_1 = F_2 + F_3[/tex]
[tex]F_2 = 70 \frac{kg}{h} - 22 \frac{kg}{h} = 48 \frac{kg}{h}[/tex]
This is the vapor stream flowrate. There's not enough info to calculate the heat input of the evaporator (4), but we can calculate the mass flowrate of cooling water (F6 = F7). We get the latent heat of the process steam from saturated steam tables
[tex]h_{fg} = 2406.06 \frac{kJ}{kg}[/tex]
Then, we calculate the mass flowrate of water using the following equation
[tex]Q = \dot{m} c \Delta T[/tex]
[tex]F_6 = F_7 = \frac{h_{fg} F_2}{c \Delta T} = \frac{ \left(2406.06 \frac{kJ}{kg} \right) \left(48 \frac{kg}{h} \right)}{\left(4.184 \frac{kJ}{kg \cdot K} \right)(30°C - 10°C)} = 1380.15 \frac{kg}{h}[/tex]
 

1. How do you calculate the flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator?

The flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator can be calculated by dividing the volume of liquid evaporated by the time it takes for the liquid to evaporate.

2. What factors affect the flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator?

The flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator is affected by several factors, including the temperature and pressure of the system, the viscosity of the liquid, and the size and design of the evaporator.

3. Can the flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator be controlled?

Yes, the flow rate in a continuous vacuum evaporator can be controlled by adjusting the temperature and pressure of the system, as well as the size and design of the evaporator. Additionally, the flow rate can also be controlled by varying the feed rate of the liquid.

4. How does a continuous vacuum evaporator work?

A continuous vacuum evaporator works by heating a liquid in a vacuum chamber, causing it to evaporate and leave behind a more concentrated solution. The evaporated liquid is then condensed and collected, while the concentrated solution is removed from the evaporator.

5. What are the benefits of using a continuous vacuum evaporator?

Using a continuous vacuum evaporator offers several benefits, including a faster and more efficient evaporation process, reduced energy consumption, and the ability to produce a more concentrated and higher quality end product.

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