Thermodynamics: Addition of saturated steam to closed tank

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a thermodynamics problem involving the addition of saturated steam to a closed tank containing water in both liquid and vapor phases. Participants explore the implications of enthalpy changes, mass flow, and energy balances in a well-insulated system as the pressure changes from an initial state to a final state.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 outlines the initial conditions of the tank, including volume, mass of water, and temperature, and presents equations related to mass and enthalpy.
  • Post 2 indicates that the author has derived multiple equations but finds the problem overly complicated, seeking assistance in simplifying the approach.
  • Post 3 suggests a different approach by focusing on the conservation of enthalpy, proposing that the final enthalpy can be expressed as the sum of the initial enthalpy and the enthalpy added by the incoming steam.
  • Post 4 reiterates the enthalpy approach but challenges the characterization of the system as closed, arguing that the addition of steam introduces a transient state, thus affecting the energy balance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate method to solve the problem, particularly regarding the treatment of the system as closed versus transient. There is no consensus on the best approach to take, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of the problem, with multiple equations and unknowns involved. There is uncertainty regarding the correct application of energy balance principles and the implications of the system's changing state.

staceybiomed
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Homework Statement


A well-insulated closed tank is of volume 70 m^3. Initially, it contains 25000 kg of water distributed between liquid and vapor phases at 30 deg C. Saturated steam at 11 bar is admitted to the tank until pressure reaches 7 bar. What mass of steam is added?


Homework Equations


m' = m2 - m1 (where m' is mass of steam, m2 is final mass in tank and m1 is initial mass in tank, m1 = 25000 kg)
m2H2 - (m1H1 + m'H') = 0
m2/m1 = (U1 - H')/(U2 - H') = (H' -U1)/(H' - U2)


The Attempt at a Solution


Q = 0 if well insulated
Assume W = 0
Kinetic and potential energies can be ignored
V(tank) = constant and is taken to be the control volume
H' = 2779.7 kJ/kg (from steam tables)

I know m1 and H'. I thought if volume of tank is constant than i can calculate P1 from P1V1=P2V2 but then that just gives me that the pressure is constant too. I need to figure out the enthalpies of the contents in the tank before and after the addition of the sat. steam and then I should be okay. Can anyone help? Thanks!
 
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I have since worked further on this problem and ended up with 5 equations, 5 unknowns but it just seems too complicated for this problem. Can anybody help?

m2 = m' + m1 = m' + 25000 = m(Liquid)2 + m(Vapor)2 (at 7 bar)
m(L)2*V(L)2 + m(V)2*V(V)2 = 70 m^3, where V(L)2=0.1108 & V(V)2=0.2727
H2 = m(V)2*H(V)2 + m(L)2*H(L)2, where H(V)2=2762 & H(L)2=697.061
m1H1 +m'H' = m2H2, where m1=25000, H'=2779.7
H1=m(V)1*H(V)1 + m(L)1*H(L)1 = 3.146 x 10^6 kJ
 
I think you went down the wrong road with this problem. I would approach this problem by simply adding up the enthalpy H. You know the enthalpy of the original contents and the incoming enthalpy. You also know the enthalpy of the final state. Since the system is closed, it should be a simple relation of;

Hf = Hi + Hadded

H = h*m

Since you know the condition of enthalpy added, you just have to reverse calculate to get your mass.
 
Topher925 said:
I think you went down the wrong road with this problem. I would approach this problem by simply adding up the enthalpy H. You know the enthalpy of the original contents and the incoming enthalpy. You also know the enthalpy of the final state. Since the system is closed, it should be a simple relation of;

Hf = Hi + Hadded

H = h*m

Since you know the condition of enthalpy added, you just have to reverse calculate to get your mass.

The system is not closed (initially it is, but then steam is allow to enter it). It is a control volume since there is a mass flow coming into the tank. This also makes it a transient system so the RHS of the energy balance is not zero as it is for a steady flow.

CS
 

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