Question

Solution-1 containing 10% nitric acid flowing at the rate 10 Kg/min combines with Solution-2 containing 40% nitric acid flowing at the rate 5 Kg/min, if their product contains 30% nitric acid, what is the flow rate of product?

(a) 10 Kg/min

(b) 20 Kg/min

(c) 30 Kg/min

(d) 40 Kg/min

The question was asked in an interview.

I'm obligated to ask this question of Problem Solving Strategy in chapter A General Strategy for Solving Material Balance Problems and Solving Material Balance Problems for Single Units of Basic Chemical Engineering

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) 10 Kg/min

The explanation is: Equation of material balance, 0.1(10) + 0.4(5) = 0.3(x), => x = 10 Kg/min.