Question

A reactor is supplied with two steams with equal flow rates, stream-1 containing 75% SO2, 25% N2 and stream-2 containing pure H2S, if the product has 1200 grams of S, and the ratio of H2S to H2O is 5 and the ratio of SO2 to H2S is 2, what is percentage of Sulfur in the product?

(a) 23%

(b) 47%

(c) 61%

(d) 84%

This question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

I would like to ask this question from Species Material Balances in section The Chemical Reaction Equation & Stoichometry, Material Balances for Processes Involving Reaction and Multiple Units of Basic Chemical Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) 61%

Easiest explanation: The reaction is 2H2S + SO2 -> 3S + H2O, => extent of reaction, E = (1200/32)/3 = 12.5, Let the rate be F. nSO2p = 2nH2Sp, => 0.75F – E = 2(F – 2E), => 1.25F = 3(12.5), => F = 30 moles. => Moles of SO2 = 0.75F – E = 10, moles of H2S = F – 2E = 5, moles of N2 = 7.5, moles of S = 37.5, moles of H2O = 1, => percentage of sulfur = 61%.