Question

Why a Flash tank is used in soap manufacturing unit?

(a) To remove impurities

(b) To add alkali

(c) To add excess steam

(d) To remove excess steam

This question was addressed to me during an interview.

Enquiry is from Natural Products in chapter Natural Products of Chemical Technology

Answer 1

Right choice is (d) To remove excess steam

The explanation is: The fatty acids produced in the hydrolysis tower are sent into a flash tank where the removal of excess steam takes place. Then the crude fatty acids are sent into vacuum still for further operations.