gas-phase flow reactor. Nitrogen is used to dilute the feed. The reaction
temperature and pressure are 298 K and 3 bar. It is desired to increase the yield
of the reaction.
a. Describe how and why you would change the following parameters to
increase the equilibrium yield:
i. Temperature
ii. Pressure
iii. Mole fraction of nitrogen in the feed
b. One colleague suggests the use of a membrane reactor. In these reactors,
hydrogen that is produced continuously diffuses through small pores in the
reactor walls, and is removed from the reactor. Propane and propylene
are unable to penetrate the pores. The colleague claims that the
membrane reactor will increase the equilibrium extent of propane reaction.
Are they correct? Explain.