4. Propylene and hydrogen are produced from the dehydrogenation of propane in a

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.