How to Calculate the Heat Needed to Produce Isobutane

This text describes a process for manufacturing isobutane from isomerization of n-butane. The first step is to compress the feed stream of n-butane from 9.47 bar and 80°C to 18.9 bar and 120°C. The work supplied to the compressor is 2100 J/mol. The heat that needs to be supplied into the unit per mole of n-butane that passes through is calculated using the Redlich-Kwong equation of state.

Questions

• What is the first step in manufacturing isobutane from isomerization of n-butane?
• What are the initial and final conditions of the feed stream of n-butane?
• How much work is supplied to the compressor?
• What is the heat that needs to be supplied into the unit per mole of n-butane that passes through?

Answers

• The first step in manufacturing isobutane from isomerization of n-butane is to compress the feed stream of n-butane.
• The initial conditions of the feed stream of n-butane are 9.47 bar and 80°C. The final conditions are 18.9 bar and 120°C.
• The work supplied to the compressor is 2100 J/mol.
• The heat that needs to be supplied into the unit per mole of n-butane that passes through is 19810.55 J/mol.