Sample Problem #3:

Water is to be used in a single equilibrium

stage to dissolve 1,350 kg/h of Na2CO3 from
3,750 kg/h of a solid, where the balance is an
insoluble oxide. If 4,000 kg/h of water is used
and the underflow from the stage is 40 wt%
solvent on a solute-free basis, compute the
flow rates and compositions of the overflow
and underflow.

Solution:

4000 kg/h
V0 V1
SLE
L0 L1
3750 kg/h 40wt% solvent
1350 kg/h Na2CO3 (solute-free)

 inert = 3750 – 1350 = 2400 kg/h

Prob4.53 Seader
Solution (contd):

 Equilibrium condition:
1350
y1A   0.25
1350  4000

 Inert balance:
2400 = (1 – 0.4)(1 - x1A )L1
= 0.6)(1 - x )L1 1
A (1)

 Solute balance:
x L = x L + y V
0 1 1
0 A
1 1 A A

1350 = x L1 + 0.25V1 1
A (2)

 Total balance:
V1 + L1 = V0 + L0
V1 + L1 = 4000 + 3750 = 7750 (3)

 Solving (1)-(3):
L1 = 4540 kg/h
V1 = 3210 kg/h
x = 0.12
1
A

Prob4.53 Seader