Formula Used:
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Definition: The Solute Free Mole Fraction of Gas in Inlet is the mole fraction of the Solute in the Gas stream entering the column on solute free basis.
Purpose: This calculation is essential in absorption and stripping processes in chemical engineering to determine the actual concentration of solute in the gas phase.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts the regular mole fraction (which includes the solute in the total) to a solute-free basis by excluding the solute from the denominator.
Details: Using solute-free basis simplifies mass balance calculations in absorption towers as the carrier gas flow rate remains constant throughout the column.
Tips: Enter the gas inlet mole fraction (must be between 0 and 1). The calculator will automatically compute the solute-free mole fraction.
Q1: Why use solute-free basis instead of regular mole fraction?
A: Solute-free basis simplifies calculations because the carrier gas flow rate remains constant, while total gas flow changes as solute is absorbed.
Q2: What's the range of valid input values?
A: The gas inlet mole fraction must be between 0 (no solute) and 1 (pure solute, which would make the denominator zero).
Q3: When is this calculation most useful?
A: Primarily in absorption and stripping column design and operation in chemical engineering processes.
Q4: How does this relate to liquid-phase calculations?
A: Similar solute-free basis calculations can be done for the liquid phase, but using solvent-free basis instead.
Q5: What happens when yN+1 approaches 1?
A: As the mole fraction approaches 1, the solute-free mole fraction approaches infinity, which is physically unrealistic for absorption processes.