For the methanol synthesis process illustrated in Fig. 4-1, Example 1, assume that there are algorithms for calculating the outputs of each process unit from the inputs. Determine how many stream variables must be specified and decide what these should be so that a unique solution exists for the mass and energy balances. Identify all recycle loops, tear streams for these loops, and a calculation sequence.

Example 1

Estimation of fixed-capital investment using ranges of process-plant component costs. Make a study estimate of the fixed-capital investment for a process plant if the purchased-equipment cost is $100,000. Use the ranges of process-plant component cost outlined in Table 4 for a process plant handling both solids and fluids with a high degree of automatic controls and essentially outdoor operation.