Sample Problem 2: Yield of Na₂CO₃·10H₂O Crystals
This page focuses on a problem involving the crystallization of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) from a cooling process. The problem demonstrates how to calculate theoretical yield and actual yield of crystals when a solution of Na₂CO₃ is cooled and partially evaporated.
The solution method follows a systematic approach, starting with the given information about the initial solution composition and conditions. It then applies mass balance principles to determine the masses of liquid, vapor, and crystal phases. The problem introduces the concept of partial evaporation during cooling, which adds complexity to the calculation.
Definition: Theoretical yield - The maximum amount of product that can be produced based on the limiting reagent in a chemical reaction or process.
Example: The problem calculates the yield of Na₂CO₃·10H₂O crystals when 5000 kg of a 12.5% Na₂CO₃ solution is cooled and 5% of the water evaporates.
The solution demonstrates how to calculate yield percentage in production by comparing the amount of Na₂CO₃ in the crystals to the initial amount in the feed solution. This approach is essential for understanding the efficiency of industrial crystallization processes.
Highlight: The problem illustrates the importance of considering both anhydrous and hydrated forms of the compound when calculating yields in crystallization processes.






























