Changes

The '''general balance equation''' is a fundamental concept of [[chemical engineering]] which is based on the principles of [[conservation of mass]] and [[conservation of energy]]. The general balance equation states that the total or component mass or energy of any system can be modeled by:

The '''general balance equation''' is a fundamental concept of [[chemical engineering]] which is based on the principles of [[conservation of mass]] and conservation of energy. The general balance equation states that the total or component mass or energy of any system can be modeled by:

:In - Out + Generation - Consumption = Accumulation

:In - Out + Generation - Consumption = Accumulation

The equation is used to describe and design almost every [[process unit]] within chemical engineering.

The equation is used to describe and design almost every process unit within chemical engineering.

==Mass Balance==

==Mass Balance==

:In - Out = Accumulation

:In - Out = Accumulation

If the system is also at steady state, then the the equation reduces to:

If the system is also at steady state, then the equation reduces to:

:In = Out

:In = Out

Another way the general balance equation is used is the ''mole balance'', that is, a balance on the number of [[mole]]s of one component of the system. Since each mole of any given [[chemical]] must weigh the same, a mole balance is simply a direct product of the mass balance. However, mole balances still have advantages over mass balances in some situations (for example, if the flow rates are given in moles per time). The same principles used to form mass balances can be used to form mole balances.

Another way the general balance equation is used is the ''mole balance'', that is, a balance on the number of [[mole]]s of one component of the system. Since each mole of any given [[chemical]] must weigh the same, a mole balance is simply a direct product of the mass balance. However, mole balances still have advantages over mass balances in some situations (for example, if the flow rates are given in moles per time). The same principles used to form mass balances can be used to form mole balances.

[[category:Chemical Engineering]]

[[Category:Chemical Engineering]]