Chemical Engineering Practice Test: Solving Material Balance Problems and Solving Material Balance Problems for Single Units — Flashcards

Here are some steps for solving material balance problems:
Draw a diagram: Sketch a simple diagram of the process.
Write chemical equations: If applicable, write the chemical equations involved.
Select a basis: Choose a basis for calculation.
Make a material balance: Generate material balance equations by making the overall material balance and individual material balances of components involved. Then, solve them simultaneously.
Label the process flow chart: Draw and label the process flow chart (block diagram). When labeling, write the values of known streams and assign symbols to unknown stream variables.
Use a table: Keep track of information using a table.
Use matrix algebra: Matrix algebra, also known as linear algebra, is well suited to solving material balance problems. 
Material balance problems can be solved by listing and solving a series of equations, or by use of a table where information is kept track of. 
 

Related Test: Chemical Engineering Practice Test: Material Balances