As shown in the diagram below, plans call for supplying a processing facility from a tank of liquid nitrogen (specific gravity = 0.81) at its normal boiling point (-350°F) and 1 atm. Nitrogen vapor leaves the tank and is compressed and heated to obtain the desired conditions, 150°F and 600 psia. At the outlet the flow meter records a rate of 150 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute).
a. Using the ideal gas law, determine the actual volumetric flow rate of heated and compressed nitrogen.
b. Using the generalized compressibility charts, determine the actual volumetric flow rate. Assuming this answer is the correct, what is the % error of the answer from part a)?
Compressor Heater
Liquid nitrogen
600 psia, 150°F