ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY – UNIT 4 QUESTION BANK (Water Treatment and Fuels)

UNIT 4 (Hardness of water, Fuels and Combustion)

SHORT QUESTIONS

Q1. Define Hardness. Why is it conventional to express hardness in terms of CaCO 3 at the international level?
Write other units also. OR Why hardness of water is expressed in terms of CaCO 3 equivalents. Give different
units of hardness with their interrelation. (2018-19, 2015-16)
Ans. Hardness is defined as soap consuming property which is due to excess amount of salts of calcium,
magnesium and other elements dissolved in water.
Hardness of water is expressed in terms of CaCO3 because of the following reasons:
1. Molecular weight of CaCO3 is 100 (Equivalent wt is 50) which makes the calculation easy.
2. CaCO3 is most insoluble salt that can be precipitated in water treatment.
Units of hardness:
1. Parts per million (ppm)
2. Milligrams per litre (mg/L)
3. Degree french (°F)
4. Degree Clarke (°Cl)
1ppm = 1mg/L = 0.1°F = 0.07°Cl

Q2. Show with the help of reactions how scale formation can be prevented by calgon conditioning. OR What
is calgon conditioning? Explain.(2018-19, 2017-18)
Ans. Calgon Conditioning: Calgon means calcium gone.
Sodium hexa-meta phosphate Na2[Na4P6O18] is called calgon.
It reacts with calcium ion and forms a water soluble compound.
Na2[Na4P6O18]→ 2Na+ [Na4P6O18]-2
2CaSO4+ [Na4P6O18]-2 → [Ca2P6O18]-2 + 2Na2SO4
(Soluble complex ion)

Q3. Explain why value of GCV is greater than NCV? (2018-19, 2011-12)
Ans. In GCV latent heat of steam is also included whereas NCV is calculated as:
NCV = GCV - % H x .09 x Latent heat of steam
It clearly shows that GCV is greater than NCV.

Q4.Why does magnesium bicarbonate requires double the amount of lime for softening as compared to
calcium bicarbonate? (2018-19)
Ans. Ca(HCO3)2+ Ca(OH)2 → 2CaCO3 + 2H2O

Mg(HCO3)2 + 2Ca(OH)2 → Mg(OH)2 + 2CaCO3 + 2H2O

Q5. Explain when will the value of GCV=NCV? (2017-18)

Ans. LCV will be equal to GCV when the percentage of hydrogen is zero.
LCV = GCV – 0.09(%H) x Latent heat of steam
LCV = GCV – 0.09 (0) x Latent heat of steam

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LCV = GCV – 0
LCV = GCV

Q6. Define Gross Calorific Value and Net Calorific Value. (2017-18, 2016-17, 2014-15)
Ans. Higher or gross calorific value: HCV is “the total amount of heat produced, when unit mass/volume of the
fuel has been burnt completely and the products of combustion have been cooled to room temperature”(i.e.,
15°C or 60°F).
Lower or net calorific : LCV is “the net heat produced, when unit mass /volume of the fuel is burnt completely
and the products are permitted to escape”.
NCV = GCV - % H x .09 x Latent heat of steam

Q7.How many types of hardness is there? OR What is meant by temporary and permanent hardness? How
can they be removed? OR What is permanent hardness? Write the constituents responsible for it. (2015-16,
2014-15)
Ans. There are two types of hardness: Temporary hardness and permanent hardness.
Temporary hardness : Hardness in water due to presence of bicarbonates and carbonates of calcium and
magnesium is known as Temporary hardness. It can be removed by mere boiling of water.

Δ
Ca(HCO3)2 CaCO3 + H2O +CO2
Insoluble ppt
Δ
Mg(HCO3)2 Mg(OH)2 + 2CO2
insoluble ppt

Permanent hardness : Hardness in water due to presence of chlorides, and sulphates of calcium and
magnesium and traces of other heavy metal ion is known as permanent hardness.
It cannot be removed by boiling of water and requires certain special treatment methods like Zeolite
method, Ion exchange process, Lime soda process etc.

Q8. How boiling removes the temporary hardness?

Ans. On boiling all the bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water which are responsible for
temporary hardness are converted into their insoluble carbonates which can be easily filtered off.

Δ
Ca(HCO3)2 CaCO3 + H2O +CO2
Insoluble ppt
Δ
Mg(HCO3)2 Mg(OH)2 + 2CO2
Insoluble ppt

Q9. Distinguish between scales and sludges. OR Describe sludge and scales OR
Explain the process of scale and sludge formation in boilers. How can this be prevented? (2016-17, 2014-15)
Ans.
Sludge Scale
It is soft, loose and slimy precipitate. It forms hard deposits.
They form non-adherent deposits and can be They stick firmly to the inner surface of the
easily removed. boiler and are very difficult to remove.
They are formed by substances like CaCl2, They are formed by substances like CaSO4,

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MgCl2, MgSO4, MgCO3, etc. Mg(OH)2 etc.

They are formed at comparatively colder They are formed at heated portions of the boiler.
portions of the boiler.
They decrease efficiency of boiler but are less They decrease efficiency of boiler and chances of
dangerous. explosion are also there.
They can be removed by blow down They can’t be removed by blow down operation.
operation.

Q10. Why is calgon conditioning better than phosphate conditioning? (2018-19, 2017-18, 2015-16, 2012-13)
Ans. In calgon Conditioning, the added calgon forms soluble complex compound with CaSo4, thereby it prevents the
scale and sludge formation in water.
Na₂[Na₄(PO₃)₆] 2Na⁺ + [Na4(PO₃]₆²⁻
2CaSO4 + [Na₄(PO3)₆]²⁻ [Ca₂(PO₃)₆²⁻ + 2 Na₂SO4
This soluble complex does not cause any problem in boilers. On the other hand, in phosphate conditioning,
Sodium phosphate is added to the boiler water so that precipitate of calcium phosphate is formed, which forms
sludge and needs frequent blow down operations to remove it.

Q11. What is meant by calorific value of a fuel? What are its units? (2015-16, 2014-15)
Ans. Calorific value of a fuel is “the total quantity of heat liberated, when a unit mass (or volume) of the fuel is
burnt completely.” Its units are: calorie, Kilo Calorie, BTU (British Thermal Units)

Q12. Define the following terms: Water recovery and Solute rejection. (2012-13)
Ans. The terms water recovery and solute rejection are used with reference to Reverse Osmosis.
Water Recovery: It means that in reverse osmosis the pure water is recovered by applying hydrostatic pressure,
more than osmotic pressure on the side of impure water. The pure water is forced to move on the other side of
semi permeable membrane leaving behind the dissolved salts and impurities.
Solute Rejection: In reverse osmosis the solute is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the
pure solvent is allowed to pass to the other side. The solute is thus rejected.

Q13. What is Langelire index (LI)? Mention its significance. (2012-13)

Ans. The Langelire index (LI) is the difference between the actual (measured) pH and the calculated pH of
water. It gives an approximate measure of the degree of saturation of calcium carbonate in water.
Significance: The sign and magnitude of the Langelier index show the water’s tendency to form or dissolve scale
and thus to inhibit or encourage corrosion.

Q14. Name different forms of coal and arrange them in ascending order of %carbon. (2011-12)
Ans.
Types of coal Wood Peat Lignite Bituminous Anthracite
Percentage of carbon 50 50-60 60-70 80-90 90-98
-
Q14. What do you mean by caustic embrittlement? (2014-15)
Ans. . Caustic embrittlement:-
The formation of cracks in boilers due to NaOH is called caustic embrittlement.
Prevention of caustic embrittlement:-
a) By using sodium phosphate or sodium sulphate for softening instead of Na2CO3.

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b) By adding tannin or lignin to boiler water.

Q15. Why should an ideal fuel have moderate ignition temperature? (2014-15)
Ans. Ignition Temperature: It is the minimum temperature at which fuel catches fire or ignite.
An ideal fuel must have moderate ignition temperature as if would have too high ignition temperature it would
not catch fire easily and will be difficult to ignite. On the other hand if ignition temperature is too low then there
would be chances of accidents as it would catch fire even at room temperature.

Q16. Chemical formula of zeolite is Na2O.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O (2010-11)

Q17. Relation between HCV and LCV is: LCV = HCV – 0.09HL (2010-11)

Q18. Hard water does not give lather with soap because it forms scum (a white curdy precipitate).(2009-10)

Q19. Hardness of water is expressed in terms of equivalent of CaCO3. (2009-10)

Q20. Why zeolite softener is not recommended for obtaining feed water for high pressure boilers? (2017-
18)
Ans. Water obtained through zeolite softener has high amount of sodium salts which is not suitable for high
pressure boilers.

Q21. What is coal? On what basis the coal should be classified? (2013-14)
Ans. Coal is a carbonaceous material. It is a fossil fuel that is made by the debris of wood and vegetable remains
buried under the earth for millions of year.
Coal is classified on the basis of elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and on the basis of
volatile matter, moisture, and ash content present in coal.

Q22. Hard water does not give lather with soap because it forms A white curdy precipitate known as scum.
(2009-10)

Q23. Why soap does not give lather with hard water? Write chemical reaction in support of your answer.
(2011-12)
Ans. Hard water does not give lather with soap because soap reacts with calcium and magnesium salts present in
water to give white curdy precipitate known as scum.

Ca++/Mg++ + 2C17H35COONa (C17H35COO)2Ca / (C17H35COO)2Mg + 2Na+

Soap (sodium stearate) Calcium stearate / Magnesium stearate
Scum (white curdy ppt)

LONG ANSWERS
Q1. With the help of neat diagram, explain the working of bomb calorimeter. OR
How the calorific value of solid fuel is determined using bomb calorimeter? (2018-19, 2017-18, 2015-16)

Ans. BOMB CALORIMETER:

Principle: A known amount of the fuel is burnt in excess of oxygen and heat liberated is transferred to a known
amount of water. The calorific value of the fuel is then determined by applying the principle of calorimetery i.e.
Heat gained = Heat lost

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Construction: Bomb calorimeter consists of:

1. A strong stainless steel pot fitted with a lid.
2. Two electrodes
3. One oxygen inlet.
4. One of the electrodes is attached to the crucible having fuel.
5. Fuel sample is weighed and burnt in high pressure oxygen (25-30 atm).
6. Stainless steel or copper calorimeter.
7. Stirrer for uniform circulation of water.
8. Beckmann thermometer (0.01oC changes in temperature can be easily
9. Water and air jackets to avoid heat losses.
10. 6 V battery to start combustion of fuel.

BOMB CALORIMETER

Working of bomb calorimeter:

1. Weigh fuel sample and keep it in crucible.
2. Fix the lid tightly of bomb pot.
3. Fill the bomb with oxygen (25-30 atm pressure).
4. Place the bomb in calorimeter.
5. Add known volume of water in the calorimeter.
6. Keep the thermometer and stirrer in the water.
7. Place the calorimeter in the water jacket.
8. Put the plastic cover on top and make electrical connections.

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9. Stir for 5 minutes and note the initial temperature of water.

10. Pass the current to heat the wire so that the fuel catches fire.
11. Note the maximum temperature reached.

Calculations:
Let weight of the fuel sample taken = x g
Weight of water in the calorimeter = W g
Water equivalent of the Calorimeter, stirrer, bomb, thermometer = w g
Initial temperature of water = t1oC
Final temperature of water = t2oC
GCV= Gross calorific value

GCV = (W+w) (t2-t1)

x

Net Calorific value or Lower calorific value (LCV) = GCV- 0.09H 587 cal/gm

Corrections: For accurate results the following corrections are also included:
• Acid corrections must be made for the heat liberated in the bomb by the formation of H 2SO4 and HNO3

• Cooling correction: As the temperature rises above the room temperature, the loss of heat does occur
due to radiation, and the highest temperature recorded will be slightly less than that obtained. A
temperature correction is therefore necessary.

• If the time taken for the water in the calorimeter to cool down from the maximum temperature
attained, to the room temperature is x minutes and the rate of cooling is dt/min, then the cooling
correction = x dt This should be added to the observed rise in temperature.

• Fuse wire correction: Heat liberated by combustion of magnesium wire must be subtracted.

• Cotton thread correction: For the proper combustion of fuel some cotton threads are kept in the
crucible, so heat liberated due to this must be subtracted.

Therefore, Gross calorific value

=(W+w)(t2-t1+Cooling correction)-[Acid+ fuse corrections] / Mass of the fuel.

GCV = (W+w)(t2-t1+Cc) – (CA+Cf+CCT)

x

CA = Acid correction
Cf = fuse wire correction
CCT = cotton thread correction
CC = cooling correction

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Q2. What is rank of coal? Describe proximate and ultimate analysis of coal. OR Write short note on usefulness
of proximate analysis. OR What parameters are determined in proximate analysis of a coal? Explain each.
(2017-18, 2016-17, 2012-13, 2009-10)

Ans. Coal is given a ranking depending upon the carbon content of the coal from wood to anthracite.

Types of Percentage of Calorific value

Characteristics Applications
coal carbon (K.Cal/Kg)

Wood 50 4000-4500 Dried wood of trees Domestic fuel

Used if
Brown fibrous jelly deficiency of
Peat 50-60 4125-5400
like mass high rank coal
is prevailing
For steam
Soft, brown coloured, generation in
Lignite 60-70 6500-7100
lowest ranked coal thermal power
plants
In making coal
Pitch black to dark gas and
Bituminous 80-90 8000-8500
grey coal Metallurgical
coke
In households
Anthracite 90-98 8650-8700 Highest ranked coal and for steam
raising

In order to assess the quality of coal the following two types of analysis are made: Proximate analysis and
Ultimate analysis.

Proximate Analysis
It includes the determination of moisture, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon.
• This gives quick and valuable information for commercial classification and determination of
suitability for a particular industrial use.
•
Moisture%
All moisture in coal escapes on heating coal at 110oC for 1h.

Known coal
Heat
sample
110oC
(powdered and Cool in dessicator Weigh
1 hour
dried)

Moisture % = loss in weight x 100

Weight of coal sample
Volatile matter %

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At 925oC in muffle furnace, coal undergoes thermal degradation to form volatile matter.

Moisture free heat

Cool the crucible in
coal left in first 925oC Weigh
dessicator
experiment 7 min

VM % = weight of volatile matter x 100

Weight of coal sample

Ash %
The residual coal in the above experiment is heated and burned above 750oC for 30 min. The ash is left behind.
Cool and weigh.
Ash % = weight of Ash x 100
Weight of coal sample

%Fixed carbon = 100 – (moisture% + volatile matter% + ash%)

Moisture:
• Moisture lowers the calorific value of coal.
• Presence of excessive moisture quenches (extinguish) fire in the furnace.

Volatile Matter:
The high volatile content gives long flames, high smoke and relatively low heating values.
Reduces calorific value of coal.

Ash:
It reduces the calorific value of coal.
It lower the rate of combustion.
High ash leads to large heat losses and leads to formation of ash lumps.

Fixed Carbon:
Higher the percentage of fixed carbon, greater its calorific value
The percentage of fixed carbon helps in designing the furnace and shape of the fire-box because it is the
fixed carbon that burns in the solid state.

Ultimate analysis of coal:

Analysis of coal in which % of C, H, O, N, S elements are found out is known as ultimate analysis.

Determination of C and H
Known coal Heat C is converted to Gaseous products are absorbed by
sample oxygen CO2 and H to H2O pre-weighed U-tubes containing
(powdered and anhydrous CaCl2 which absorbs
dried) H2O and KOH which absorbs
CO2.

Increase in weight is calculated

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%C= Weight of CO2 formed x 12 x 100

Weight of coal sample x 44

%H= Increase in Weight of CaCl2 tube x 2 x 100

Weight of coal sample x 18

Determination of N (kjeldahl method):

Known coal sample heat clear

(powdered and conc. solution Alkali NH3 is liberated.
dried) in kjeldahl H2SO4
flask K2SO4 Pass through known volume of
standard acid

Unused acid is determined by

back titration with NaOH

% N = Volume of acid x Normality x 1.4

Weight of coal sample

Determination of S:

O2 O2 H2O BaCl2
S SO2 SO3 H2SO4 BaSO4 + 2HCl

BaSO4 is filtered, dried and weighed.

% S = Weight of BaSO4 precipitate x 32 x 100

Weight of coal sample x 233

% Ash

Known coal sample

(powdered and dried) 750oC(heat) Residue weigh
30 min in a muffle left
furnace

% Ash = Weight of residue x 100

Weight of coal sample

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% O = 100-(C% + H% + N% + ash% + S%)

Importance of Ultimate Analysis

• Carbon: greater the % carbon in coal, better is the coal quality and calorific value.
• Hydrogen: Hydrogen is in the form of moisture and volatile matter. It decreases the calorific value and
quality of coal.
• Nitrogen: Nitrogen has no calorific value. A good quality coal should have negligible N%.
• Sulphur: Corrosive effect and pollutant. A good quality coal should have low S%.
• Oxygen: Decreases the calorific value of coal, decreases the coal quality.

Q3. What are ion exchange resins? With the help of neat sketch, discuss ion exchange process for water
softening. Compare its merit over zeolite process. (2018-19, 2016-17, 2014-15)
Ans. ION EXCHANGE RESINS FOR WATER SOFTENING:
*Used for producing demineralised or deionised water.
These are high molecular weight, insoluble, cross linked, organic polymers having porous structure.
There are two types of ion exchangers:
a) Cation Exchange resins: Have loosely held H+ ions which are reversibly exchanged by hardness producing
cations (Ca2+ and Mg+2) in water.
b) Anion Exchange resins: Have loosely held OH- ions which are reversibly exchanged by hardness producing
anions (Cl- , SO4-2 and HCO3-) in water.

Principle: These are capable of exchanging hardness producing ions (cations as well as anions) in water with
their H+ and OH- ions.
Working:
Ion exchange process consists of two columns-Cation exchanger column and anion exchanger column.
Reactions:
Step 1: Water Softening
Cation exchanger -2R−H +Ca+2⇌R2−Ca + 2H+ (R = insoluble matrix)
2R−H +Mg+2⇌R2−Mg + 2H+
Anion exchanger -R−OH +Cl-⇌ RCl + OH-(R = insoluble matrix)
2 R−OH +SO4-2⇌ R2SO4 + OH-
Step 2: Regeneration of ion exchangers:
Regeneration of cation exchanger by acid: R2−Ca + 2H+ ⇌ 2R−H + Ca+2
Regeneration of anion exchanger by base: RCl + OH-⇌ R−OH + Cl-
Advantages:
1. Gives water of zero hardness and no ionic impurities.
2. Occupies less space.
3. Easy to operate
4. Negligible running cost.

Limitations:
1. Initial cost is high.
2. Used for small scale treatment of water.
Note: Water must be passed first through cation exchanger and then through anion exchanger as the alkaline
water generated by anion exchanger destroys the cation exchanger, whereas the acidic water generated by
cation exchanger does not harm the anion exchanger.

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Comparision of Zeolite and Ion Exchange resin for water softening:

ION EXCHANGE PROCESS ZEOLITE PROCESS

1. Removes all positive and negative ions from Removes only cations causing hardness in
water water.
2. No sodium salts in treated water. Treated water contains high amount of
sodium salts.
3. Initial cost is high. Initial cost is lower.
4. Running cost is higher. Running cost is lower, as NaCl is very cheap.
5. Acidic water can be purified. Acidic water cannot be purified as it spoils
zeolite.

Q3. What is hardness of water? What do you mean by term permutit? Describe zeolite or permutit process for
water softening. (2018-19, 2017-18, 2015-16, 2014-15, 2013-14, 2010-11, 2009-10)

Ans. ZEOLITE OR PERMUTIT METHOD OF WATER TREATMENT

The word permutit means boiling stone.

Zeolites are hydrated sodium alumina silicates.
They have porous structure with molecular formula Na2O.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O (X=2 to 10 & Y=2 to 6).
They are represented asNa2Ze (Ze = the insoluble framework; Na= loosely held sodium ions).
Principle of zeolite process: They exchange their loosely held sodium ions reversibly with the hardness
producing cations in water (Ca+2 and Mg+2).

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Zeolite process of water softening

Working: It involves two steps:

1. Water softening:
Na2Ze + Ca2+ 2Na+ + CaZe
Zeolite calcium salts released calcium zeolite
in water in water
Na2Ze + Mg2+ 2 Na+ + MgZe
Zeolite magnesium salts released magnesium zeolite
in water in water
2. Regeneration: By using concentrated brine solution (10% NaCl).
CaZe or MgZe + 2NaCl Na2Ze + CaCl2 or MgCl2
Exhausted zeolite brine solution regenerated zeolite

Advantages:
1. Only 10 ppm hardness is left behind.
2. No sludge formation.
3. Requires less time and operation is clean.
4. Automatically adjusts itself according to the hardness of water.
5. Equipment is compact, maintenance and operation is easy.
Disadvantages:
1. Removes cationic impurities; anions are left behind in water.
2. Treated water contains more sodium salts.
Limitations:
1. Turbid water cannot be feeded.
2. Acidic water cannot be feeded.
3. Hot water cannot be used.
4. If used for heavy metal ions like Fe+3 or Al+3 etc., zeolites cannot be regenerated.
Q4. Explain reverse osmosis with its advantages. (2018-19, 2016-17, 2015-16, 2014-15)
Ans. Reverse Osmosis (RO) or super filteration

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It is a process to demineralize or deionize water by pushing it under pressure through a semi-permeable

membrane (reverse of osmosis).
Osmosis: solvent from dilute solution passes to the concentrated solution through a semi permeable membrane to
equalize the concentration of both.
Reverse Osmosis: pressure higher than osmotic pressure is applied on the concentrated solution side so that the
flow of the solvent is reversed, i.e. from concentrated solution to dilute solution.
This method is applicable mainly for the desalination of sea water. Sea water and pure water are separated by a
semi-permeable membrane.

Method: Sea water or polluted water is filled in reverse osmosis cell. Pressure of 200 psi is applied on water to
force the solvent to flow through Semi Permeable Membrane.

Advantages:
1. Removes up to 99% of the dissolved salts (ions), particles, colloids, organics, bacteria and pathogens from
water.
2. Removes both ionic and non-ionic impurities.
3. Requires extremely low energy.
4. Low cost process.
5. Very effective in treating brackish, surface and ground water.
6. Simple to operate.
7. Pure water for high pressure boilers can be obtained.

Q5. What are the characteristics of a good fuel? (2014-15, 2011-12)

Ans. Characteristics of Good Fuel:
• Suitability: The fuel selected should be most suitable for the process.
• Should have high Calorific value
• Ignition Temperature: A good fuel should have moderate ignition temperature (temperature at which fuel
catches fire).
• Moisture content should be low.
• Noncombustible and volatile matter content should be low.
• Rate of combustion: It should be moderate.
• Cost of fuel should be reasonable
• Should not produce pollution.
• Transportation and storage should be easy.

Q6. Explain the basic principle of lime-soda process. OR Explain lime-soda process for softening of water.
(2017-18, 2015-16, 2014-15)

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Ans. Principle: By adding calculated amounts of lime Ca(OH)2 and soda Na2CO3 :
* All the calcium salts are precipitated out as calcium carbonate CaCO3.
* All the magnesium salts are precipitated as magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 which can be easily filtered
off.

Working: Following reactions are involved:

1. Lime removes all the temporary hardness.

Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2 → 2CaCO3 + 2H2O
Mg(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2 → MgCO3 + CaCO3 + 2H2O
MgCO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Mg(OH)2 + CaCO3
2. Lime removes all the permanent hardness of magnesium salts.
MgCl2 + Ca(OH)2 → Mg(OH)2 + CaCl2
MgSO4 + Ca(OH)2 → CaSO4 + 2H2
3. Lime removes the dissolved gases.
CO2 + Ca(OH)2 → CaCO3 + H2O
H2S + Ca(OH)2 → CaS + 2H2O
4 Lime removes free mineral acids.
2HCl + Ca(OH)2 → CaCl2 + 2H2O
H2SO4 + Ca(OH)2 → CaS + 2H2O
5. Lime removes dissolved iron and aluminium salts.
FeSO4 + Ca(OH)2 → Fe(OH)2 + CaSO4
2Fe(OH)2+ Ca(OH)2 → 2Fe(OH)3
Al2(SO4)3 + 3Ca(OH)2 → 2Al(OH)3+ 3CaSO4
6. Soda removes all soluble calcium permanent hardness.
CaCl2 + Na2CO3→ CaCO3 + 2NaCl
CaSO4 +Na2CO3→ CaCO3 + Na2SO4

Q7. Discuss different methods for internal treatment for boiler feed water. (2014-15)
Ans. INTERNAL TREATMENT OF WATER

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*In this method water in treated inside the boiler.

*This is a corrective method.
Principal involved: To convert the scale forming substances into sludge forming substances.
*Also called conditioning method.
1. Carbonate conditioning: Used in low pressure boilers.
Boiler water is treated with NaCO3.
NaCO3 + CaSO4 CaCO3.
(Sludge)
2.Calgon Conditioning:
Calgon means calcium gone.
Sodium hexa-meta phosphate Na2[Na4P6O18] is called calgon.
It reacts with calcium ion and forms a water soluble compound.
Na2[Na4P6O18]→ 2Na++ [Na4P6O18]-2
2CaSO4+ [Na4P6O18]-2 → [Ca2P6O18]-2 + 2Na2SO4
(Soluble complex ion)

3. Phosphate conditioning: It is applied to high pressure boilers.

3 CaCl2+ 2 Na3 PO4 Ca3(PO4)2 + 6NaCl
Sludge
3 MgCl2+2 Na3 PO4 Mg3 (PO4)2 + Na2 SO4
sludge

Q8. Discuss the problems created by hard water in boilers. (2009-10)

Ans. Boiler Troubles: If the hard water is fed directly to the boilers, following troubles arises:
1. Priming or Wet Steam Formation: - The carrying out of water droplets with steam in steam drum is called
“priming”.
Causes: (i) Large amount of dissolved solids.
(ii) High steam velocities.
(iii) Sudden boiling.
(iv) Faulty boiler design.
(v) Sudden increase in stream production rate.
(vi) The high levels of water in boilers.

Prevention of priming: -
(i) Fitting mechanical steam purifiers
(ii) Avoiding rapid change in steaming rate
(iii) Maintaining low water levels in boilers and
(iv) Using soft water.

2. Foaming: - Formation of stable bubbles at the surface of water in the boiler is calling foaming.
Reason: Due to the presence of oil drops, alkalies etc.
Prevention of Foaming:-
(i) Adding antifoaming chemicals like castor oil.

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(ii) Oil can be removed by adding sodium aluminates or alum.

(iii) Using soft water.

3. Scale &sludge formation:-

Sludge: The muddy solid deposited at the bottom of the boiler is called sludge.
Causes of the sludge:- The sludge is caused by MgCO3, MgCl2,CaCl2
Disadvantages of sludges: -
1. Wastage of heat and fuel.
2. Chocking of the pipes.
Prevention of sludge formation: -
(1) By using soft water.
(2) Blow down operation.

Scale: - Scales are hard sticky deposits on the inner walls of boiler. The scales are very difficult to remove.
Causes of Scale:-
Due to presence of Ca(HCO3)2, Mg( HCO3)2, CaSO4, SiO2, CaSiO3 etc. in water.
Disadvantages of Scale: - (1) Loss of heat and fuel.
2. Weakening of boiler material.
3) May result in explosion of boiler.
Removal of Scales:-
(1) Soft scales can be removed by scrapper.
(2) By giving thermal shocks.
(3) Using 5-10% HCl Solution or EDTA solution.

4. Caustic embrittlement:-
The formation of cracks in boilers due to NaOH is called caustic embrittlement.
Prevention of caustic embrittlement:-
a) By using sodium phosphate or sodium sulphate for softening instead of Na2CO3.
b) By adding tannin or lignin to boiler water.

5. Boiler Corrosion: It is the decay of the boiler body material due to environmental factors.
Disadvantages:
a) Reduced life of boiler.
b) Increased cost of repairs and maintenance.
c) Leakage of joints.

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Prevention:
a) By removal of oxygen using hydrazine, sodium sulphate etc.
b) By removal of CO2: By adding ammonia.
c) pH should be adjusted between 8.5 to 9

Q9. Explain priming and foaming.

Ans. Explained in question no. 8.

Q10. What is potable water? What are its chemical requirements? (2016-17)
Ans. Water that is fit for human consumption is known as potable water. The chemical requirement of potable
water is as follows:
a) It should be colourless, odourless and clear.
b) It should be perfectly cool.
c) It should have pleasant taste.
d) It should be free from objectionable gases like CO2, H2S etc.
e) It should be free from heavy metals such as Pb, Mn, Cr, As salts etc.
f) pH should be about 8.0
g) It should be reasonably soft.
h) Turbidity: less than 10 ppm.
i) Free chlorine: less than 0.1 to 0.2 ppm.
j) Dissolved solids: less than 500 ppm.
k) Should be free from pathogens.

Q11. Differentiate between lime-soda process and ion exchange process. (2018-19)
Ans.
SODA LIME PROCESS ION EXCHANGE PROCESS
1. Large scale treatment process. Small scale treatment process.
2. Residual hardness left in treated water. Water with zero hardness is produced.
3.Initial calculations for lime and soda requirement Process adjusts itself according to the hardness
is to be done. present in water.
4. Sludge formation is there. No sludge formation.
5. Regeneration not required. Regeneration is required when ion exchanger is
exhausted.

NUMERICALS

Q1. A water sample contains 408 mg of CaSO4 per litre. Calculate the hardness in terms of CaCO3 equivalent.
Ans. Hardness = Strength of hardness producing subs. × Chemical equivalents of CaCO3
Chemical equivalents of hardness producing
substance
= 408 mg/L × 50/68
= 300 mg/L = 300 ppm
Q2. 100 ml of water sample has a hardness equivalent of 12.5 mL of 0.08 N MgSO 4.What is its hardness in
ppm? (2017-18, 2011-12)

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Ans. N1V1 of water sample = N2V2 of MgSO4

N1× 100 = .08 × 12.5
N1 = .01
Hardness = N1× Equivalent weight of CaCO3
Hardness = .01 × 50
= .5 ppm

Q3. Calculate the carbonate and non-carbonate hardness of a sample of water containing the dissolved salts
as given below in mg/l:
Mg(HCO3)2 = 7.3; Ca(HCO3)2 = 40.5; CaSO4 = 13.6; MgCl2 = 21.75; NaCl = 50 (2013-14)

Ans. Conversion into CaCO3 equivalent.:

Constituents Amount (mg/L) Multiplication factor CaCO3 equivalent

Ca(HCO3)2 40.5 50/81 40.5 × 50/81= 25 mg/L
Mg(HCO3)2 7.3 50/73 7.3 × 50/73= 5 mg/L
CaSO4 13.6 50/68 13.6 × 50/68 = 10 mg/L
MgCl2 21.75 50/47.5 21.75× 50/47.5= 22.9
mg/L

Carbonate hardness = Ca(HCO3)2 + Mg(HCO3)2

= 25 + 5 = 30 mg/L

Non Carbonate hardness = CaSO4+ MgCl2

= 10 + 22.9 = 32.9 mg/L

Total Hardness = Carbonate hardness + Non Carbonate hardness

= 30 + 32.9 = 62.9 mg/L

Q4. A sample of water on analysis was found to contain the following impurities:

Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Mol. Wt.

Ca(HCO3)2 4 162
Mg(HCO3)2 6 146
CaSO4 8 136
MgSO4 10 120
Calculate the temporary, permanent and total hardness of water in ppm, degree french and degree clarke.
Ans. Conversion into CaCO3 equivalent.:

Constituents Amount (mg/L) Multiplication factor CaCO3 equivalent

Ca(HCO3)2 4 50/81 4 × 50/81= 2.47 mg/L
Mg(HCO3)2 6 50/73 6× 50/73= 4.11 mg/L

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CaSO4 8 50/68 8× 50/68= 5.88 mg/L

MgSO4 10 50/60 10× 50/60= 8.33 mg/L

Temporary hardness is due to bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium

So, Temporary hardness = 2.47 + 4.11 = 6.58 mg/L

As, 1 mg/L = 1 ppm = 0.1 °Fr = 0 .07°Cl

Hence temporary hardness = 6.58 mg/L = 6.58 ppm

= 6.58 × 0.1 = 0.658°Fr
= 6.58 × 0.07 = 0.46°Cl

Permanent hardness in this case is due to CaSO4 and MgSO4

So, permanent hardness = 5.88 +8.33 = 14.21 mg/L
= 14.21 ppm = 14.21 × 0.1 = 1.421°Fr
= 14.21 × 0.07 = 0.995°Cl

Q5. Calculate temporary, permanent and total hardness of water sample that is analysed as: Mg(HCO 3)2= 7.3
mg/l, : Ca(HCO3)2= 8.1 mg/l, MgCl2= 9.5 mg/l and CaSO4= 6.8 mg/l (2016-17)
Ans.
Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equi. (mg/l)
Ca(HCO3)2 8.1 81 8.1 × 50 = 5
81
Mg(HCO3)2 7.3 73 7.3 × 50 = 5
73
MgCl2 9.5 47.5 9.5 × 50 = 10
47.5
CaSO4 6.8 68 6.8 × 50 = 5
68

Temporary Hardness= Hardness due to [Ca(HCO3)2 + Mg (HCO3)2]

= 5 + 5 = 10 ppm
Permanent Hardness= Hardness due to [MgCl2 + CaSO4]
= 10 + 5 = 15 ppm
Total Hardness= Temporary Hardness + Permanent Hardness
= 10 + 15 = 25 ppm

Q7. By passing 50 litres of NaCl solution containing 250 gm/litre of NaCl, an exhausted zeolite softener bed
was regenerated. Calculate the litres of hard water sample (hardness equal to 200 ppm as CaCO 3) which can
be softened by regenerated bed of zeolite softener.
Ans. Total amount of NaCl used= 50 × 250 = 12,500 gm
CaCO3 equivalents or Hardness in ppm = 12,500 × 50 × 1000

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58.5 Vol. of water

200 = 12,500 × 50 × 1000
58.5 Vol. of water

Vol. of water = 12,500 × 50 × 1000

58.5 200
= 53418.80 L

Q8. In an experiment in a bomb calorimeter, a solid fuel of 0.90 g is burnt. It is observed that increase in temp is 3.8oC of
4000g of water. The fuel contains 1 % of H. Calculate HCV and LCV. Water equivalent of calorimeter = 385g (2015-16)

Ans. x = 0.9 g, w = 385 g, W = 4000g

%H = 1, Latent heat of water = 587 cal/g, t2-t1 = 3.8oC

HCV = (W+w)(t2-t1)
X
= (4000+385)(3.8) = 18514.44 cal/g
0.9
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H)(587)
= 18514.44 – 0.09(1)(587) = 18461.61 cal/g

Q9. On burning 0.83 g of a fuel in a bomb calorimeter, temperature of 3500 g of water increased from 26.5 to
29.2 oC. Water equivalent of calorimeter and Latent heat of water are 385 g and 587 cal/g respectively. If the
fuel contains 0.7% hydrogen, calculate its gross and net calorific value.

Ans. x = 0.83 g, w = 385 g, W = 3500 g

%H = 0.7, Latent heat of water = 587 cal/g, t2-t1 = 29.2-26.5 = 2.7oC
HCV = (W+w)(t2-t1)
X
= (3500+385)(2.7) = 12637.95 cal/g
0.83
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) (587)
= 12637.95 – 0.09(0.7)(587) = 12600.97 cal/g

Q 10. A sample of coal contains C= 93%, H=6%, ash= 1%. The following data was obtained when the above
coal was tested in bomb calorimeter: wt. of coal burnt= 0.92 g, wt. of water taken= 2200 g, water equivalent
of bomb calorimeter= 550 g, rise in temp= 2.42 ° C, Fuse wire correction= 10.0 cal, acid correction= 50.0 cal.
Calculate gross and net calorific value of coal, assuming the latent heat of condensation of steam as 580 cal/g.
Ans. HCV = (W+w) (t2-t1) – (CA+ CF)
X
= (2200 + 550) (2.42) – (50 + 10)
0.92
= (2750) (2.42) – (60)
0.92

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= 6595
0.92
= 7168.4782 cal/g

LCV= GCV- .09 %H × latent heat of steam

= 7168.4782 - .09 × 6 × 580
= 7168.4782 – 313.2
= 6855.2782 cal/g

Q11. Calculate GCV and NCV of coal having the following compositions: C = 85%, H = 7%, S = 1%, N= 2%, ash =
4% and heat capacity of steam = 2458 J/g.
Ans. GCV = 1 [8080%C + 34500 (%H-%O) + 2240%S]
100 8

%O = 100 – (C% + N% + S% + H% + ash%)

= 100 – (85+2+1+7+4) = 1%

GCV = 1 [8080 (85) + 34500 (7-1) + 2240 (1)] = 9262.27 cal/g

100 8
= 9262.27 x 4.18
= 38716.28 J/g

NCV = GCV – 0.09(%H)(2458) = 38716.38 - 0.09(7)(2458) = 37167.74 J/g

Q12. 3.25 g of coal was kjeldahlized and NH3 gas thus evolved was absorbed in 45 ml of 0.1 N H2SO4. To
neutralize excess of acid, 11.5 ml of 0.1N NaOH was required. Calculate N%.
Ans. Weight of coal = 3.25 g
Vol of H2SO4 consumed = 45-11.5 = 33.5 ml
%N= Volume of acid x Normality x 1.4
Weight of coal sample
= 33.5 x 0.1 x 1.4 = 1.443%
3.25

Q12. 0.25 g coal sample on burning in combustion chamber in current of pure O 2 was found to increase
weight of CaCl2 U-tube by 0.08 g and KOH U-tube by 0.5 g. Find % of carbon and hydrogen in coal.
Ans. Weight of coal = 0.25 g
Increase in weight of KOH tube (Weight of CO2) = 0.5 g
Increase in Weight of CaCl2 tube (Weight of H2O) = 0.08 g
%C= Weight of CO2 formed x 12 x 100 = 0.5 x 12 x 100 = 54.5%
Weight of coal sample x 44 0.25 x 44
%H= Increase in Weight of CaCl2 tube x 2 x 100 = 0.08 x 2 x 100 = 3.55%
Weight of coal sample x 18 0.25 x 18
Q13. Calculate the quantities of lime and soda required for softening of 20,000 litres of water containing salts
in ppm (16.4 ppm NaAlO2used as a coagulant): Ca+2 = 160 ppm; Mg+2 = 72 ppm; HCO3- = 73.2 ppm; CO2 = 44
ppm; Al2(SO4)3 = 34.2 ppm and HCl = 36.5 ppm.

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Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Eq. (mg/l) L or S

Ca++ 160 20 160 × 50 = 400 S
20
Mg++ 72 12 72 × 50 = 300 L+S
12
CO2 44 22 44 × 50 = 100 L
22
HCO3- 73.2 61 73.2 × 50 = 60 L–S
61
Al2(SO4)3 34.2 57 34.2 × 50 = 300 3L + 3S
57
NaAlO2 16.4 82 16.4 × 50 = 100 -L
82
HCl 36.5 36.5 36.5 × 50 = 50 L+S
36.5

Lime = 74 [Mg++ + CO2+ HCO3- + 3Al2(SO4)3 + HCl - NaAlO2 ] all as CaCO3 eq. × vol. of water
100 106
= 74 [300 + 100 + 60 + 3 × 300 + 50 - 100] × 20,000
100 106

= 74 [1310] × 20000
100 106
= 19.388 Kg

Soda = 106 [Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3- + HCl + 3Al2(SO4)3 ] all as CaCO3 eq. × vol. of water
100 10 6
= 106 [400+ 300 – 60 +50+ 3 × 300] × 20000
100 106
= 33.708 Kg

Q14. A sample of coal was found to have the following percentage composition: C = 75%, H= 5.2%, O = 12.1%,
N = 3.2%, ash = 4.5%. Calculate minimum amount of air required for complete combustion of 1 kg of coal
sample. (2015-16)

Ans. weight of C in 1 kg coal = 75 x 1000 g = 750 g

100
H = 5.2 x 1000 g = 52 g
100
O = 12.1 x 1000 g = 121 g
100

O2 quantity = (32C + 8H + S - O) g
12
= (32 x 750 + 8 x 52 - 121) g

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12
= 2295 g
Minimum amount of air = Net O2 x 100
23
= 2295x 100 = 9978.26 g air
23

Q15. Calculate the volume of air required for complete combustion of 1m 3 of gaseous fuel having the
composition: CO=46%, methane=10%, hydrogen = 4%, C2H4 = 2%, N2 = 1% and remaining being CO2.
Ans.
Fuel Composition Combustion reaction Vol of O2 (m3)
46 x 1 = 0.46 m 3 0.46 x 1 = 0.23
CO CO +1/2 O2 CO2
100 2
10 x 1 = 0.1 m 3
0.1 x 2 = 0.2
CH4 CH4 + 2 O2 CO2+ 2H2O
100
4 x 1 = 0.04 m3 0.04 x 1 = 0.02
H2 H2+1/2 O2 H2O
100 2
2 x 1 = 0.02 m 3
0.02 x 3 = 0.06
C2H4 C2H4 + 3 O2 2CO2+2H2O
100

O2 Quantity = 0.23 + 0.20 + 0.02 + 0.06 = 0.51 m3

Volume of air needed for complete combustion = 0.51x 100 = 2.43 m3 air
21

Q16. A sample of coal contain C= 91 %, H= 5.5%, N= 2.5%, and ash= 2%. The following data were obtained
when above coal was tested in bomb calorimeter: (2015-16)
Weight of coal burnt= 1.029 g
Weight of water taken= 570 g
Water equivalent of bomb and calorimeter= 2200 g
Rise in temperature= 3.3°C
Fuse wire correction= 3.8 cal
Acid correction= 62.6 cal
Cotton thread correction= 1.6 cal
Cooling correction= .047 °C
Assuming that the latent heat of condensation is 587 cal/gm, calculate net and gross calorific values of coal.
(2018-19)
Ans. GCV = (W+w)(t2-t1+Cc) – (CA+Cf+CCT)
X
= (570 + 2200) (3.3 + .047) – (62.6 + 3.8 + 1.6)
1.029
= (2770) (3.347) – (68)
1.029
= 9203.19 = 8943.81 cal
1.029
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) Latent heat of steam

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LCV =8943.81 -0.09(5.5) (587)

= 8 943.81 - 290.565
= 8653.245 cal

Q15. Calculate the quantities of lime (74%) and soda (94%) required for cold softening of 125,000 L of water
with the following analysis, using 10 ppm of NaAlO 2 as coagulant. Analysis of raw water: Ca+2= 160 ppm,
Mg+2= 48 ppm, CO2= 66 ppm, HCO3- = 264 ppm, H+= 20 ppm, NaCl= 4.7 ppm.
Analysis of treated water: CO3-2= 45 ppm, OH- = 68 ppm. (2018-19)
Ans.
Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Eq. (mg/l) L or S
Ca++ 160 20 160 × 50 = 400 S
20
Mg ++ 48 12 48 × 50 = 200 L+S
12
CO2 66 22 66 × 50 = 150 L
22
HCO3- 264 61 264 × 50 = 216.39 L–S
61
H + 20 1 20 × 50 = 100 L+S
1
CO3-2 45 30 45 × 50 = 75 S
30
OH- 68 17 68 × 50 = 200 -
17
NaAlO2 10 82 10 × 50 = 6.09 -L
82
NaCl 4.7 - No Hardness -

Lime = 74 [Mg++ + CO2+ HCO3-+ H+ - NaAlO2] all as CaCO3 eq. × 100 × vol. of water
100 % purity 10 6
= 74 [200 + 150 + 216.39 + 100 -6.09] × 100 × 125000
100 74 106

= 74 [660.3] × 100 × 125000

100 74 106
= 82.53 Kg

Soda = 106 [Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3- + CO3-2 + OH-] all as CaCO3 eq. × 100 × vol. of water
100 % purity 10 6
= 106 [400+ 200 – 213.39 +100 + 75] × 100 × 125000
100 94 106
= 78.74 Kg

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Q16. A sample of water gave the following data on analysis: Ca+2= 20 ppm, Mg+2= 25 ppm, CO2= 30 ppm, HCO3-
=150 ppm, K+= 10 ppm. Calculate the amount of lime (87%) and soda (91% pure) required to soften 106L of
water. (2018-19)
Ans.

Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equiv. (mg/l) L or S

Ca++ 20 20 20 × 50 = 50 S
20
Mg++ 25 12 25 × 50 = 104.16 L+S
12
CO2 30 22 30 × 50 = 68.18 L
22
HCO3- 150 61 150 × 50 = 122.95 L-S
61
K+ 10 19 No Hardness -

Lime = 74 [Mg++ + CO2+ HCO3- ] all as CaCO3 eq. × 100 × vol. of water
100 % purity 10 6
= 74 [104.16 + 68.18 + 122.95 ] × 100 × 106
100 87 10 6
= 74 [295.29] × 100
100 87
= 251.16 Kg

Soda= 106 [Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3- ] all as CaCO3 eq. × 100 × vol. of water
100 % purity 106
= 106 [50 + 104.16 - 122.95 ] ×100 × 106
100 91 10 6
= 106 [31.21] × 100
100 91
= 36.35 Kg

Q17. A coal sample has following analysis by weight: C= 90%, O= 3%, S= 0.5%, N=0.5% and ash= 2.5. Net
calorific value of the coal was found to be 8490.5 Kcal/Kg. Calculate the percentage of hydrogen and gross
calorific value. (2018-19)

Ans. . GCV = 1 [8080 %C + 34500 (%H - % O) + 2240% S]

100 8

= 1 [8080 × 90 + 34500 (%H - 3) + 2240 × 0.5]

100 8
= 7272 + 345 H -129.375 + 1120 Kcal/Kg
= 8262.62 + 345 H …………………………………. 1
Also, GCV = LCV + .09 %H × latent heat of steam

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= 8490.5 + .09 H × 587

= 8490.5 + 52.83 H …………………………………. 2
From 1 and 2
8262.62 + 345 H = 8490.5 + 52.83 H
345 H – 52.83 H = 8490.5 – 8262.62
292.17 H = 227.88
H = 227.88 = .77%
292.17

So, GCV = 8262.62 + 345 × .77

= 8262.62 + 265.65
= 8528.27 Kcal/Kg

Q18. A sample of water contain the following impurities:Ca+2= 20 ppm, Mg+2= 18 ppm, HCO3- = 183 ppm, SO4-
2= 24 ppm. Calculate the lime and soda needed for softening. (2017-18, 2015-16)

Ans.
Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equiv. (mg/l) L or S
Ca++ 20 20 20 × 50 = 50 S
20
Mg++ 18 12 18 × 50 = 75 L+S
12
HCO3- 183 61 183 × 50 = 150 L-S
61
SO4 -2 24 80 No Hardness -

Lime=74 [Mg++ + HCO3-] all as CaCO3 eq.

100
= 74 [75+150] = 166.50 g
100
Soda= 106[Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3-] all as CaCO3 eq.
100
= 106 [50 + 75 - 150] = 106 [- 25] = -26.50 g
100 100
Soda is not required.

Q19.Calculate the minimum weight of air required for complete combustion of 1 Kg of fuel containing C= 90%,
H= 3.5%, O= 3%, S= 0.5%, H2O= 1%, N= 0.5% and ash= rest. (2017-18)
Ans. C= 900 g, H= 35 g, O= 30 g, S= 5 g, H2O= 10 g, N= 5 g

Net O2= 32 C + 8 H + S – O
12
= 32 × 900 + 8 × 35 + 5 - 30
12

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= 2400 + 280 + 5 – 30
= 2655 g
Weight of air required= Net O2 × 100
23
= 2655 × 100
23
= 11543.47 g

Q20. The hardness of 10,000 L of sample of water was completely removed by passing it through a zeolite
softener. The zeolite softener then required 200 L of NaCl solution containing 150 gm/L of NaCl for
regeneration. Find out the hardness of water sample. (2017-18, 2014-15)
Ans. 200 L of NaCl contains = 200 × 150 = 30,000 g NaCl
CaCO3 eq. = 30,000 × 50 = 25641.025 gm/L
58.5
Hardness of 10,000 L of water = 25641.025 × 1000 = 2564.1025 ppm
10,000

Q21. Calculate the amount of lime and soda required for softening 30000 liters of water, using 20 ppm of
sodium aluminate as coagulant. Impurities in water are as follows: Ca 2+ =160 ppm, Mg2+ = 96 ppm, dissolved
CO2 = 34 ppm and HCO3- = 403 ppm. (2017-18)
Ans.
Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equiv. (mg/l) L or S
Ca++ 160 20 160 × 50 = 400 S
20
Mg++ 96 12 96 × 50 = 400 L+S
12
HCO3- 403 61 403 × 50 = 330.32 L-S
61
NaAlO2 20 82 20 × 50 = 12.19 -L
82
CO2 34 22 34 × 50 = 77.27 L
22

Lime= 74 [Mg+++ HCO3- + CO2 - NaAlO2] all as CaCO3 eq. × Vol. of water
100 10 6

= 74 [400+ 330.32 + 77.27 – 12.19] × 30,000

100 10 6
= 74 (795.47) × 30,000
100 106
= 17.65 Kg

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Soda= 106 [Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3-] all as CaCO3 eq. × Vol. of water
100 10 6
= 106 [400 + 400 - 330.32] × 30000
100 106
= 14.935 Kg

Q22. What is the basic principle of Bomb calorimeter? A 0.80 g sample of solid fuel was completely
combusted in the excess of oxygen using bomb calorimeter. The rise in temperature of water in calorimeter
was 2.5°C. Calculate the High calorific value of the fuel. If water taken in calorimeter is 2000 g and water
equivalent of calorimeter is 2200 g. Also calculate low Calorific value. (Given: % Hydrogenin fuel =2.2) (2017-
18)
Ans. Principle of Bomb Calorimeter: A known amount of the fuel is burnt in excess of oxygen and heat
liberated is transferred to a known amount of water. The calorific value of the fuel is then determined by applying
the principle of calorimetery i.e. Heat gained = Heat lost

GCV = (W+w)(t2-t1)
X

= (2000 + 2200) (2.5)

0.80
= 10500 = 13125 cal/gm
0.80
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) Latent heat of steam
LCV =13125 -0.09 (2.2) (587)
= 13125 – 116.226
= 13008.774 cal/gm

Q23. A zeolite softener was 90% exhausted by removing the hardness completely when 10,000 litres of hard
water was passed through it. The exhausted zeolite bed required 200 litres of 3% sodium chloride solution for
its complete regeneration. Calculate the hardness of water sample. (2017-18, 2016-17)
Ans. 3% NaCl solution = 30 g/L NaCl
Amount of NaCl in 200 L = 200 × 30 = 6000 g
CaCO3 equivalents = 6000 × 50 = 5128.20 g
58.5
Hardness of 10,000 L of water = 5128.20 × 1000 × 100
10,000 % Exhausted
= 5128.20 × 1000 × 100
10,000 90
= 569.80 ppm

Q 24. On burning 0.3 gm of a solid fuel in a bomb calorimeter, the temperature of 3500 gm of water increased
from 26.5° C to 29.2° C. Water equivalent of calorimeter and latent heat of steam are 385.0 gm and 587.0 cal/
gm, respectively. If the fuel contains 0.7% hydrogen, calculate its gross and net calorific value. (2016-17)
Ans. Wt. of coal (x) = 0.3 g
W = 3500 g

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 ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY – UNIT 4 QUESTION BANK (Water Treatment and Fuels)

w = 385 g
t2 – t1 = 29.2 – 26.5 = 2.7° C
%H = 0.7
Latent heat of steam = 587 cal/g

HCV = (W+w)(t2-t1)
X
= (3500+385)(2.7) = 34965 cal/g
0.3
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) (587)
= 34965 – 0.09(0.7)(587) = 34928.019 cal/g

Q26. The percentage composition of coal is C= 85%, H= 5%, O=6%, N= 4%, S= 2%, ash= 5% and moisture= 3%.
Calculate the minimum amount of air needed in combustion of 1 Kg of coal. (2016-17)
Ans. 1 Kg coal = 1000 g
C= 85 × 1000 = 850 g
100
H= 5 × 1000 = 50 g
10
O= 6 × 1000 = 60 g
100
N= 4 × 1000 = 40 g
100
S= 2 × 1000 = 20 g
100

Net O2= 32 C + 8 H + S – O
12

= 32 × 850 + 8×50 + 20 - 60
12
= 2266.67 + 400 + 20 – 60
= 2626.67 g
Weight of air required= Net O2 × 100
23
= 2626.67 × 100
23
= 11420.29 g

Q27. A sample of coal contains C= 70%, O= 20%, H= 8%, S= 1%, N= .5% and ash= .5%. Calculate GCV and NCV
of coal. (2017-18, 2016-17)
Ans. GCV = 1 [8080%C + 34500 (%H-%O) + 2240%S]
100 8
GCV = 1 [8080 (70) + 34500 (8-20) + 2240 (1)] = 7575.9 cal/g
100 8

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NCV = GCV – 0.09(%H)(587)

= 7575.9 - 0.09(8)(587)
= 7153.26 cal/g

Q28. A sample of coal contains C= 60%, O= 33%, H= 6%, S= 0.5%, N= 0.2% and ash= 0.3%. Calculate GCV and
NCV of coal. (2018-19, 2017-18)
Ans. GCV = 1 [8080%C + 34500 (%H-%O) + 2240%S]
100 8
GCV = 1 [8080 (60) + 34500 (6-33) + 2240 (0.5)] = 5506.07 cal/g
100 8

NCV = GCV – 0.09(%H)(587)

= 5506.07- 0.09(6)(587)
= 5189.09 cal/g

Q29. Calculate the mass of air needed for combustion of 5 Kg of coal containing 80% Carbon, 15% hydrogen
and rest oxygen. (2015-16)
Ans. Net O2= 32 × 4000 + 8 × 750 - 250
12
= 10666.6 + 6000 -250
= 16416.66 g
Weight of air = Net O2 × 100
23
= 71376.52 g

Q30. Calculate GCV and NCV of coal having the following compositions: C = 80%, H = 9%, O= 4%, S = 2.5%, N=
1.5%, ash = 3% (2018-19)
Ans. GCV = 1 [8080%C + 34500 (%H-%O) + 2240%S]
100 8

GCV = 1 [8080 × 80 + 34500 (9 - 4) + 2240 × 2.5]

100 8
= [6464 +( 3105 – 172.5) + 56]
= 9452.5 cal/g
NCV = GCV – 0.09(%H)(587)
= 9452.5- 0.09(9)(587)
= 8977.03 cal/g

Q31. A sample of water using FeSO4.7H2O as coagulant at the rate of 139 ppm gave the following results on
analysis Ca++= 160 ppm, Mg+= 72 ppm, CO2= 88 ppm, HCO3-= 488 ppm. Calculate lime and soda required to
soften1,00,000 L of water. (2015-16)

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Ans.
Impurity Quantity Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equiv. (mg/l) L or S
(mg/L)
Ca++ 160 20 160 × 50 = 400 S
20
Mg++ 72 12 72 × 50 = 300 L+S
12
CO2 88 22 88 × 50 = 200 L
22
HCO3- 488 61 488 × 50 = 400 L-S
61
FeSO4.7H2O 139 139 139 × 50 = 50 L+S
139

Lime= 74 [Mg+++ HCO3- + CO2 +FeSO4.7H2O] all as CaCO3 eq. × Vol. of water
100 106
= 74 [300+ 400 + 200 + 50] × 1,00,000
100 106
= 70.300 Kg
Soda= 106 [Ca++ + Mg++ - HCO3- + FeSO4.7H2O] all as CaCO3 eq. × Vol. of water
100 10 6
= 106 [400 + 300 - 400 + 50] × 1,00,000
100 106
= 37.1 Kg

Q32. Calculate the weight and volume of air required for combustion of 3 Kg of carbon. (2011-12)
Ans. Weight of air= Net O2 × 100
23

Net O2= 32 × C = 32 × 3000 = 8000 gm

12 12

Weight of air= Net O2 × 100

23
= 8000 × 100 = 34782.6 gm
23
Volume of air= Net O2 × 100
21

Net O2= 22.4 × 8000 = 5600 L

32
Volume of air= Net O2 × 100
21

= 5600 × 100 = 26666.67 L

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21

Q33. 3.25 gm of coal was kjeldahlized and NH3 gas thus evolved was absorbed in45 ml of 0.1 N H2SO4. To
neutralize excess acid, 11.5 ml of 0.1 N NaOH was required. Determine the percentage of nitrogen in the coal
sample. (2011-12)
Ans. Amount of acid used= Total amount of acid – Volume of NaOH used
= 45 – 11.5
= 33.5 ml
Percentage of nitrogen= Vol. of acid used × Normality of acid × 1.4
Weight of coal sample
= 33.5 × 0.1 × 1.4
3.25
= 4.69
3.25
= 1.44 %
Q34. A sample of coal containing 92% C, 5% H and 3% ash. When this coal was tested in laboratory for its
calorific value in a bomb calorimeter, the following data were obtained:
Weight of coal burnt= 0.95 gm
Weight of water taken= 700 gm
Water equivalent of calorimeter= 2000 gm
Rise in temperature= 2.48°C
Cooling Correction= 0.02°C
Fuse wire correction= 10 Cal
Acid Correction= 60 Cal
Calculate the gross and net calorific value of coal in Cal/gm (Assume the latent heat of condensation as 580
Cal/gm) (2011-12)
Ans. GCV = (W+w)(t2-t1+Cc) – (CA+Cf+CCT)
X
= (700 + 2000) (2.48 + 0.02) – (60 + 10 )
0.95
= (2700) (2.50) – (70)
0.95
= 6680 = 7031.57 cal/gm
0.95
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) Latent heat of steam
LCV =7031.57 -0.09(5) (580)
= 7031.57 - 261
= 6770.57 cal/gm

Q35. A sample of coal was analysed as follows: Exactly 1.51gm of was weighed into a silica crucible. After
heating for 1 hr at 110°C , the residue weighed 1.417 gm. The crucible was then strongly heated for exactly 7
min at 950°C. The residue weighed 0.528 gm. The residue was then heated until a constant weight of residue
was obtained. The last residue was found to be 0.254 gm. Calculate the percentage result of above analysis.
(2010-11)
Ans. Weight of moisture= 1.51 gm – 1.417 gm = .093 gm

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Percentage of moisture: % Moisture = Wt. of moisture × 100

Wt. of coal sample
= 0.093 × 100
1.51
= 6.15%
Weight of Volatile matter= 1.417 gm – 0.528 gm = .0.889 gm

%Volatile matter = Wt. of volatile matter × 100

Wt. of coal sample
= .0889 × 100
1.51
= 58.87%

Percentage of Ash: % Ash = Wt. of ash × 100

Wt. of coal sample
= 0.254 × 100
1.51
= 16.82%

Percentage of oxygen = 100 – (% Moisture + %Volatile matter + % Ash)

=100 – (6.51 +58.87 + 16.82)
= 100 – 82.2
= 17.8%

Q36. Calculate temporary, permanent and total hardness of water sample that is analysed as: Mg(HCO3)2= 7.3
mg/l, : Ca(HCO3)2= 8.1 mg/l, MgCl2= 9.5 mg/l and CaSO4= 6.8 mg/l (2010-11)
Ans.
Impurity Quantity (mg/L) Eq. Wt. CaCO3 Equi. (mg/l)
Ca(HCO3)2 8.1 81 8.1 × 50 = 5
81
Mg(HCO3)2 7.3 73 7.3 × 50 = 5
73
MgCl2 9.5 47.5 9.5 × 50 = 10
47.5
CaSO4 6.8 68 6.8 × 50 = 10
68

Temporary Hardness= Hardness due to [Ca(HCO3)2 + Mg (HCO3)2]

= 5 + 5 = 10 ppm
Permanent Hardness= Hardness due to [MgCl2 + CaSO4]
= 10 + 10 = 20 ppm
Total Hardness= Temporary Hardness + Permanent Hardness
= 10 + 20 = 30 ppm

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Q37. Following data was obtained in a bomb calorimeter experiment:

Weight of crucible= 3.649 gm
Weight of fuel= 1.029 gm
Weight of water in calorimeter 2200 gm
Water equivalent of calorimeter= 570 gm
Rise in temperature= 2.3°C
Cooling Correction= 0.047°C
Fuse wire correction= 3.8 Cal
Acid Correction= 62.6 Cal
Cotton thread correction= 1.6 Cal
Calculate GCV of fuel sample. If the fuel contains 6.0% H, determine the NCV (2010-11)
Ans. GCV = (W+w)(t2-t1+Cc) – (CA+Cf+CCT)
X
= (2200 + 570) (2.3 + 0.047) – (62.6 + 3.8 + 1.6 )
1.029
= (2770) (2.347) – (68)
1.029
= 6433.19 = 6251.885 cal/gm
1.029
LCV = HCV-0.09(%H) Latent heat of steam
LCV =6251.885 - 0.09(6) (587)
= 6256.445 – 316.98
= 5939.46 cal/gm

Q38. A sample of hard water has a hardness of 500 ppm. Express the hardness in °Clark and °French. (2009-
10)
Ans. Hardness of water sample 500 ppm
Hardness in °Clark = 500 × 0.07 °Cl
= 35 °Cl
Hardness in °French = 500 × 0.1 °Cl = 50 °F
Q39. The percentage composition of coal sample is: C = 70%, H 2 = 10%, O2= 1%, S = 5%, ash = 0.5 and N = 0.3%.
i) Calculate the quantity of air needed for complete combustion of 1 Kg of coal, if 60% excess of air is
supplied.
ii) Calculate the gross and net calorific value of coal using Dulong’s formula. (2020-21)
Ans.i) (N and ash are not combustible, so no calculations required for them)

Weight of C in 1 kg coal = 70 x 1000 g = 700 g

100
Weight of H in 1 kg coal = 10 x 1000 g =100 g
100
Weight of S in 1 Kg coal = 5 x 1000 g = 50 g
100
Weight of O in 1 kg coal = 1 x 1000 g = 10 g
100

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O2 quantity = (32 C + 8H + S - O) g = (32 x700 + 8 x 100 + 50 - 10) g = 2730 g

12 12
Minimum amount of air = Net O2 x 100 = 2730 x 100+60 = 18,991.30 g air
23 23

ii) GCV = 1 [8080C + 34500 (H-O) + 2240S]

100 8
= 1 [8080 x 700 + 34500 (100 – 10) + 2240 x 50]
100 8
= 5656 + 34068.75 + 1120
= 40,844.75 g

NCV = GCV - 0.09(%H) x latent heat of steam

= 40,844.75 – 0.09 (10) x 587
= 40,844.75 – 528.3
= 40316.45 g

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