Thermodynamics of an Insulated Box: Water-Steam Question

In summary, the task is to calculate the amount of heat that can be added to a sealed, thermally insulated tank with a volume of 2 m^3 and a safe working pressure of 4 bar, without exceeding the safe working pressure. At 20 degrees Celsius, 10% of the volume is occupied by water and the rest by water vapour. The method outlined involves calculating the initial masses of the liquid and vapour, determining the dryness fraction, finding the initial specific internal energy, using the ideal gas law to calculate the specific volume needed to achieve a pressure of 4 bar, and calculating the final dryness fraction and specific internal energy. However, there is a flaw in the method as it leads to a dry
  • #1
Master1022
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Homework Statement


A sealed, thermally insulated tank of volume 2 [itex] m^3 [/itex] has a safe working pressure of 4 bar. At 20 degrees Celcius, 10% of the volume is occupied by water, the remainder by water vapour. Calculate how much heat can be added without exceeding the safe working pressure.

This question is from "Basic Engineering Thermodynamics' - P. B. Whalley - p. 63, q6.6

Homework Equations


1st law of Thermodynamics: [itex] Q - W = \Delta U [/itex]
Other equations in the photo

The Attempt at a Solution


The attached photo is my attempt (apologies, was trying to find out how to make it just an attachment). Hopefully, it is legible, was initially working in draft...
IMG_6178.JPG


My method outline:
1. work out the initial masses of liquid and vapour
2. work out the dryness fraction
3. work out the initial (specific) internal energy
4. using ideal gas law to calculate specific volume that would give pressure of 4 bar
5. calculate final dryness fraction
6. calculate final (specific) internal energy
7. find the difference between the U values (after including mass in the calculation)

However, in step 5, I am getting a dryness fraction > 1, which doesn't make sense. I would appreciate any help regarding any flaws in my method or working.

Thanks in advance
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6178.JPG
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  • #2
In the final state, you still have liquid and vapor present. Why didn't you use the steam tables to get the specific volumes of the liquid and vapor in the final state?
 

What is the purpose of studying the thermodynamics of an insulated box with water and steam?

The purpose of studying the thermodynamics of an insulated box with water and steam is to understand the behavior and transformations of energy within a closed system. This knowledge is essential in many fields such as engineering, chemistry, and physics.

What is an insulated box and why is it used in this experiment?

An insulated box is a closed container that has a layer of insulation on its walls to prevent the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of the box. It is used in this experiment to create a closed system where the energy can be observed and measured without any external influences.

How does the temperature of water in an insulated box change when it is heated to produce steam?

When heat is added to the water in an insulated box, its temperature increases until it reaches the boiling point. At this point, the water starts to transform into steam. The temperature of the water remains constant during this process, and any additional heat added is used to convert the water into steam.

What happens to the pressure inside an insulated box as water is heated and transformed into steam?

As the water in the insulated box is heated and transformed into steam, the pressure inside the box increases. This is because steam takes up more volume compared to water, and the molecules are moving faster, causing more collisions with the walls of the box, resulting in an increase in pressure.

What is the relationship between temperature and pressure in an insulated box with water and steam?

In an insulated box with water and steam, there is a direct relationship between temperature and pressure. As the temperature increases, so does the pressure. This is because as the temperature increases, the molecules have more energy and move faster, resulting in more collisions and higher pressure.

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