The GATE Grind

GATE 2026 CH – Question 19

Process Calculations · Recycle, bypass and purge calculations · 1 mark · Multiple choice

For an irreversible reaction containing inerts in the feed, single-pass conversion in a reactor is 70%. Which one of the following statements is CORRECT?

  1. Recycle eliminates the need for a purge stream.
  2. Recycle reduces the concentration of inerts in the system.
  3. Recycle increases the overall conversion.
  4. Recycle decreases the overall conversion.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) Recycle increases the overall conversion.

Explanation

Unreacted reactant is separated and sent back to the reactor, so the overall conversion of the process becomes higher than the single-pass conversion. With inerts, recycle makes them build up, so a purge is needed and the inert concentration rises, not falls.