Question

Which of the following equipment has the maximum capital cost contribution in a chemical plant?

• A. Pumps
• B. Compressors
• C. Heat exchangers
• D. Reactors

Hint:

In any process plant, always prioritize reactor design and budgeting — it's usually the most expensive and critical piece of equipment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In a chemical plant, various types of equipment are installed to carry out specific operations such as fluid transport, compression, heating or cooling, and chemical transformation.
Among these, the reactor is the heart of the process where the actual chemical transformation occurs. Designing and constructing a reactor involves significant capital investment due to several factors:
- Reactors must withstand high pressures, temperatures, and corrosive chemical environments.
- They often require advanced materials and complex fabrication techniques.
- Design must ensure safety, efficient heat and mass transfer, and optimal reaction kinetics.
While pumps, compressors, and heat exchangers are essential supporting equipment, their cost contribution is generally much lower compared to reactors.
Typical capital cost distribution data shows that reactors can account for up to 30–50% of the total fixed equipment cost in many chemical processing facilities.
Hence, reactors contribute the most to capital costs in a chemical plant.