Hydrogenation of oil is carried out in a/an __________ in Vanaspati manufacturing plant.

ANS:A - agitated vessel

An agitated vessel, also known as an agitated tank or stirred tank reactor, is a type of vessel used in chemical and biochemical processes where agitation or mixing of the contents is required. Here's an explanation of an agitated vessel:

1. Vessel Construction: An agitated vessel typically consists of a cylindrical tank or vessel made of stainless steel or other suitable materials. It may have a closed or open top, depending on the specific application. The vessel is designed to withstand the operating conditions, including temperature, pressure, and mechanical stresses induced by agitation.
2. Agitation Mechanism: Inside the vessel, there is an agitation mechanism that facilitates mixing of the contents. This mechanism usually consists of one or more agitators, which are rotating shafts equipped with blades or impellers. The agitators can be driven by electric motors, gears, or other power sources to generate the required mixing action.
3. Mixing Process: The agitators inside the vessel create turbulent flow patterns, causing the contents to be mixed thoroughly. This ensures uniform distribution of reactants, heat, and mass transfer throughout the vessel. The mixing action promotes efficient chemical reactions, dissolution of solids, dispersion of gases, and heat transfer, depending on the specific process requirements.
4. Control and Monitoring: Agitated vessels are equipped with instrumentation and controls to monitor and control various parameters such as temperature, pressure, agitation speed, and feed rates. This allows operators to optimize process conditions and ensure consistent product quality.
5. Applications: Agitated vessels are widely used in various industries for a range of processes, including chemical synthesis, fermentation, polymerization, crystallization, and extraction. They are especially common in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemical manufacturing, and biotechnology, where precise control over mixing and reaction conditions is essential for product quality and process efficiency.