Equilibrium condition?

Question

Many industrial processes are not under equilibrium conditions- offer reasons why this so.

thank you.

Answer 1

One reason is that equilibrium conditions (obviously depending on the reaction) favor a mix between products and reactants. Typically, what you want is a highly pure product without a bunch of leftover reactant in, therefore, you operate out of equilibrium by preferentially removing product from your reactor or by adding an excess of reactant.

In addition, many reactions don't reach equilibrium in anything like a reasonable amount of time. I mean, diamond is metastable, not stable, so eventually it will turn to graphite, but I'm not going to wait around for it:)

Answer 2

Mainly because equilibrium conditions are too hard to maintain. It usually takes too much money so they don't bother about running it in equalibrium.