CL3021 - Mass Transfer Operations

Available to level 3 chemical engineering students.

This Subject is divided in two main parts: mass transport processes and unit operations. The 1st part consists of the fundamentals of mass transport in gases, liquids and solids, including the mass transport models for molecular diffusion, convective mass transfer coefficient, interphase mass transfer, Fick's law and models for mass transfer coefficients. The 2nd part contains the application of mass transfer mechanisms in separation processes, such as absorption and stripping, liquid-liquid extraction, membrane separation, adsorption, drying, crystallisation and distillation. McCabe-Thiele method will be introduced for the design and calculation of equipment dimensions.

Learning Outcomes

• employ fundamental relations in calculation associated with gas, liquid and solid mass transport;
• calculate equipment dimensions using mass transport models;
• combine theoretical knowledge on mass transport with experimental and analysis skills;
• discuss relevance of mass transport concepts in different unit operations, such as drying, adsorption, crystallisation and membrane separation.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (50% - 70%)
• (30% - 50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.