Mass Transfer Operations - Assignment
Q1) Classification of Mass-Transfer Operations
By driving mechanism: Molecular diffusion (Fickian), Convective mass transfer, Interphase mass transfer, Turbulent
diffusion, Knudsen diffusion, Surface diffusion, Migration under other fields. By unit operation: Gas–liquid, Gas–solid,
Liquid–liquid, Liquid–solid, Vapor–liquid, Membrane processes. By process mode: Rate-based vs. equilibrium-stage,
Batch/semi-batch/continuous, Contacting pattern (cross-flow, counter-current, co-current).
Q2) Fick’s Law and proof that DAB = DBA
Fick’s first law: J_A = -D_AB (dC_A/dz). For equimolar counter-diffusion (N_A+N_B=0), applying to both species and
using C_A+C_B=const leads to D_AB = D_BA. This equality also follows from Maxwell–Stefan symmetry relations.
Q3) Types of Diffusion (with examples)
Equimolar counter-diffusion (e.g., NH3–HCl in tube), Diffusion through a stagnant film (e.g., benzene into stagnant air),
Diffusion with bulk flow (Stefan flow), Knudsen diffusion (gas in nano-pores), Turbulent diffusion (pollutant dispersion),
Surface diffusion (on adsorbent), Multicomponent diffusion (ternary gas mixtures).
Q4) Temperature & Pressure dependency of diffusivity
Gases: D_AB ∝ T^(3/2)/P (Chapman–Enskog) or T^1.75/P (Fuller). Temperature increase → D_AB increase; pressure
increase → D_AB decrease. Liquids: D ~ (k_BT)/(6πµr) (Stokes–Einstein); increases with T, decreases with viscosity;
pressure has minor effect except at high values.
Q5) Derivation of N_A for steady-state equimolal counter diffusion
Assume binary ideal gas, isothermal, isobaric, steady, 1-D, equimolar counter-diffusion. From Fick’s law: N_A =
-CD_AB (dy_A/dz). Integrating from y_A1 to y_A2 over distance L gives: N_A = (C D_AB / L) (y_A1 - y_A2) = (D_AB P
/ (R T L)) (y_A1 - y_A2) mol m^-2 s^-1.
