Prerequisites by Topic:

• Fundamentals of mass and energy balances.
• Fundamentals of mass transfer.
• Numerical methods.
• Thermodynamics.
• Calculus.

Textbook(s):

Geankopolis, C. J., Transport Processes and Unit Operations, 4^th ed., Prentice Hall (2006)

Reference(s):

Seader, J. D. and Henley, E. H., Separation Processes, 2^nd ed., Wiley (2005)

Topics Covered:

• Separation Processes (1 hour)
• Phase Equilibria (3 hours)
• Distillation (15 hours)
• Liquid-Liquid Extraction (6 hours)
• Solid-Liquid Extraction (4 hours)
• Absorption Stripping (5 hours)
• Adsorption (3 hours)
• Cooling Towers (4 hours)

Assessment Criteria:

1. Quizzes
2. Homework Assignments
3. Mid-term Exam
4. Term Project
5. Final Exam

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding the thermodynamic principles and mechanisms of mass-transfer (and separation) processes. [1]
2. Exposing students to industrial applications of separation process by giving practical examples. [1,3]
3. Mastering graphical and analytical techniques used in the calculation of equilibrium staged processes. [1]
4. Design of major mass transfer equipment. [1, 2]

Performance Criteria:

Students will be able to perform the following to achieve each objective of the course:

Objective 1:

1. Review thermodynamic conditions of equilibrium. (1,2)
2. Review of ideal and non-ideal solutions. (1,2)
3. Do Dewpoint and Bubble point calculations using K-value method. (1, 2)
4. Construct equilibrium curve based on the degree of separation. (1, 2)
5. Use several types of equilibrium diagram used in each separation process, such as: y-x diagram, rectangular and ternary diagrams, adsorption isotherms, and psychometric charts. (1, 2)
6. Understand the Two-Film theory of mass transfer. (1, 2)

Objective 2:

1. Identify the industrial equipment for each process. (1, 2)
2. Explain the process of separation in several types of mass transfer equipment. (1, 2)
3. Understand the operating conditions of distillation columns. (1, 2)

Objective 3:

1. Perform stage calculations using McCabe-Thiele methods for distillation, absorption, and solid and liquid extractions. (1, 2)
2. Perform stage calculations using Ponchon-Savarit method. (1, 2)
3. Plate efficiencies and tray hydraulics (1, 2)
4. Rigorous and short-cut calculations for multicomponent distillation. This includes the use of Fenske equation, Underwood or pseudo binary calculations coupled with Gilliland correlations. (1, 2)
5. Stage calculations using Hunter-Nash methods in liquid extraction. (1, 2)
6. Stage calculations using Fenske equation for linear equilibrium and operating lines. (1, 2)

Objective 4:

1. Design of distillation columns. (1, 2)
2. Design of packed bed gas absorbers, which includes calculation of the number of transfer units, height of the column and type of packings. (1, 2)
3. Design of fixed-bed adsorbers. (1, 2)
4. Design of cooling towers. (1, 2)

ABET Category Content:

Engineering Science: 1 Credits or 33%

Engineering Design: 2 Credit or 67%

Course Classification