Lecture 3

Convective Mass Transfer

[Geankoplis: 7.2; Treybal: 3]

Introduction

In Lecture 2, we have emphasised molecular diffusion in stagnant fluids or fluids in laminar flow (fluids flow in streamlines).

In many cases the rate of diffusion is slow, and more rapid transfer is desired. Thus the fluid velocity is increased until turbulent / convective mass transfer occurs.

Convective Mass Transfer

Mass transfer occurring under the influence of motion in a fluid medium is called convective mass transfer.

There are two types:

Forced convection mass transfer

Free convection mass transfer

Convective Mass Transfer

Figure shows the visualisation of the dissolution process of a solid.

Convective Mass Transfer

(a) Natural convection due to adverse density gradient.

(b) Higher density at the bottom, no natural convection.

Mass Transfer Coefficients

Since our understanding of turbulent flow is incomplete, we attempt to write the equations similar to that for molecular diffusion.

Thus, for constant total concentration,

A

J
Molecular diffusivity (m2/s) Mass eddy diffusivity (m2/s)

dc A = (DAB + M ) dz

(1)

Mass Transfer Coefficients

Integrating & rearranging,

(2)

DAB + M (c A1 c A2 ) J A1 = z 2 z1

M where

M is used since

is a variable

Distance of the path, (z2 z1) is often not know, thus

(3)

J * A1 = k 'c (c A1 c A2 )

Convective mass transfer coefficient

Mass Transfer Coefficients

For the case of equimolar counterdiffusion,

where NA = -NB, integrating at steady state,

(4)
(5)

dx A N A = c(DAB + M ) + x A (N A + N B ) dz

N A = k 'c (c A1 c A 2 )

where

DAB + M k 'c = z 2 z1

Mass Transfer Coefficients

( with = z2 z1 ; pBM =

pB 2 pB1 ) ln( pB 2 / pB1 )

Types of Mass Transfer Coefficients

Typical Magnitudes of Mass Transfer Coefficient and Film Thickness

Mass Transfer Coefficients for Various Geometries

The experimental data for mass transfer coefficients obtained using various kinds of fluids, different velocities, and different geometries are correlated using dimensionless numbers.

Dynamically similar systems will have equal dimensionless numbers. This dynamic similarity is an important requirement in the scaleup of chemical process equipment and in the design of ships and airplanes.

Important Dimensionless Groups In Mass Transfer

Reynolds number (Re)

Most important, indicates degree of turbulence

Schmidt number (Sc)

Sherwood number (Sh)

Stanton number (StM)

Peclet number, PeM

Colburn factor, jD

Grashof number, Gr

Lewis number, Le

Types of Fluid Flow indicated by Re

This is the most common type of fluid flow and is that which is usually seen in chromatography.

(a) Laminar Flow inside Pipes (Re < 2,100)

(b) Turbulent flow (Re > 2,100)

This is the best type of fluid flow obtainable in practice.

Theories of Mass Transfer

For many years mass transfer coefficients which were based primarily on empirical correlations, have been used in the design of process equipment.

Some theories of convective mass transfer will be presented next to see how they can be used to extend empirical correlations.

Theories of Mass Transfer

Film Theory

Penetration Theory

Boundary-layer Theory

Surface-renewal Theories

Combination FilmSurface-renewal Theory

1. Film Theory (or Film Model)

The Film Theory

The Film Theory

2. Penetration Theory (Higpie,1935)

Basic assumptions:

2. Penetration Theory (Higpie,1935)

Time of exposure is too short and constant for all the eddies; No possibility of formation of concentration gradient; Liquid particle is subjected to unsteady state diffusion; hence,

C A 2C A = D AB t Z 2 For solute point of view, the depth Zb is considered as infinite.

2. Penetration Theory (Higpie,1935)

at t = 0 at Z = 0 at Z = for all Z; t > 0; for all t CA = CAi CA = CA0

The conditions are CA = CA0

Solving the equation

N A , ave = 2 (C Ai

D AB C A0 ) t

Average mass transfer coefficient

DAB kL,av = t

kL,av is proportional to (DAB)0.5 for different solutes under the same circumstances. The range of exponents on D varies from 0 to 0.8 or 0.9

Surface Renewal Theory( Danckwerts, 1951)

In reality, all eddies are exposed for varying lengths of time. If S is the fractional rate of replacement of the elements, then

N A , ave = ( C Ai C A 0 ) D AB S

kl is proportional to (DAB)0.5

Combination of Film Surface renewal Theory (Dobbins, 1956,1964)

If Zb is of finite length, then the B.C becomes CA = CA0 at Z = Zb

for all

k l ,ave =

D AB S coth

SZ b2 D AB

Case i) For rapid penetration & rate of surface renewal is small, k follows Film Theory Case ii) For slow penetration & rapid surface renewal, k follows surface renewal Theory

Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer Analogies

Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer Analogies

In turbulent flow

Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer Analogies

Three transport laws to relate heat transfer coefficient and the mass transfer coefficient to the friction factor:

Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer Analogies

The Prandtl Analogy:

Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer Analogies

The Colburn Analogy:

End of Lecture 3

Next Lecture: Interphase Mass Transfer