Process Mass Transfer
CHEN2003

Introduction

Many everyday and industrial processes rely on separating different components from a mixture. While simple mixtures like solids in liquids can be separated mechanically—for example, using filters—others like gases or solutions need more advanced techniques. These more complex processes rely on the movement of particles between phases, a concept known as mass transfer.

This unit introduces the key ideas behind mass transfer and shows how they are used in common separation processes such as distillation, gas absorption, leaching, and drying. You'll learn how energy or solvents can be used to drive separation, and how these principles apply to real-world applications like carbonating soft drinks, purifying chemicals, or even brewing coffee.

To bring these ideas to life, students will participate in hands-on laboratory experiments that explore a range of mass transfer operations. These include practical investigations into gas absorption, distillation, leaching, air conditioning systems, and packed bed flow behaviour—each illustrating different separation techniques, purposes, and real-world applications. Interactive pre-laboratory modules support each experiment, providing students with essential background on the purpose, underlying concepts, equipment setup, and procedural steps. By engaging with both theory and practice, this unit helps students understand how separation processes are designed and operated. The knowledge gained here is essential for future work in chemical process industries, environmental engineering, and sustainable technology development.