Mass Transfer Operations: Absorption, Extraction, and Drying

Separation processes are at the heart of chemical engineering, determining the purity, efficiency, and environmental footprint of industrial production. Understanding how mass transfers between phases is essential for designing effective absorption columns, extraction systems, and industrial dryers. This text-based course guides you from the fundamental physics of diffusion to the practical design equations used in modern chemical plants. Through clear written explanations, you will gain the confidence to analyze separation systems, solve mass balance equations, and apply these principles to real-world engineering scenarios. You will also explore how modern sustainability standards and environmental considerations influence modern separation process design. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental principles of molecular diffusion and mass transfer coefficients. - Analyze gas absorption processes and design packed and tray columns using graphical and analytical methods. - Apply liquid-liquid extraction principles, including ternary phase diagrams and stage-wise calculations. - Evaluate drying kinetics and design industrial dryers based on heat and mass transfer rates. - Integrate modern environmental sustainability standards into separation process design. - Practice solving core chemical engineering design problems through step-by-step written exercises. The course starts with essential terminology and the physical laws governing mass transfer before moving into detailed, step-by-step breakdowns of absorption, extraction, and drying operations. You will explore theoretical models alongside practical calculations to build a strong engineering foundation. This course is designed for engineering students, technical professionals, and anyone seeking a solid foundation in chemical separation processes. No advanced background in mass transfer is required to begin. Start reading today to master the fundamentals of mass transfer operations.