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Mass Transfer
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:35
Abstract
This course presents the fundamentals of transport phenomena with emphasis on mass transfer. The physical significance of basic principles is elucidated and quantitatively described. Furthermore. the application of these principles to important engineering problems is demonstrated.
Objective
Students are exposed to the fundamentals of transport phenomena with an emphasis on mass transfer models, using Fick’s fundamental law for diffusion or the concept of mass transfer coefficients both for dilute and concentrated solutions. The central learning objectives are that by the end of the course, students should be able to: • calculate diffusion coefficients in various systems • apply mass transfer coefficient models involving solid/solid or fluid/solid interfaces • set up differential mass balances, and • directly implement generalized mass balance equations • inform chemical reaction mechanisms using mass transfer models With these aims, students will be able to address mass transport in a variety of engineering problems typically encountered in unit operations (such as evaporation, distillation, absorption), or in processes involving dissolution of particles, dispersion of pollutants, growth of microorganisms, pharmacokinetics and diffusion coupled with chemical reaction, under steady-state or transient conditions. Through this knowledge the students are capable of designing chemical processes involving mass transfer sequentially with other phenomena such as stirring or agitation, reaction using a porous catalyst, and solute–solvent or solute–boundary interactions.
Content
Fick's laws; application and significance of mass transfer; comparison of Fick's laws with Newton's and Fourier's laws; derivation of Fick's 2nd law; diffusion in dilute and concentrated solutions; rotating disk; dispersion; diffusion coefficients, viscosity and heat conduction (Pr and Sc numbers); Brownian motion; Stokes-Einstein equation; mass transfer coefficients (Nu and Sh numbers); mass transfer across interfaces; Analogies for mass-, heat-, and momentum transfer in turbulent flows; film-, penetration-, and surface renewal theories; simultaneous mass, heat and momentum transfer (boundary layers); homogeneous and heterogeneous reversible and irreversible reactions; diffusion-controlled reactions; mass transfer and first order heterogeneous reaction. Applications.
Resources
Literature
Cussler, E.L.: "Diffusion", 3nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 2009.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Standard wissenschaftlicher Taschenrechner (nicht-kommunikationsfähig, keine Computer oder Mobiltelefone), Textbuch (Cussler), 1 DIN A4-Blatt (Vorder- und Rückseite) Formelsammlung, Skript
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Mass Transfer | No time listed | 2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Mass Transfer
The exercise will start in the 2nd week of the Semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Sustainable Energy and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Mark Tibbitt In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Sustainable Energy and Processes you need to pass at least 2 core courses (W+) and at least 2 of the elective courses, according to the presentation of the Focus Specialization. If needed, an additional course from the D-MAVT course offerings (151-…) at the 3rd-year Bachelor level can be selected.)
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Electives (The list of electives is not exhaustive, also other courses can be chosen from the course catalogue: SiP-courses are only counted in the category "Science in Perspective". Practical sports courses are only counted in the sub-category Sports Practice (max. 6 ECTS).)
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