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151-0917-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-CHAB , D-MAVT , D-BIOL
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Mass Transfer

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Vlasios Mavrantzas, Prof. Dr. Chih-Jen Shih, Prof. Dr. Mark Tibbitt
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:50

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
During the semester, one interim examination will be offered to help students assess their Mass Transfer performance and prepare for the final exam. The interim exam is optional and only contributing to the final grade if they help improve it. The interim exam may count up to 20% toward the overall result, depending on student performance.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Mass Transfer
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (ML H 44)
2 h weekly
exercise Mass Transfer
The exercise will start in the 2nd week of the Semester.
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (HG E 1.1)
2 h weekly

Offered In