ADVANCED MASS TRANSFER - 2025/6

Module Overview

The module is designed to develop a student’s applied analytical skills and knowledge of the complex mass transport phenomena in selected types of liquid/gas, solid/gas and liquid/solid/gas contact equipment commonly encountered in chemical process plants. The complexity of the design procedure is covered with selected process examples in which simultaneous heat and mass transfer, mass transfer without chemical reactions, and physical fluid/particle separation are studied in depth. Students will be introduced to the design equations for various unit operations, including the evaporative cooling systems (humidifiers, air-conditioning systems, and cooling towers), crystalisers, filters, and centrifuges, which develop their engineering knowledge and competence in sustainability, digital capabilities, and employability. 

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

AMINI HORRI Bahman (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Introduction

                                    Introduction of simultaneous heat and mass transfer

                                    Revision of basic mass transfer theory using interfacial phase equilibrium criteria

Chapter 1: Psychrometry and Humidification Processes 

                                    Revision of psychrometry

                                    Advanced psychrometric constructions using the charts

                                    Adiabatic humidification and dehumidification processes

                                    Psychrometric ratio and operating line of humidifiers

                                    Air-conditioning systems

Chapter 2: Evaporative Cooling           

                                    Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer

                                    Adiabatic Cooling

                                    Cooling towers design

                                    Type of cooling towers and cooling performance

Chapter 3: Crystallisation                      

                                    Crystallisation principles, crystal growth kinetics, and nucleation classification

                                    Supersaturation and theoretical crystal yield

                                    Basic design and operation of crystallisers

Chapter 4: Filtration                    

                                    Filtration fundamental and the filtration mechanisms

                                    Design equations for constant rate and constant pressure filtration

                                    Filter design and operation calculations

Chapter 5: Centrifugation                    

                                    Centrifugation mechanics and sedimentation fundamentals

                                    Design equations for centrifuges and Sigma theory

                                    Centrifuges equipment, design and operation calculations

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have met the module learning outcomes through

·         Successfully completing the In-semester tests on which they will receive effective feedback

·         Applying their skills to the demanding set of Tutorial problems where again providing effective guidance and feedback is considered critical to their learning

·         Completing the final examination.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

·         In-Semester class test , 1 hours  – one class test at 20% value each (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

·         Examination – 80% (two sections), 2 hours, (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5)

Formative assessment

None

Feedback

Verbal feedback during Tutorials

Verbal/written feedback from In-semester tests

Module aims

• To apply the psychrometry fundamentals and the theory of simultaneous heat and mass transfer for gas-liquid, gas-solid, and liquid-solid contact systems
• To formulate the basic design equations for the unit operations governed by the simultaneous heat and mass processes particularly adiabatic humidification systems, air conditioning systems, and cooling towers.
• To understand the crystal systems and to apply the basic crystallisation theories for designing continuous crystallisers
• To appraise the fundamental equations governing the design and operation of filtration and centrifugal unit operations

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Allow students to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil the module learning outcomes


• Allow students to practice applying their learning to selected tutorial problems in a supportive environment and in so doing develop further their skill base


• Allow students to solve some real world design problems

• Lectures                                 3 hours per week for 11 weeks (average)


• Tutorials                                 1.0 hours per every other week: by week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and week 11 in class)


• Independent Learning            9 hours per week for 12 weeks

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG3187

Other information

Employability: This module develops students’ skillsets and knowledge in designing the complex systems applied commonly in chemical production plants, including evaporative systems, cooling towers, crystallisers, filtration units, and centrifugal systems. With a working knowledge of how industrial systems operate, the students are capable of designing new systems in many process industries where sustainability and energy efficiency are the key aspects. Therefore, the module will provide students with the basic knowledge essential to act as professional design engineers and serve society with the technical expertise required for their prospective roles and responsibilities.

Digital Capabilities: Some aspects of digital tools, including numeric integration, trial & error calculations, excel goal seek, graphical workout on grid papers, etc., are applied in this module, which helps students to engage with the digital platforms and improve their skillset in this area.

Sustainability: This module contains the basic design elements for utility services and separation unit operations, which are key aspects for developing sustainable production systems in Chemical engineering and environmental protection.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.