CHE3165 Tutorial Problems Semester one

Week 7

Question 1

Figure 1 gives the solute mass fractions for a gas phase and a totally immiscible liquid
phase in contact; the profiles are close to the interface at some point in a piece of mass
transfer equipment. Answer the following –

(a) Is mass transfer occurring? If so, in which direction?

(b) Assuming that Henry’s Law applies, find the constant 𝐻 ′ (molar basis).
(c) Write down the driving force for mass transfer (mol fraction basis) in each of the
two phases.
(d) Find the values and give the units for the film mass transfer coefficients 𝑘𝑦′ and 𝑘𝑥′
if the molar flux is 2.16 mol/m2.h
(e) Find the overall coefficients 𝐾𝑦′ and 𝐾𝑥′ and give the units.
(f) Find the driving forces to be used with each of 𝐾𝑦′ and 𝐾𝑥′ and indicate the
relevant mol fractions on the diagram.

Question 2

Figure 2 depicts an apparatus for measuring gas-film mass transfer coefficients (a

“stirred transfer cell”), with some of its dimensions and operating conditions. The vessel
contains a known mass of pure 1-propanol liquid which slowly evaporates into a
continuous steady air stream. The phases are gently stirred by paddles so that each can
be assumed to be perfectly mixed, but the circular interface remains flat and
undisturbed.

The entering air is pure and flows at a steady rate of 3.50 litres per second at 17°C and
1.25 atm. The exit air can be assumed to flow at the same rate and conditions. The
saturation vapour pressure of 1-propanol at 17°C is 11.60 mm Hg. The initial mass of
liquid in the vessel is 1668g, while after 30 minutes of operation the mass is 1579g.
Determine the following:

(a) The molar rate of evaporation of 1-propanol.

(b) The molar flux of 1-propanol through the mass transfer interface.
(c) The molar air rate.
(d) The mol fraction and partial pressure of 1-propanol in the exit air.
(e) The driving force for mass transfer in mol fraction, partial pressure and
concentration units.
(f) The mass transfer coefficients 𝑘𝑦 , 𝐾𝐺 , and 𝑘𝑐 (give the units for each of your
answers).
(g) The mass transfer coefficients 𝑘𝑥 and 𝑘𝑦 .
CHE3165 Tutorial Problems Semester one
CHE3165 Tutorial Problems Semester one