Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles (Includes Unit Operations) Fourth Edition

6.1. INTRODUCTION TO MASS TRANSFER AND DIFFUSION

6.1A. Similarity of Mass, Heat, and Momentum Transfer Processes

1. Introduction

In Chapter 1 we noted that the various separation processes have certain basic principles which can be classified into three fundamental transfer (or “transport”) processes: momentum transfer, heat transfer, and mass transfer. The fundamental process of momentum transfer occurs in such operations as fluid flow, mixing, sedimentation, and filtration. Heat transfer occurs in conductive and convective transfer of heat, evaporation, distillation, and drying.

The third fundamental transfer process, mass transfer, occurs in distillation, absorption, drying, liquid–liquid extraction, adsorption, ion exchange, crystallization, ...