UNIT-V

MASS TRANSFER
 MASS TRANSFER

This process of transfer of mass as a result of the species concentration difference in

a mixture is known as mass transfer.

Examples of mass transfer are

1. Humidification of air in cooling tower.

2. Evaporation of petrol in the carburetor of an IC engine.
3. The transfer of water vapour into dry air.
4. Dissolution of sugar added to a cup of coffee.

MODES OF MASS TRANSFER

1. Diffusion mass transfer

2. Convective mass transfer
Molecular diffusion:

The transport of water on a microscopic level as a result of diffusion from a region of

higher concentration to a region of lower concentration in a mixture of liquids or gases is
known as molecular diffusion

Eddy diffusion:

When one of the diffusion fluids is in turbulent motion, eddy diffusion takes place.
Mass transfer is more rapid by eddy diffusion than by molecular diffusion.
CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER

Convective mass transfer is a process of mass transfer that will occur between a surface
and a fluid medium when they are at different concentrations.

CONCENTRATIONS

(i) Mass concentration (or ) Mass density

The mass concentration is defined as the mass of a component per unit volume of
the mixture. It is expressed in kg/m3

Mass of a component
Mass concentration 
Unit volume of mixture

(ii) Molar Concentration (or ) Molar density

The molar concentration is defined as the number of molecules of a component per
unit volume of the mixture. It is expressed in kg-mole/m 3
Number of molecules of component
Molar concentration 
Unit volume of mixture
Mass concentration and molar concentration are related by the following expression

A Where,
CA  ρA- Density of the component A
MA
MA- Molecular weight of the component A

Mass fraction:

The mass fraction is defined as the mass concentration of species to the total mass density
of the mixture.

Mass concentration of a species A

Mass fraction  mA 
Total mass density 

Mole fraction:
The mole fraction is defined as the ratio of mole concentration of species to the total molar
concentration.

Molar concentration of a species CA

Mole fraction  xA 
Total molar concentration C
Fick’s law of diffusion:

The diffusion rate is given by the fick’s law, which states that molar flux of an element
per unit area is directly proportional to concentration gradient
STEADY STATE DIFFUSION THROUGH A PLANE MEMBRANE:

Consider a plane membrane of thickness L, containing fluid 'a'. The concentrations of

the fluid at the opposite wall faces areCa1and Ca2 respectively.
Considering the diffusion is along X axis, then the controlling equation is

d 2Ca
0
dx 2

Integrating above equation

dC a
 C1
dx

Again integrating,

C a  C1 x  C 2

Apply boundary condition

At, x=0
C a1  C 2
 At x=L ma C  Ca1
  Dab a 2
C a2  C1 L  C 2 A L
C a1  C 2 where
C a2  C1 L  C a1 ma kg - mole
 Molar flux
A s - m2
C a2  C a1
C1 
L
m2
D ab  Diffusion coefficient -
s
Substituting C1,C2 values in equation kg - mole
C a1  Concentration at inner side -
m3
kg - mole
C a2  Concentration at outer side -
 C  C a1  m3
C a   a2  x  C a1
 L  L- thickness in m
From Fick’s law, we know that For cylinder
L= r2-r1 For sphere
ma dCa
L= r2-r1
Molar flux   Dab
A dx 2Lr2  r1  A=4πr1r2
A
r 
ma d  Ca 2  Ca1  ln 2 
  Dab  x  Ca1   r1  Where
A dx  L 
r1-Inner radius in m
r2-Outer radius in m
L-Length in m
 Formula used:

 Molar concentration C= Solubility × pressure

Molar concentration C 
GT

i
Molar concentration C i 
Mi
Total concentration C=C1+C2+….+Cn

Overall density   1   2  ...   n

Mass fractions:
. i
mi

. i
mi


Mole fractions:

Ci
xi 
C

Average Molecular weight

M  P1M 2  P2 M 2  .....  Pn M n
1. A vessel contains a binary mixture of O2 and N2 with partial pressures in the ratio 0.21
and 0.79 at 20°C. If the total pressure of the mixture is 1.1bar, calculate the following:
i) Molar concentrations
ii)Mass densities
iii) Mass fractions
iv) Molar fractions of each species

Given:
Solution:

Partial pressure of O2, PO2 =0.21 ×Total pressure

We know that,
=0.21 ×1.1 bar
=0.21 ×1.1 ×105N/m2 
Molar concentration C 
Partial pressure of N2 ,PN2 =0.79 ×Total pressure GT
=0.79 ×1.1 bar  O2 0.21  1.1  105
CO2  
=0.79 ×1.1 ×105N/m2 GT 8314  293
Temperature = 200C =20+273 =293 K [Universal gas constant G= 8314
J/kg-mole-K]
To find:

1.Molar concentration CO2,CN2

2.Mass densities ρO2, ρN2
3.Mass fractions
4.Molar fractions xO2, xN2
  N2
 N2  CN2  M N2
.
CO2  9.84  10 kg  mole
3
m N2 
m3 
 35.67  10 3  28 m
.

0.9987
 0.767
 N2 0.79  1.1  10 5 N2
C N2   1.302
GT 8314  293
[Molecular weight of N2 =28]
Total concentration
C N 2  35.67  10 3 kg  mole 3
 N 2  0.9987 kg/m 3 C=CO2+CN2
m
Overall density   N 2   O2  9.48  10 3  35.67  10 3
We know that,
C=0.045

Molar concentration C 
M
 0.303  0.9987 Mole fractions:

  1.302 kg/m 3 CO2 9.48  10 3

 CM x O2  
C 0.045
 O2  CO2  M O2 Mass fractions:
x O2  0.210
.  O2
m O2 
 9.48  10 3  32  CN2 35.67  10 3
x N2  
[Molecular weight of C 0.045
. 0.303
O2 =32] m O2   0.233
1.302
x N 2  0.792
 O2  0.303 kg/m 3
Result:
C O 2  9.84  10 3 kg  mole
m3

C N 2  35.67  10 3 kg  mole
m3

 O2  0.303 kg/m 3

 N 2  0.9987 kg/m 3
. 0.303
m O2   0.233
1.302
. 0.9987
m N2   0.767
1.302

x O2  0.210

x N 2  0.792
2. A mixture of O2 and N2 with their partial pressures in the ratio 0.21 to 0.79 is in a
container at 25°C. Calculate the molar concentration, the mass density, and the mass
fraction of each species for a total pressure of 1bar. What would be the average molecular
weight of the mixture?
Given: Solution:
We know that,
Partial pressure of O2, PO2 =0.21 ×Total 
Molar concentration C 
GT
pressure
=0.21 ×1 bar  O2 0.21  1  105
CO2  
=0.21 ×1 ×105N/m2 GT 8314  298
Partial pressure of N2 ,PN2 =0.79 ×Total
[Universal gas constant G= 8314 J/kg-mole-K]
pressure
=0.79 ×1 bar C O 2  8.476  10 3 kg  mole
=0.79 ×1×105N/m2 m3
Temperature = 250C =25+273 =298 K
 N2 0.79  1  105
C N2  
To find: GT 8314  298

1.Molar concentration CO2,CN2 C N 2  31.88  10 3 kg  mole

m3
2.Mass densities ρO2, ρN2
3.Mass fractions
4.Molar fractions xO2, xN2
  Overall density   N 2   O2
Molar concentration C 
M
 CM  0.271  0.893
 O2  CO2  M O2   1.164 kg/m 3
 8.476  10 3  32
Mass fractions:
[Molecular weight of
O2 =32] .  O2
m O2 

 O2  0.271 kg/m 3
. 0.271
 N2  CN2  M N2 m O2   0.233
1.164

 31.88  10 3  28 .  N2 Average Molecular

m N2 
 weight
[Molecular weight of . 0.893
O2 =28] m N2   0.767
1.164 M  PO 2 M O 2  PN 2 M N 2

 N 2  0.893 kg/m 3
=0.21×32 + 0.79×28

M=28.84
3. The molecular weights of the two components A and B of a gas mixture are 24 and 48
respectively. The molecular weight of a gas mixture is found to be 30. If the mass
concentration of the mixture is 1.2 kg/m3, determine the following:
(i) Density of component A and B
.(ii) Molar fractions
(iii) Mass fractions
(iv) Total pressure if the temperature of the mixture is 290 K

Given: Solution:
Molecular weight of component A, MA=24
Molecular weight of component B, MB=48 Molar concentration of the mixture,
Molecular weight of gas mixture M=30
 1 .2
Mass concentration ρ=1.2kg/m3 C 
M 30
Temperature T=290.K
C  0.04

To find:
CA  CB  C
1.Density of component A and B,ρA,ρB
2.Molar fractions xA,xB
3.Mass fractions mA,mB
4.Total pressure p C A  C B  0.04 (1)
  A  CA  M A C A  0.03 kg mole/m3 CB
xB 
C
C B  0.01 kg mole/m3
M A  24 0.01
xB   0.25
0.04
 A  24C A i)Density
 A  24C A
iii) Mass fractions
 B  CB  M B  24  0.03 . A
mA 
 A  0.72 kg/m 3 
M B  48
 B  48C B 0.72
  0 .6
 B  24C B 1 .2
 A  B  
 48  0.01
. B
mB 
24C A  48C B   
 A  0.48 kg/m 3
0.48
  0 .4
(2) 1 .2
24CA+48CB = 1.2 ii) Mole fractions

CA+CB = 0.04 (1) CA

xA 
C
24CA+48CB = 1.2 (2)
0.03
xA   0.75
0.04
Solving equation (1) and (2)
iv) Total pressure at 290 K

Gas law,
pV=mRT
m
p RT
V

p  RT
G
R
M
G
 T
M
8314
 1.2   290
30

[Universal gas constant G= 8314 J/kg-mole K]

p  96442 N/m 2

p  96.442 kN/m 2
4. Helium diffuses through a plane membrane of 2 mm thick. At the inner side the
concentration of helium is 0.025 kg mole/m3 .At the outer side the concentration of helium is
0.007 kg mole/m3. What is the diffusion flux of helium through the membrane. Assume
diffusion co-efficient of helium with respect to plastic is 1 x 10 -9m2/s.

Given
Thickness L =2mm =0.002m
Concentration at inner side Ca1=0.025 kg-mole/m3
Concentration at inner side Ca1=0.007 kg-mole/m3
Diffusion co-efficient Dab=1×10-9m2/s

To find:
Diffusion flux

Solution:

m a Dab
Molar flux  Ca1  Ca 2 
A L
9
m a 1  10
 0.025  0.007
A 0.002

ma
 9  10 9 kg - mole/s - m 2
A
5. Hydrogen gases at 3 bar and I bar are separated by a plastic membrane having thickness
0.25mm. The binary diffusion co-efficient of hydrogen in the plastic is 9.1 x 10 -8 m2/s. The
solubility of hydrogen in the membrane is 2.1 x 10 -3J kg-mole/m3bar. An uniform
temperature condition of 20° C is assumed. Calculate the following:
i) Molar concentration of hydrogen on both sides
ii) Molar flux of hydrogen
iii) Mass flux of hydrogen

Given: Solution:
Inside pressure p1=3bar 1. Molar concentration on inner side,
Outside pressure p2=1 bar
Ca1 = Solubility × pressure
Thickness L=0.25 mm=0.25×10-3 kg-mole/m3-bar
Temperature T= 200C
Ca1 = 2.1 × 10-3× 3
Ca1 = 6.3 × 10-3kg-mole/m3
To find:
1.Molar concentration on both sides
Ca1 and Ca2
2.Molar flux 2. Molar concentration on outer side,
3.Mass flux
Ca1 = Solubility × outer pressure

Ca1 = 2.1 × 10-3× 1

Ca1 = 2.1 × 10-3kg-mole/m3

 m a Dab
Molar flux  Ca1  Ca 2 
A L


m a 9.1  10 8  6.3  10 3  2.1  10 3


A 0.25  10 3

ma
 1.52  10 6 kg - mole/s - m 2
A

Mass flux = Molar flux × Molecular weight

 1.52  10 6  2

[Molecular weight of H2 is 2]

Mass flux  3.04  10 6

6. Oxygen at 25°C and pressure of 2 bar is flowing through a rubber pipe of inside diameter
25 mm and wall thickness 2.5mm. The diffusivity of O 2 through rubber is 0.21 x 10-9 m2/s
and the solubility of O2 in rubber is 3.12 x 10-3 kg-mole/m3 bar. Find the loss of O2 .by
diffusion per metre length of pipe.
Given:
Temperature T=250C
Inside pressure p1= 2bar
Inner diameter d1=25 mm
Inner radius r1 =12.5mm=0.0125m
Thickness t =2.5mm=0.0025m
Outer radius r2=Inner radius + Thickness
=0.0125+0.0025
r2=0.015 m
Diffusion co-efficient Dab=0.21×10-9 m2/s
Solubility = 3.12 ×10-3 kg-mole/m3bar

To find:
Loss of O2 by diffusion per meter length
 m a Dab
Solution: Molar flux  Ca1  Ca 2 
A L
1. Molar concentration on inner side,
For cylinder
Ca1 = Solubility × pressure L= r2-r1
2Lr2  r1 
A
r 
Ca1 = 3.12 × 10-3× 2 ln 2 
 r1 
Ca1 = 6.24 × 10-3kg-mole/m3
ma D
 ab C a1  C a 2 
2Lr2  r1  r2  r1
r 
ln 2 
Molar concentration on outer side  r1 

2L Dab
Ca2 = Solubility × outer pressure ma  Ca1  Ca 2 
 r2 
ln 
Ca2 = 3.12 × 10-3× 0  r1 

Ca2 = 0
ma 
2  1  0.21 10 9
 0.015 

6.24  10 3  0 
ln 
 0.0125 
[Assuming the partial pressure of O2 on the
outer surface of the tube is zero] [Length L= 1m]

ma= 4.51×10-11 kg-mole/s

STEADY STATE EQUIMOLAR COUNTER DIFFUSION:
Differentiating with respect to x
Consider two large chambers a and b dp dpa dpb
connected by a passage as shown in Fig  
dx dx dx

Since the total pressure of the system remains

constant under steady state conditions

dp dpa dpb
  0
Na and Nb are the steady state molar dx dx dx
diffusion rates of components a and b
respectively . dpa dpb
 (1)
dx dx
Equimolar diffusion is defined as each
molecules of 'a' is replaced by each molecule of Under steady state conditions, the total
'b' and vice versa molar flux is zero

The total pressure p is uniform throughout the Na+Nb=0

system.
Na= -Nb
p = p a + pb A dpa A dpb
 Dab  Dab (2)
GT dx GT dx
From Fick's law,
A dpa
So, N a   D
A dpa GT dx
N a   Dab
GT dx A dpa
N a  ma   D
A dpb GT dx
N b   Dba
GT dx
ma  D dpa
Na  
A GT dx
We know
Integrating,
dpb dp
 a From equ (1)
dx dx m  D dpa
2
Na  a 
A GT 1 dx 
Substitute in equation (2)

A dpa A dpa
 Dab   Dba ma D  pa1  pa 2 
GT dx GT dx Molar fluxN a    
A GT  x2  x1  (3)

Dab  Dba  D Similarly,

mb D  pb1  pb 2  (4)
Molar fluxN b    
A GT  x2  x1 
 where,
ma kg - mole
 Molar flux -
A s - m2

D- Diffusion coefficient – m2/s

G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K
A-Area m2
Pa1 – Partial pressure of constituent at 1in N/m 2
Pa2 – Partial pressure of constituent at 2 in N/m 2
T-Temperature K
7.Ammonia and air are in Equimolar counter diffusion in a cylindrical tube of 2.5 mm
diameter and 15 m length. The total pressure is 1atmosphere and the temperature is 25°C.
One end of the tube is connected to a large reservoir of ammonia and the other end of the
tube is open to atmosphere. If the mass diffusivity for the mixture is 0.28 × 10 -4 m2/s.
Calculate the following
a) Mass rate of ammonia in kg/h
b) Mass rate of air in kg/h

Given:
Diameter d= 2.5mm=2.5×10-3m
Length (x2-x1) =15 m
Total pressure p= 1 atm=1.013bar
Temperature T=250C =25+273=298K
Diffusion co-efficient Dab=0.28×10-4m2/s
1.013 = pa1+0

To find:
[open to atmosphere. So, pa2=0]
1.Mass rate of ammonia in kg/h
2.Mass rate of air in kg/h
pa1=1.013 bar
pa1=1.013×105 N/m2
Solution:
We know that pa2=0
Total pressure p=pa1=pa2
For Equimolar counter diffusion We know
Mass transfer rate of ammonia= Molar transfer rate of
ma Dab  pa1  pa 2 
Molar flux    
A GT  x2  x1  ammonia × Molecular
weight
13
of ammonia
 3.74  10  17.03

[Molecular weight of ammonia =17.03, refer HMT

where
data book page.no.182(Sixth edition)]
G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K
π
A  Area  d 2  6.36  10 12 kg/s
4
π

 2.5  10 -3
4
2
  6.36  10 12  3600 kg/h

6 2 Mass transfer rate of ammonia  2.29  10 8 kg/h

A  4.9  10 m

ma 0.28  10 4 1.013  105  0 

   we know
4.9  10 6 8314  298  15 
Molar transfer rate of air  3.74  10 13 kg - mole/s
Molar transfer rate of ammonia
ma=3.74×10-13 kg-mole/s
 [Due to equimolar diffusion,ma= -mb]

We know
Mass transfer rate of air = Molar transfer rate of air × Molecular weight of air

 3.74  10 13  29

 1.08  10 11 kg / s

 1.08  10 11  3600 kg / hr

Mass transfer rate of air  3.88  10 8 kg/hr

8. CO2 and air experience Equimolar Counter diffusion in circular tube whose length and
diameter are 1.2m and 60m respectively. The system is at a total pressure of 1atm and
temperature of 273 K. The ends of the tube are connected to large chambers. Partial
pressure of CO2 at one end is 200 mm of Hg while at the other end is 90 mm of Hg.
Calculate the following
1. Mass transfer rate of CO2 and
2. Mass transfer rate of air
Partial pressure of CO2 at other end
Given: 90
Pa 2  90 mm of Hg  bar
760
Diameter d =60mm=0.06m
Pa 2  0.118 bar1 bar  760 mm of Hg 
Length (x2-x1)=1.2m
Total pressure p=1atm=1.03125bar 
Pa 2  0.118  105 N/m 2 1 bar  105 N/m 2 
Temperature T=273K
Partial pressure of CO2 at one end
200
Pa1  200 mm of Hg  bar
760
Pa1  0.263bar1 bar  760 mm of Hg 


Pa1  0.263  105 N/m 2 1 bar  105 N/m 2 
To find: where
1.Mass transfer rate of CO2 G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K
2.Mass transfer rate of air π 2
A  Area  d
4
π
Solution:  0.062
We know that, 4
for Equimolar counter diffusion A  2.82  10 3 m 2

ma Dab  pa1  pa 2  ma 11 .89  10 6  0.263  105  0.118  105 

Molar flux     
A GT  x2  x1   
2.82  10 3 8314  273  1.2 
Where,
Dab- Diffusion coefficient – m2/s
Molar transfer rate of CO 2 , m a  1.785  10 10 kg  mole / s
The Diffusion coefficient for CO2-Air
combination is 11.89×10-6 m2/s we know,
From HMT data book page.no.180(Sixth Molar transfer rate of CO 2  Molar transfer  Molecular weight
edition)]
=1.785×10-10 ×44.01

Dab=11.89×10-6 m2/s Molecular weight of CO2=44.01

Refer HMT data book page.no.182(Sixth
edition)]
Mass transfer rate of CO2 =7.85×10-9 kg/s

we know
Molar transfer rate of air m b  1.785  10 10 kg  mole / s

[ma=-mb]

Mass transfer rate of air = Molar transfer rate of air × Molecular weight of air

 1.785  10 10  29

Mass transfer rate of air = -5.176×10-9kg/s

9.Two large tanks, maintained at the same temperature and pressure are connected by a
circular 0.15m diameter direct, which is 3m in length. One tank contains a uniform
mixture of 60 mole % ammonia and 40 mole % air and the other tank contains a uniform
mixture of 20 mole % ammonia and 80 mole % air. The system is at 273 K and 1.013 x 10 5
pa. Determine the rate of ammonia transfer between the two tanks. Assuming a steady state
mass transfer
Given Data:
Diameter d1 =0.15m
Length (x2-x1)=0.15m
60
pa1   0.6 bar  0.6  105 N/m 2
100

40
pb1   0.4 bar  0.4  105 N/m 2
100
20
pa 2   0.2 bar  0.2  105 N/m 2
100
To find:
pb1 
80
 0.8 bar  0.8  105 N/m 2
Rate of ammonia transfer
100
Solution :
T=273 K (We know that, for Equimolar counter diffusion)
p=1.013 ×105 N/m2
ma Dab  pa1  pa 2 
Molar flux    
A GT  x2  x1 
 where Mass transfer rate of ammonia = Molar transfer
G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K rate of ammonia
π 2
A  Area  d × Molecular
4
weight of
π
 0.15
9
2
 2.15  10  17.03 ammonia
4
Refer HMT data book , Page.no.182
A  0.017m 2
Mass transfer rate of ammonia = 3.66×10-8kg/s
The Diffusion coefficient of ammonia with
air combination =21.6×10-6 m2/s
Result:
From HMT data book page.no.180(Sixth
edition)]
Mass transfer rate of ammonia = 3.66×10-8kg/s
Dab=21.6×10-6 m2/s

ma 21.6  10 6  0.6  105  0.2  105 

  
0.017 8314  273  3 

Molar transfer rate of ammonia, m a  2.15  10 9 kg  mole / s

ISOTHERMAL EVAPORATION OF WATER INTO AIR:
From Fick’s law of diffusion, we can find

ma Dab  p   pa 2 
Molar flux     ln 
A GT  x2  x1   pa1 

ma Dab  p   p  pw 2 
Molar flux     ln 
A GT  x2  x1   p  pw1 

where
For the analysis of this type of mass diffusion, ma
following assumptions are made:  Molar flux kg - mole/s - m 2
A

1. The system is isothermal and total pressure

remains constant. Dab- Diffusion co-efficient –m2/s
G-Universal gas constant
2. System is in steady state condition. T-Temperature K
p-Total pressure
3. There is slight air movement over the top of pw1-Partial pressure of water vapour
the tank to remove the water vapour which corresponding to saturation
diffuses to that point temperature at 1 in N/m2
pw2-Partial pressure of dry air at 1 in
4. Both the air and water vapour behave as N/m2
Ideal gas
10.An open pan 20 cm in diameter and 8, cm deep contains water at 25 0C and is exposed to
dry atmospheric air. If rate of diffusion of water vapour is 8.54×10 -4 kg/h, estimate the
diffusion co-efficient of water in air.
Given:
Diameter d =20 cm =0.2m
Length (x2-x1)=8cm=0.08m
Temperature T=250C=25+273=298K
Diffusion rate or Mass rate of water vapour
=8.54×10-4 kg/h
8.54  10 4

3600
Dab  A  p   p  pw 2 
 2.37  10 7 kg / s ma    ln 
GT  x2  x1   p  pw1 
To find: We know that
Diffusion co-efficient Dab Mass rate of water vapour= Molar rate of
water vapour × Molecular weight of steam
Solution:
We know that Dab  A  p   p  p w 2 
Molar rate of water vapour 2.37  10 7    ln    18.016
T x  x
 2 1  p  p w1 

ma Dab  p   p  pw 2 
Molar flux     ln 
A GT  x2  x1   p  pw1 
 π 2 Pw2- Partial pressure at the top of the pan. Here,
Area A  d
4 air is dry and there is no water vapour.
π So, Pw2 = 0.
 0.22
4
2
pw2 =0
A  0.0314m

7 Dab  0.0314 1.013  105 

G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K 2.37  10   
p- Total pressure = 1 atm=1.013 bar 8314  298  0.08 
=1.013 ×105 N/m2  
1.013  105  0
pw1- Partial pressure at the bottom of the test 
ln 5
  18.016
5 
tube corresponding to saturation temperature  1.013  10  0.03166  10 
250C

At 250C Dab=2.58×10-5 m2/s

pw1 =0.03166 bar
From R.S.Khurmi steam table page.no2

pw1 =0.03166 ×105 N/m2

11.An open pan of 150 mm diameter and 75 mm deep contains water at 25 0C and is exposed
to atmosphere air at 250C and 50% R.H. Calculate the evaporation rate of water in grams
per hour.
Given:
Diameter d=150mm=0.150m
Deep (x2-x1)=75mm=0..075m
Temperature T=250C=25+273=298K
Relative humidity = 50%

To find:

Evaporation rate of water in grams per hour

We know that, for isothermal evaporation,
Solution:
ma Dab  p   p  pw 2 
Molar flux    ln 
A GT  x2  x1   p  pw1 
Diffusion co-efficient (Dab)
π 2 π
[water + air] at 25°C Area A  d  0.152
4 4
[From HMT data book, page no. 180)
A  0.0176m 2
Dab = 25.83 × 10-6 m2/s
 ma 25.83  10 6 1.013  105 
  
G-Universal gas constant- J/kg-mole-K 0.0176 8314  298  0.075 
p- Total pressure = 1 atm=1.013 bar  1.013  105  1583 
=1.013 ×105 N/m2 ln 5

5 
 1.013  10  0.03166  10 

pw1- Partial pressure at the bottom of the pan

-9
corresponding to saturation temperature 25 0C Molar rate of water vapour m a  3.96  10 kg - mole/s

At 250C We know that

Mass rate of water vapour= Molar rate of water
Pw1=0.03166 bar [From steam table vapour × Molecular weight of steam
page.no.2]
Pw1=0.03166 ×105 N/m2  3.96  10 9  18.016

pw2- Partial pressure at the top of the pan =7.13×10-8 kg/s

corresponding to saturation temperature 25 0C
1000
and 50% relative humidity  7.13  10 -8  g/h
1
3600
At 250C
pw2 =0.03166 bar Mass rate of water vapour = 0.256 g/h
=0.0316638×105 N/m2
R.H=50%=0.5
pw2=0.03166 ×105 ×0.5
p =1583 N/m2
CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER
Convective mass transfer is a process of mass transfer that will occur between a surface and
a fluid medium when they are at different concentrations.

TYPES OF CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER

1. Free convective mass transfer
2.Forced convective mass transfer

FREE CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER

If the fluid motion is produced due to change in density resulting from concentration
gradients, the mode of mass transfer is said to be free or natural convective mass transfer.

Example: Evaporation of alcohol

FORCED CONVECTIVE MASS TRANSFER:

If the fluid motion is artificially created by means of an external force like a blower or fan,
that type of mass transfer is known as forced convective mass transfer.

Example: The evaporation of water from an ocean when air blows over it
12.Air at 100C with a velocity of 3 m/s flows over a flat plate. lf the plate is 0.3 m long,
calculate the mass transfer co-efficient

Given: For Laminar flow, flat plate

Fluid temperature T∞=100C
Sherwood number sh  0.664(Re) 0.5 sc 
0.333
Velocity U =3m/s
Length x=0.3m [From HMT data book, page.no.175]

To find : Sc - schmidth number 
Dab
Mass transfer coefficient hm
Dab- Diffusion coefficient (water + Air) at
Solution:
100C≈80C
Properties of air at 100C (From HMT data
=20.58×10-6 m2/s
book, page.no.33]
Kinematic viscosity ν=14.16×10-6 m2/s (From HMT data book
page.no.180
we know that 14.16  10 6
Ux Sc 
Reynolds number Re  20.58  10 6

3  0.3

14.16  10 6 Sc  0.688

Re =0.63×105 <5×105
Since,Re <5×105 flow is laminar
Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.664Re  Sc 0.333
0.5


 0.664 0.63  105 
0.5
0.6880.333
Sh  147.15

We know that

hm x
sh 
Dab

hm  0.3
147.15 
20.58  10 6
hm=0.01 m/s

Mass transfer co-efficient hm=0.01 m/s

13.Dry air at 300C and one atmospheric pressure flows over a flat plate of 600 mm long at a
velocity of 55 m/s. Calculate the mass transfer co-efficient at the end of the plate.

Given:
Fluid temperature T∞=300C
Re =2.06×106 >5×105
Velocity U = 55m/s
Length x=600mm=0.6m Since, Re>5×105, flow is turbulent
[Flow is laminar up to Re=5×105, after
that flow is turbulent]

To find 
Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.037Re 
0.8

 871 Sc 
0.333

Mass transfer co-efficient, (hm)

[From HMT data book page.no.176]
Solution: where,
Properties of air at 300C (From HMT data 
book, page.no.33] Sc - schmidth number 
Dab
Kinematic viscosity ν=16×10-6 m2/s
we know that Dab- Diffusion coefficient (water + Air) at
Ux 300C≈260C
Reynolds number Re 
 =25.83×10-6 m2/s
[From HMT data book page.no.180]
55  0.6

16  10 6 Dab=25.83×10-6 m2/s
 16  10 6
Sc 
25.83  10 6

Sc  0.619
Substitute Sc, Re values in equation

Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.037Re 
0.8

 871 Sc 
0.333



 0.037 2.06  106 0 .8
 871 0.619

0.333

Sh = 2805.13

We know that hm x
sh 
Dab

hm  0.6
2805.13 
25.83  10 6
hm=0.121 m/s
14.Dry air at 20°C [ρ = 1.2 kg/m3, v = 15 x 10-6 m2/s. D = 4.2 ×105 m2/s] f1ows over a f1at
plate of length 50 cm which is covered with a thin layer of water at a velocity of 1 m/s.
Estimate the local mass transfer co-efficient at a distance of 10 cm from the leading edge
and the average mass transfer co-efficient.

Given Solution:

Fluid Temperature T∞=200C Case (i) :

Density ρ=1.2 kg/m3 Local mass transfer co-efficient at x = 0.10 m
Kinematic viscosity ν=15×10-6 m2/s
Ux 1  0.1
Diffusion co-efficient Dab=4.2×10-5 m2/s Reynolds number Re  
 15  10 6
Length L=50cm=0.5 m
Velocity U=1m/s Re  6666.67  5  105
Distance x=10cm=0.1m
Since, Re<5×105, flow is laminar
To find:
1.Local mass transfer co-efficient hx at a
distance of 0.1m For Laminar Flow, flat plate
2.Average mass transfer co-efficient hm for
Local Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.332Re  Sc 
0.5 0.333
entire length

[From HMT data book page.no.175]

where,

Sc - schmidth number 
Dab
15  10 6
Sc 
4.2  10 5
Sc = 0.357

Substitute Sc, Re values in equation

Local Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.332Re  Sc 0.333

0.5

Sh  0.3326666.67 0.3570.333
0.5

Sh  19.24
We know that
hm x
sh 
Dab
hm  0.1
19.24 
4.2  10 5
hm=8.08×10-3 m/s
Local mass transfer co-efficient at x=0.1m is 8.08×10 -3 m/s
Case(ii):
We know that
Average mass transfer co-efficient hm for entire hm L
sh 
length Dab
we know that h  0 .5
85.99  m
UL 4.2  10 5
Reynolds number Re 
 hm=0.007 m/s
1  0.5

15  10 6
Average mass transfer co-efficient for
Re=3.33×104<5×105, flow is laminar entire length is 0.007 m/s

Since, Re<5×105, flow is laminar Result:

For flat plate laminar flow hx=8.08 ×10-3 m/s

hm=0.007 m/s
Sherwood Number (Sh)  0.664Re  Sc 0.333
0.5

Substitute Re and Sc values


Sh  0.664 3.33  10 4 
0.5
0.357 0.333
Sh=85.99