Mass Transfer Lab Report: A Compilation of Experiments
1. Laboratory Distillation
1.1 Objective: To experimentally investigate the principles of
simple distillation by separating a binary mixture of miscible liquids
and determine the composition of the distillate.
1.2 Procedure:
1. Assemble the simple distillation apparatus.
2. Charge the distillation flask with a known volume and composition
of the binary mixture.
3. Heat the flask gradually and monitor the temperature and collect
the distillate in a receiver.
4. Collect fractions of the distillate at regular intervals.
5. Analyze the composition of each fraction using appropriate
analytical techniques (e.g., refractive index, gas chromatography).
1.3 Data Analysis:
1. Plot the temperature-composition curve for the binary mixture.
2. Determine the average composition of each distillate fraction.
3. Calculate the relative volatility of the more volatile component.
4. Compare the experimental results with theoretical predictions based
on vapor-liquid equilibrium data.
2. Gas Absorption Column
2.1 Objective: To study mass transfer in a packed bed column by
absorbing a soluble gas (e.g., CO2) from a gas mixture using a
suitable liquid absorbent.
2.2 Procedure:
1. Set up the packed bed absorption column with the specified packing
material.
2. Pass the gas mixture through the column while simultaneously
flowing the absorbent liquid countercurrently.
3. Measure the inlet and outlet gas compositions and the liquid flow
rate.
4. Determine the overall mass transfer coefficient (KLa) using
appropriate correlations.
2.3 Data Analysis:
1. Calculate the mass transfer rate of the gas.
2. Determine the driving force for mass transfer.
3. Calculate the overall mass transfer coefficient (KLa) using
experimental data.
4. Analyze the effect of operating conditions (e.g., gas and liquid flow
rates) on KLa.
3. Solid-Liquid Extraction
3.1 Objective: To study the extraction of a solute from a solid
matrix using a suitable solvent.
3.2 Procedure:
1. Prepare a known quantity of the solid-solute mixture.
2. Contact the solid with the solvent in an extraction apparatus (e.g.,
Soxhlet extractor).
3. Collect the solvent extract.
4. Analyze the extract to determine the concentration of the solute.
3.3 Data Analysis:
1. Calculate the amount of solute extracted.
2. Determine the extraction efficiency.
3. Analyze the effect of operating conditions (e.g., temperature,
solvent-to-solid ratio, extraction time) on extraction efficiency.
4. Drying
4.1 Objective: To study the drying characteristics of a solid
material (e.g., a food sample) using a laboratory dryer.
4.2 Procedure:
1. Prepare a known mass of the wet material.
2. Place the material in the dryer and set the operating conditions
(e.g., temperature, airflow rate).
3. Monitor the weight loss of the material with time.
4. Determine the drying rate and drying time.
4.3 Data Analysis:
1. Plot the drying rate curve as a function of moisture content.
2. Determine the critical moisture content.
3. Analyze the effect of operating conditions on the drying rate and
drying time.
5. Liquid-Liquid Extraction
5.1 Objective: To study the separation of two components from a
liquid mixture using a suitable solvent in a liquid-liquid extraction
column.
5.2 Procedure:
1. Prepare a mixture of two miscible liquids.
2. Contact the mixture with a suitable solvent in the extraction column.
3. Collect the raffinate and extract phases.
4. Analyze the composition of each phase.
5.3 Data Analysis:
1. Determine the distribution coefficient of the solute between the two
phases.
2. Calculate the stage efficiency of the extraction column.
3. Analyze the effect of operating conditions (e.g., flow rates, solvent-
to-feed ratio) on extraction efficiency.
General Considerations for All Experiments:
Safety: Follow all safety procedures and wear appropriate personal
protective equipment.
Data Recording: Record all experimental data accurately and
meticulously.
Data Analysis: Analyze the data carefully and present the results
in a clear and concise manner.
Error Analysis: Identify and analyze potential sources of error in
the experiments.
Discussion: Discuss the implications of the experimental results
and compare them with theoretical predictions.
Note: This is a general framework for a mass transfer lab report.
The specific procedures, data analysis, and discussion will vary
depending on the actual experiments conducted.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of common mass
transfer operations and their experimental investigation. By
conducting these experiments and analyzing the results, students
can gain a deeper understanding of the principles of mass transfer
and their applications in various industrial processes.
