Mass Transfer - Engineering

Q1:

Absorption factor is defined as (where, S1 = slope of the operating line S2 = slope of the equilibrium curve)

A S2/S1

B S1/S2

C S1 - S2

D S1 x S2

ANS:B - S1/S2

The absorption factor is defined as S2/S1. Explanation:

  1. Definition:
    • The absorption factor is a parameter used in absorption processes to quantify the efficiency of the mass transfer of a solute from a gas phase into a liquid phase.
    • It represents the ratio of the slope of the equilibrium curve (S2) to the slope of the operating line (S1).
  2. Operating Line and Equilibrium Curve:
    • In absorption processes, the operating line represents the relationship between the concentrations of the solute in the gas and liquid phases as they change along the height of the absorber.
    • The equilibrium curve represents the equilibrium relationship between the concentrations of the solute in the gas and liquid phases at each stage of the absorber.
    • The slopes of the operating line (S1) and equilibrium curve (S2) are determined based on the specific operating conditions and properties of the system.
  3. Absorption Factor Calculation:
    • The absorption factor is calculated by taking the ratio of the slope of the equilibrium curve (S2) to the slope of the operating line (S1).
    • Mathematically, it is expressed as S2/S1.
  4. Significance:
    • A higher absorption factor indicates that the system is more efficient at transferring the solute from the gas phase into the liquid phase.
    • It reflects the ease with which the solute can be absorbed by the solvent under the given operating conditions.
In summary, the absorption factor is defined as S2/S1, representing the ratio of the slope of the equilibrium curve to the slope of the operating line in absorption processes.