Diffusion and Mass Transfer (FutureLearn)

Understand and analyse transport phenomena

Transport phenomena like heat transfer, mass transfer, and momentum transfer are vital to the study of chemical engineering. Understanding them is the key to developing advanced separation techniques.

Gain an introduction to diffusion, convection, and mass transfer

You’ll start the course with an overview of the basic concepts and mechanisms of three transport phenomena: diffusion, convection, and mass transfer.

You’ll explore different types of diffusion and mass transfer, learning how you can identify them in everyday life.

Solve equations using the mass transfer and diffusion coefficient models

Once you’ve understood the principles of diffusion, convection, and mass transfer, you’ll begin mastering equations for analysing them. You’ll focus on two basic models for analysis, known as the diffusion coefficient model and the mass transfer coefficient model.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of essential transport phenomena, and the skills you need to undertake advanced separation techniques.

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to diffusion and mass transfer

Week 2: Diffusion in dilute solution

Week 3: Diffusion coupled with convection

Week 4: Mass transfer in different coordinates

Week 5: Mass transfer coefficient model

Week 6: Correlations for Mass transfer

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Explain the basic concept of mass transfer and diffusion

- Identify mass transfer in daily-life applications

- Expalin the differences between diffusion coefficient model and mass transfer coefficient model

- Solve mass flux and concentration profiles for simple problems using the mass transfer coefficient model

- Solve mass flux and concentration profiles for simple problems using the diffusion coefficient model

- Investigate the complicated problems involving diffusive and convective mass transfers

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about a vital area of chemistry and chemical engineering.

Learners will need a basic understanding of mathematics or engineering, and the ability to solve linear algebra and differential equations.