Separation Processes

Introduction

Mr. R. Ngulube
The Copperbelt University
 Introduction to Separation Processes

Separation processes are interphase mass transfer

processes

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 1

 Introduction to Separation Processes

Interphase separation operations involve the

separation of a mixture by transferring the desired
component from one phase to the other. In order to
achieve the separation, a mixture which is a
homogenous single phase (i.e. gas, liquid or solid) is
transformed into two phase by creating a second
phase. The second phase can be created by an
energy separating agent (ESA) or by a mass
separating agent (MSA) such a solvent.

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 2

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Table below shows how the second phase can be
created
Separation How the second phase is Agent
method created

Distillation By addition of heat no agent

Absorption Using mass transfer agent solvent
Extraction Using mass transfer agent solvent

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 3

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Energy Separating Agent (ESA)
Application of an ESA involves heat transfer and/or
work transfer to or from the mixture to be separated.
Alternatively, a second phase may be created by
reducing the pressure.

Mass Separating Agent (MSA)

An MSA may be partially immiscible with one or
more of the species in the mixture. In this case the
MSA is frequently the constituent of highest
concentration in the second phase.
Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 4
 Introduction to Separation Processes
Alternatively the MSA may be completely miscible
with the mixture but may selectively alter the species
volatilities to facilitate a more complete separation
between certain species when used in conjunction
with an ESA, as in extractive distillation.

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 5

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Mechanism of interphase separation
In order to achieve a separation of chemical species, a
potential must exist for the different species to
partition between the two phases. This potential is
governed by equilibrium thermodynamics, and the rate
of approach to equilibrium composition is controlled by
interphase mass transfer. By intimately mixing the two
phases, mass transfer rate is enhanced and maximum
degree of partitioning is more quickly approached.
After sufficient phase contact, the separation operation
is completed by employing gravity and/or mechanical
technique to disengage the two phases
Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 6
 Introduction to Separation Processes
Intraphase Separation operation
Intraphase separation operations are methods which involve the
application of barriers or fields to cause the species to diffuse at
different velocities.
Unit Phase Method of separation Separatin Industrial
operation state g agent examples
Reversed Liquid Pressure gradient to Membrane Desalination of
osmosis overcome osmotic pressure water
Dialysis Liquid Difference in diffusion rate Membrane Recovery of purified
across membrane caustic soda from
rayon process fluid
Chromatograp Gas or Selective concentration in Solids Mixed vapor solvent
hic separation liquid and on solid recovery
Electrolysis Liquid Electric field plus membrane Electric Separation of
field and hydrogen and
membrane deuterium

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 7

 Introduction to Separation Processes
The intraphase mass transfer operations are inherently non-
equilibrium operations. Thus the maximum attainable degree
of separation cannot be predicted from thermodynamic
properties of the species. For the interphase operations, the
phases are brought into contact in stages. If sufficient stage
contact time is allowed, the chemical species become
distributed among the phase in accordance to thermodynamic
equilibrium consideration. Upon subsequent separation of the
phases, a single equilibrium contact is said to have been
achieved.

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 8

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Why Separation Processes are Important?

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 9

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Why Separation is Difficult to Occur?

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 10

 Introduction to Separation Processes
How Separations are Achieved?

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 11

 Introduction to Separation Processes

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 12

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Why Separation?
There are many reasons for wanting pure substances. Some
of these reasons include:
 Need for pure material in engineering applications.
 Preparation of raw materials into their component.
 Need for pure material for materials processing.
 Need to remove toxins or inactive components from
solution (drugs)
 Need for ultra-pure samples for testing.
 Need for analysis of the components of mixture (DNA
testing)

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 13

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Based on these motivation for separations, we
can divide separations up into three main
areas:

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 14

 Introduction to Separation Processes

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 15

 Introduction to Separation Processes
Basic separation techniques:

Mr. R. Ngulube - Department of Chemical Engineering, The Copperbelt University 16