Course content

The course is a standard theoretical course with some practical laboratory work. The course introduces mass transfer and separation processes commonly used in chemical and process industries. It focuses on the fundamental principles of thermodynamic equilibrium and mass transfer as well as their applications in unit operations such as distillation, absorption, extraction, drying, air conditioning, adsorption, membrane separation, and crystallization. The laboratory experiments provide hands-on experience with separation processes, complementing the theoretical content. Karin Wiggen Godø and Gøril Flatberg are the felleslab coordinators for the lab exercises.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, students should be able to:

Knowledge

• Explain the basic mechanisms of mass transfer and their role in separation processes.
• Describe the main principles of common separation technologies and identify key operating variables.
• Interpret and apply relevant phase and enthalpy diagrams for equilibrium and energy analysis.

Skills

• Apply equilibrium, mass transport, and mass balance equations to develop simple mathematical or graphical solutions for separation processes.
• Analyze how process variables affect design, operation, and performance of separation units.
• Evaluate advantages and limitations of different separation methods and select suitable techniques for typical applications.
• Perform basic design and dimensioning calculations for common separation operations.
• Use Python or other computational tools to model and solve simple separation problems.
• Carry out and interpret laboratory experiments related to mass transfer and separation.

General competence

• Recognize and discuss general techno-economic, safety, environmental, and sustainability aspects related to separation processes.
• Present and communicate technical results in separation processes in written and oral form.

Learning methods and activities

The course combines lectures, exercises, self-study, and laboratory work. Admission to the exam requires completion of the felleslab and approval of at least 70% of the exercises.

Compulsory assignments

• Felles lab
• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of physical chemistry and chemical engineering.

The course builds on compulsory courses at the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Students from other faculties may take the course after suitable introductory self-study.

Course materials

• Seader, Henley, Roper: Separation Process Principles, Wiley.
• Supplementary lecture notes.

Credit reductions