Mass transfer coefficient, abbreviated as K, a dimensionless number, is a porportional constant to the difference in the concentrations and the rate of mass transfer. It is a parameter used in the field of mass transfer, which refers to the transport of mass from one phase to another. It is a measure of the effectiveness of mass transfer between two phases, typically a gas and a liquid or a solid and a liquid.
Mass Transfer Coefficient Formula |
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\( K \;=\; \dfrac{ \dot {m}_t }{ A \cdot \Delta F_c }\) (Mass Transfer Coefficient) \( \dot {m}_t \;=\; K \cdot A \cdot \Delta F_c \) \( A \;=\; \dfrac{ \dot {m}_t \cdot \Delta F_c }{ K }\) \( \Delta F_c \;=\; \dfrac{ K \cdot A }{ \dot {m}_t }\) |
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( K \) = Mass Transfer Coefficient | \(dimensionless\) | \(dimensionless\) |
| \( \dot {m}_t \) = Mass Transfer Rate | \(lbm \;/\; sec\) | \(kg \;/\; s\) |
| \( A \) = Effective Mass Transfer Area | \(ft^2\) | \(m^2\) |
| \( \Delta F_c \) = Driving Force Concentration Differential | \(lbf\) | \(N\) |
In different mass transfer processes, such as diffusion, convection, or both, the mass transfer coefficient can be determined by experimental methods or calculated using empirical correlations or theoretical models. The value of the mass transfer coefficient depends on several factors, including the properties of the phases involved (such as density and viscosity), the nature of the mass being transferred (such as its diffusivity), the geometry of the system, and the operating conditions (such as temperature and pressure).
