Fundamentals of Transport Processes with Applications

The study of transport phenomena is essential for chemical engineering and other disciplines, as it involves the motion of constituents, heat transfer, and fluid flow. This textbook covers the fundamentals and applications of transport phenomena, from physical concepts to mathematical formulations and solution techniques for industrial applications. It is a valuable resource for beginners and a foundation for advanced courses in fluid mechanics and turbulence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The study of transport phenomena holds immense significance in chemical engineering, as well as other fields that involve material transformations, such as biomedical engineering, microfluidics, reactor design, and metallurgy. These transformations necessitate the movement of constituents, the transfer of heat across materials, and the flow of fluids. This comprehensive textbook offers a thorough introduction to the fundamentals and applications of transport phenomena, elucidating how the outcomes of these processes are influenced by fluid flow and heat/mass transfer. It demonstrates the progression from physical concepts to mathematical formulations, followed by solution techniques for predicting outcomes in industrial applications. The carefully curated order of topics, gradual increase in complexity, and user-friendly language make this textbook an invaluable resource for individuals seeking an entry point into the realm of transport phenomena. Moreover, it serves as a solid foundation for advanced courses in fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, and turbulence.

Understanding transport phenomena is crucial in various fields, including chemical engineering, where it plays a vital role in designing and optimizing processes. By studying the movement of particles and fluids, scientists and engineers can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial operations, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Transport phenomena also have applications in other disciplines, such as biology, where they are used to describe the movement of cells and molecules within tissues and organs. In this essay, we will explore the fundamentals of transport phenomena, including fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer.

Fluid flow is the movement of fluids through a system, whether it is a liquid, gas, or plasma. The study of fluid flow involves understanding the forces that govern the motion of fluids, such as pressure, velocity, and density. Fluid flow can occur in a variety of environments, including pipes, channels, and tanks. The flow of fluids can be either laminar or turbulent, depending on the Reynolds number, which is a measure of the fluid's viscosity and the size of the objects it is flowing through.

Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is small, and the fluid flows in a smooth, regular pattern. This type of flow is commonly observed in pipes and channels with smooth walls and low velocities. Laminar flow is characterized by a low frictional force, which means that the fluid flows with little resistance. However, laminar flow can also be unstable, and small disturbances can cause the flow to break down and become turbulent.

Turbulent flow occurs when the Reynolds number is large, and the fluid flows in a chaotic, irregular pattern. This type of flow is characterized by a high frictional force, which means that the fluid flows with significant resistance. Turbulent flow is also more energy-efficient than laminar flow, as it requires less energy to move the fluid. However, turbulent flow can also be dangerous, as it can cause erosion, wear, and damage to equipment.

Heat transfer is the transfer of heat from one place to another through a medium, such as air, water, or a solid. The study of heat transfer involves understanding the mechanisms that govern the transfer of heat, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through a solid or liquid, whereas convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation.

Conduction is the most common mechanism of heat transfer in solids and liquids. In conduction, heat is transferred through the direct contact of particles. The rate of conduction is determined by the properties of the material, such as its thermal conductivity and density. Thermal conductivity is a measure of the ability of a material to conduct heat, whereas density is a measure of the mass of a material per unit volume.

Convection is the most common mechanism of heat transfer in fluids. In convection, heat is transferred through the movement of fluids. The movement of fluids can be either natural or forced, such as by a fan or a pump. Natural convection occurs when the temperature difference between the surface of a fluid and its surroundings is large enough to cause the fluid to move. Forced convection occurs when a fluid is moved by a force, such as a fan or a pump.

Radiation is the least common mechanism of heat transfer in fluids. In radiation, heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves. The most common type of radiation in fluids is infrared radiation, which is emitted by hot objects and absorbed by cold objects. Visible light and ultraviolet radiation are also forms of radiation that can be transferred through fluids.

Mass transfer is the transfer of mass from one place to another through a medium, such as air, water, or a solid. The study of mass transfer involves understanding the mechanisms that govern a transfer of mass, such as diffusion, evaporation, and condensation. Diffusion is the process by which a substance moves from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration through the movement of particles. The rate of diffusion is determined by the properties of the medium, such as its viscosity and the size of the particles.

Evaporation is the process by which a substance moves from a liquid or gas to a vapor through the process of evaporation. The rate of evaporation is determined by the properties of the medium, such as its temperature and humidity. Condensation is the process by which a vapor moves from a gas to a liquid through the process of condensation. The rate of condensation is determined by the properties of the medium, such as its temperature and humidity.

In conclusion, transport phenomena play a crucial role
role in various fields, including chemical engineering, biology, and physics. Understanding the fundamentals of fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer is essential for designing and optimizing processes, reducing waste, and enhancing product quality. By studying these phenomena, scientists and engineers can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of industrial operations, as well as develop new technologies that can help address global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.

ISBN-13: 9781009005333