Home Subjects Chemical Engineering Mass Transfer

Chemical Engineering
Mass Transfer

Process design, thermodynamics, reactions

32 Q 5 Topics Take Mock Test
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Difficulty: All Easy Medium Hard 21–30 of 32
Topics in Chemical Engineering
Q.21 Hard Mass Transfer
In ion exchange resins, the mass transfer resistance primarily occurs in:
A The particle pore structure (pore diffusion)
B The external liquid film
C The ion exchange reaction itself
D The resin backbone structure
Correct Answer:  A. The particle pore structure (pore diffusion)
EXPLANATION

For ion exchange, intraparticle diffusion through pores is the rate-limiting step. External film resistance is negligible in comparison.

Test
Q.22 Hard Mass Transfer
For a binary gas mixture, the Stefan flow correction factor accounts for:
A Net molar flow due to unequal molar diffusion rates
B Pressure variations in the system
C Temperature gradients across the interface
D Viscosity changes with composition
Correct Answer:  A. Net molar flow due to unequal molar diffusion rates
EXPLANATION

When one component condenses/reacts, equal molar counter-diffusion assumption breaks down. Stefan factor (B_m) corrects for net molar flow.

Test
Q.23 Hard Mass Transfer
For a hollow fiber membrane contactor used in gas-liquid mass transfer, the overall mass transfer coefficient K_OL is related to individual coefficients by:
A 1/K_OL = 1/k_G + m/k_L
B 1/K_OL = 1/k_L + 1/(m*k_G)
C K_OL = k_G + k_L
D K_OL = (k_G * k_L)/(k_G + k_L)
Correct Answer:  B. 1/K_OL = 1/k_L + 1/(m*k_G)
EXPLANATION

For gas-liquid systems, 1/K_OL = 1/k_L + 1/(m*k_G), where m is the distribution coefficient. This accounts for both liquid and gas side resistances.

Test
Q.24 Hard Mass Transfer
For simultaneous momentum and mass transfer in a boundary layer, the Chilton-Colburn analogy relates j_D to friction factor f_D by:
A j_D = f_D / 2
B j_D = f_D
C j_D = 2 * f_D
D j_D = f_D * Sc^(1/3)
Correct Answer:  A. j_D = f_D / 2
EXPLANATION

The Chilton-Colburn analogy states that j_D = j_H = f_D/2, assuming equivalent Pr and Sc values, relating mass transfer to friction factor.

Test
Q.25 Hard Mass Transfer
For a dilute binary gas mixture diffusing through a stagnant layer, the diffusion coefficient D_AB can be estimated using the Chapman-Enskog theory. Which statement is correct?
A D_AB is independent of pressure
B D_AB is inversely proportional to pressure
C D_AB is directly proportional to pressure
D D_AB is independent of temperature
Correct Answer:  B. D_AB is inversely proportional to pressure
EXPLANATION

According to Chapman-Enskog theory, D_AB ∝ T^(3/2)/P for gases. Thus, D_AB is inversely proportional to pressure at constant temperature.

Test
Q.26 Hard Mass Transfer
For a countercurrent liquid-liquid extraction process, the Kremser equation is used. What is the minimum number of stages required if the separation factor is 2.0 and the extraction factor is 1.5?
A Less than 3 stages
B Approximately 3-4 stages
C Approximately 5-6 stages
D Cannot be determined without additional information
Correct Answer:  D. Cannot be determined without additional information
EXPLANATION

The Kremser equation requires initial and final solute concentrations or minimum separation requirements, which are not provided in the question.

Test
Q.27 Hard Mass Transfer
For a binary diffusion process, the flux equation according to Fick's law in terms of mole fractions is given by:
A N_A = -cD_AB(dc_A/dz) + y_A(N_A + N_B)
B N_A = cD_AB(dy_A/dz) + y_A(N_A + N_B)
C N_A = D_AB(dρ_A/dz)
D N_A = -D_AB(d²c_A/dz²)
Correct Answer:  B. N_A = cD_AB(dy_A/dz) + y_A(N_A + N_B)
EXPLANATION

The molar flux equation in terms of mole fractions is N_A = cD_AB(dy_A/dz) + y_A(N_A + N_B), accounting for bulk flow effects.

Test
Q.28 Hard Mass Transfer
Which statement about the relationship between diffusivity and molar mass is correct according to kinetic theory?
A D_AB ∝ √(T/M_total)
B D_AB is independent of molar mass
C D_AB ∝ (M_A × M_B)^(1/2)
D D_AB is inversely proportional to molecular weight
Correct Answer:  A. D_AB ∝ √(T/M_total)
EXPLANATION

From Chapman-Enskog theory, D_AB ∝ T^(3/2)/(P × σ²) × √(M_total), where D_AB is inversely related to molecular mass through the collision cross-section dependency.

Test
Q.29 Hard Mass Transfer
A bioprocess company needs to calculate oxygen transfer rate in an aerated bioreactor. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient k_L·a depends on which parameters?
A Superficial gas velocity and interfacial area per unit volume only
B Liquid properties (viscosity, surface tension), aeration rate, and impeller design
C Temperature and pressure only
D Oxygen partial pressure in inlet gas
Correct Answer:  B. Liquid properties (viscosity, surface tension), aeration rate, and impeller design
EXPLANATION

k_L·a in bioreactors depends on fluid mechanics (impeller speed, gas flow rate), liquid properties affecting k_L, and equipment design affecting interfacial area 'a'. Temperature indirectly affects through viscosity changes.

Test
Q.30 Hard Mass Transfer
For simultaneous heat and mass transfer in a wet bulb thermometer, the Lewis number (Le) is defined as Le = Sc/Pr. If Le = 1, what can be inferred?
A Heat and mass transfer coefficients are equal
B Thermal diffusivity equals mass diffusivity
C Both a and b are correct
D The system is at equilibrium
Correct Answer:  C. Both a and b are correct
EXPLANATION

When Le = 1 (Sc/Pr = 1), both analogy relationships hold: α = D_AB and h/ρc_p = k_L, making heat and mass transfer coefficients proportionally equal.

Test
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