What is the Role of Mass Transfer Equipment in Different Industrial Verticals?

Different scientific disciplines make use of mass transfer techniques for performing different processes. The term ‘mass transfer’ is often used in various industrial scenarios as it is a key concept in the engineering arena. The mass transfer technique includes several processes such as distillation, absorption, membrane filtration, evaporation, drying, etc. In industrial processes, mass transfer is used in the separation of chemical components in distillation columns, adsorbers such as activated carbon beds, absorbers such as scrubbers or stripping, and liquid-liquid extraction processes.

Although the term ‘mass transfer’ includes all the phases, i.e., solid, liquid, and gaseous, in the field of engineering, the term is generally used when at least one of the components is in a fluidic state i.e., liquid or gaseous.

What are the Different Uses of Mass Transfer Equipment?

A number of machinery and equipment are needed in different mass transfer processes. Mass transfer equipment can be usually seen in chemistry laboratories in schools and colleges and even in healthcare centers. Moreover, the food processing industries and pharmaceutical companies are the major users of massive mass transfer equipment, as these industries involve large-scale production and manufacturing. Here are different uses of mass transfer equipment that are required in several industrial processes.

1. Gas Absorption

Gas absorption is a mass transfer technique in which a gas or a combination of several gases is exposed to a liquid in such a manner that the gas or one of the gases from the mixture is dissolved in the liquid. The mass transfer equipment used in the process of gas absorption generally contains a packed tower that is chemically inert to the liquid stored in it. This tower has 2 inlets: one which lets the gas to pass in and the other which allows the liquid to pass in. The distribution space within the tower enables a decent contact amongst the gas and liquid which aids in absorption.

2. Distillation

Basically, the mass transfer equipment used in the distillation processes helps in separating two miscible liquids (two liquids that combine in any ratio to form a homogeneous mixture) into distinct solutions by using the vaporization technique. Not just liquids but gases can also be separated using this technique. During the process of distillation, the mass transfer equipment heats the liquid solution until it reaches the boiling points of the constituent liquids. Later, the two constituent liquids get converted into vapors. These vapors are then passed through fractional distillation columns where they undergo condensation at different temperatures, thus resulting in two distinct liquids. The oil and petroleum industry is the major user of mass transfer equipment in distillation processes.

3. Drying

Drying is a method in which water or another solution is extracted from a solid or semi-solid material. This technique needs mass transfer equipment for extracting liquid solution from a solid substance. Usually, in food processing factories, finished food products are passed through the drying process before sending the finished products for final packaging. Also, the drying technique is greatly used in production companies, such as paper manufacturing or washing powder making companies, to get rid of water content from the finished products and avoid them from decaying. Along with these industries, the pharmaceutical industry also implements the drying method to a great extent as this method helps in upholding the chemical balance of the drugs manufactured in the industry.

The Demand for Mass Transfer Equipment to Skyrocket

The future for the mass transfer equipment market seems bright as the demand for mass transfer equipment is rising in several industries, especially in the food processing industries. This technology is likely to be greatly used to preserve food quality & safety, reduce food wastage, and prevent foodborne germs and diseases with improved food shelf life in the future. To sum up, an increase in the demand for sustainable and advanced mass transfer equipment solutions in several vital operations of various industries is expected to boost the growth of the mass transfer equipment market in the upcoming years.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.