Introduction to separation processes

The course provides an introduction to the principles behind important separation processes, and their significance and applicability are discussed. In the theory part, mass transfer processes associated with distillation and gas absorption are reviewed. This is to be used in connection with chemical operations such as extraction, crystallization, ion exchange, adsorption and membranes. For gas / liquid contactors, mass transfer phenomena and column design will be discussed in more detail. Finally, the procedure for determining which separation techniques are most appropriate to use in various issues is discussed.

After completing the course, candidates should be able to:

• Understand and explain the main principles of the various physical and chemical separation technologies and make well-founded choices of suitable unit operation for separating gas, liquid and solid.
• Obtain and process necessary information for calculations.
• Understand and read diagrams and tables such as humidity diagrams, solubility diagrams, phase diagrams and triangular diagrams.
• Interpret process diagrams and set up a simplified flow chart.
• Understand and explain basic mass transfer mechanisms.
• Perform calculations and have basic knowledge of associated technical equipment.
• Dimension relevant equipment for different unit operations.
• Use Python to solve simple problems.

Lectures take place weekly (4 hours) with accompanying exercises and supervision (2 hours), in addition to self-study (4 hours).