A simplified film model description of multicomponent interphase mass transfer

Abstract

Within the framework of the film model description, the interphase mass transfer process in n-component systems is examined and a modified definition for interphase transfer coefficients, based solely on the Generalized Maxwell-Stefan diffusion coefficients, is suggested. The persuasive reasons for the use of these coefficients are shown to be a much simplified additivity of mass transfer resistances formula, freedom from dependence on system thermodynamic non-idealities and the promise of predictability of the coefficients from corresponding binary system parameters. Some consequences of the analysis on fluid-fluid mass transfer operations such as distillation are considered.