Burkhard Lohrengel

The book describes the fundamentals of thermal separation processes to enable their design. It explains the differences between thermal and mechanical separation processes, as well as purely thermal and physico-chemical separation processes. The second chapter outlines the thermal separation processes covered in this book. Using simple examples, the methods of the various thermal separation processes are clearly illustrated. After introducing the concentration measures used, phase equilibria are discussed. Since phase equilibrium is independent of the mass transfer apparatus used, the next chapter addresses the functions, operating modes, and designs of mass transfer apparatus. The determination of the balance line is discussed in detail before calculating the height of the mass transfer apparatus using the theory of theoretical separation stages and the HTU/NTU model. The penultimate chapter deals with fluid dynamics in mass transfer apparatus. It determines the pressure loss and the flooding point to establish the required diameter of the mass transfer apparatus. The possibilities for regenerating the loaded absorbent, adsorbent, and extraction agent conclude the book.