Mass transfer

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As a mass transfer or mass transfer are diffusion processes referred across an interface of time. The interface can be a phase boundary or a membrane (membrane contactor).

The mass transfer depends on the driving gradient, the diffusion distances, the phase boundary and the contact or residence time.

Mass transfer devices, such as columns , try to increase the mass transfer area by means of internals while at the same time reducing the diffusion distances. Only in this way can small driving gradients be used or short dwell times implemented.

If technical equipment is made smaller, the surface-volume ratio always improves. Material and heat transfers are facilitated. Consequently, technical development is aimed at microstructured materials and microreaction technology .