COURSE OVERVIEW:

Mass transfer operations are the cornerstone of separation science in the chemical and gas processing industries. This course provides a detailed technical exploration of three fundamental unit operations: absorption, stripping, and liquid-liquid extraction. Participants will examine the molecular mechanisms of diffusion and the application of Fick’s Law to understand how chemical species move across phase boundaries to achieve separation and purification goals.

The scope of this training involves the rigorous design and analysis of trayed and packed columns. Attendees will learn how to calculate the number of theoretical stages using graphical methods like the McCabe-Thiele and Kremser equations, as well as the height of equivalent theoretical plates (HETP) for packed beds. The course emphasizes the selection of appropriate solvents and stripping media, focusing on the trade-offs between solubility, selectivity, and energy requirements for solvent regeneration.

Coverage includes the practical operational challenges of maintaining mass transfer efficiency, such as managing column hydraulics, preventing foaming, and optimizing liquid distribution. Participants will explore specialized applications including amine sweetening for acid gas removal and solvent extraction for aromatics recovery. By integrating chemical engineering theory with field-proven troubleshooting techniques, this course equips professionals with the expertise to optimize mass transfer performance and resolve complex separation issues.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Explain the fundamental principles of molecular and eddy diffusion.

2.  Utilize Henry’s Law and Raoult’s Law to predict phase equilibrium.

3.  Design absorption columns for the removal of pollutants from gas streams.

4.  Optimize stripping operations for the recovery of volatile components.

5.  Select between trayed and packed internals based on process requirements.

6.  Calculate the minimum solvent-to-gas ratio for absorption systems.

7.  Implement liquid-liquid extraction for heat-sensitive separations.

8.  Identify and mitigate the causes of foaming and flooding in columns.

9.  Evaluate the efficiency of different packing types and liquid distributors.

10.  Utilize the Kremser method for multi-stage separation calculations.

11.  Manage solvent degradation and the impact of heat-stable salts.

12.  Troubleshoot poor mass transfer performance using pressure drop analysis.

13.  Conduct a technical comparison of chemical vs. physical absorption.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Process Engineers, Gas Plant Operators, Chemical Technicians, and Production Supervisors involved in separation and purification processes.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.