Separation Processes by Category.
Separation Processes are a lot of them! They can be categorized in many ways, but this is one approach that works the must: By Phase creation/addition, whether there is a barrier, external field application or if there is a solid involved.
This is an excerpt of the Introduction to Mass Transfer Course. More information here.
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Separation by Phase Creation
This type of Separation Techniques requires the production of a Phase, i.e. Phase Creation by either addition or removal of Heat, Work or any other external factor.
Examples:
- Distillation
- Evaporation
- Extractive Distillation
- Azeotropic Distillation
Separation by Phase Addition
Requirement: Addition of MSA (Material Separating Agent) such as a solvent.
Examples of Phase Addition Separation Processes:
- Liquid-Liquid Extraction – Liquid solvent addition
- Gas Absorption – Liquid is added for solute removal
Separation by Barrier (Membranes)
This technique requires the addition of external “membrane” system.
Examples are related to membranes mostly.
- Reverse Osmosis
- Micro- Ultra- Hyperfiltrations
- Pervaporation
- Membrane
Solid Agent Addition
This methodology is very special, as it requires solid interaction, but does not interact as a “phase” per se.
Examples are:
- Adsorption (Columns)
- Ion Exchange
- Chromatography
Main topics to consider are adsorption materials.
Separation by External Force/Gradient
External Forces/Gradients are used to maximize separation of materials.
Common Examples of such concepts:
- Electric Field
- Magnetic Field
- Gravitational Field
Separations involving Solids
there are many processes which involves solids and still work similarly to other process techniques such as phase creation and removal.
These are good exmaples:
- Crystallization
- Drying
- Washing
- Leaching (Liquid-Solid Extraction)
Mechanical-Physical Separations
Mechanical Physical Separations are different in the sense that they focus on other type of properties. These are not considered “chemical” separations.
Examples:
- Filtration
- Decanting
- Settling
- Sieving
- Centrifugation
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