Separation Processes: Fundamentals and Applications

This lecture introduces the fundamentals of separation processes essential for chemical engineering. It covers various methods such as distillation, extraction, and adsorption, emphasizing their importance in industrial applications. The instructor discusses the energy and mass balances involved in these processes, along with phase equilibria and mass transfer principles. Students will learn to design equilibrium-stage separation processes, calculate stream compositions, and understand the role of energy and mass separating agents. The course also highlights the significance of separation processes in terms of energy consumption in the chemical industry and their environmental impact, particularly in carbon capture. The lecture includes interactive polling to engage students and assess their understanding of key concepts. Overall, this session sets the foundation for further exploration of advanced separation techniques and their applications in real-world scenarios.