Convective Mass Transfer Coefficient Of Flat Plate Laminar Flow Using Friction Factor Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ kL = \frac{f \cdot u_{\infty}}{8 \cdot (Sc^{0.67})} \]

Convective Mass Transfer Coefficient (kL):

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1. What is Convective Mass Transfer Coefficient?

The Convective Mass Transfer Coefficient is a function of the geometry of the system and the velocity and properties of the fluid, similar to the heat transfer coefficient. It quantifies the rate of mass transfer between a surface and a fluid moving past it.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ kL = \frac{f \cdot u_{\infty}}{8 \cdot (Sc^{0.67})} \]

Where:

\( kL \) — Convective Mass Transfer Coefficient (m/s)
\( f \) — Friction Factor
\( u_{\infty} \) — Free Stream Velocity (m/s)
\( Sc \) — Schmidt Number

Explanation: This formula relates the mass transfer coefficient to the friction factor, free stream velocity, and Schmidt number for laminar flow over a flat plate.

3. Importance of Mass Transfer Coefficient Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of mass transfer coefficients is crucial for designing chemical processes, heat exchangers, and various industrial equipment where mass transfer plays a significant role.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the friction factor, free stream velocity in m/s, and Schmidt number. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the range of typical values for friction factor?
A: For laminar flow over a flat plate, the friction factor typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.1 depending on the Reynolds number.

Q2: How does Schmidt number affect mass transfer?
A: Higher Schmidt numbers indicate that momentum diffusivity dominates over mass diffusivity, which generally reduces the mass transfer coefficient.

Q3: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is specifically designed for laminar flow over a flat plate using the friction factor approach.

Q4: What are typical units for mass transfer coefficient?
A: The convective mass transfer coefficient is typically expressed in meters per second (m/s) in the SI system.

Q5: How does free stream velocity affect mass transfer?
A: Higher free stream velocities generally increase the mass transfer coefficient due to enhanced convective transport.