How to understand the energy involved in mass transfer into an open system?

In summary, understanding the energy involved in mass transfer into an open system requires analyzing the thermodynamic principles governing the flow of mass and energy. Key factors include the enthalpy changes associated with mass entering or leaving the system, the impact of pressure and temperature variations, and the role of external work. Utilizing the first law of thermodynamics, one can quantify energy exchanges and assess the effects of mass transfer on system dynamics, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the underlying processes in open systems.
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Homework Statement
Consider the flow of a constant volume of mass (a closed system) into an open system as shown in the first figure below.
Relevant Equations
The initial energy of the closed system is ##(U+E_K+E_P)_i## and the final energy is ##(U+E_K+E_P)_f##.
1726362334802.png


The following is what is written in the book I am reading.

The energy required to "push" the mass into the system is

$$F\delta z=PA\delta z=PV\tag{1}$$

in which ##V## is the molar volume of the closed system, ##F## is the acting force, ##A## is the cross-sectional area, and ##\delta z## is the width of the system.

The necessary energy transferred across the boundaries of the open system is

$$E_{mt}=(U+E_K+E_P)_f=(U+E_K+E_P)_i+PV\tag{2}$$

and the net energy per mole caused by the mass transfer is

$$Net\ E_{mt}=\sum(U+PV+E_K+E_P)\tag{3}$$

To obtain the total net energy, multiply (3) by the total number of moles.

Finally we can collect all our energy transfer terms:

$$TRANS=\sum Q+\sum W+\sum (U+PV+E_K+E_P)_{mt}\tag{4}$$

My question is: how is (3) obtained?

For a bit more clarity, this book is discussing energy in the context of accounting. They introduce the "General Accounting Equation"

$$ACCumulation=TRANSfer+GENeration+CONVersion\tag{5}$$

To use this equation, w define the system, select the countable property of interest, and apply equation (5).

##TRANS, GEN,## and ##CONV## terms are net quantities.

Transfer represents input minus output across the boundaries of the system.
Generation represents production-less destruction within the system.
Conversion represents appearance-less disappearance within the system (interchange of the countable quantity among separately identifiable forms).

Accumulation occurs over some stated period of time, the accounting period, during which the system passes from an initial state to a final state.

When we apply GAE to energy we obtain a mathematical statement of the first law.

$$ACC=E_f-E_i=\Delta (U+E_K+E_P)_{SYS}$$

The TRANS term is composed of energy transferred as heat, energy transferred as work, and energy transferred by mass.

As far as I understand, the TRANS term is the ##U## term. This is a "catch-all" term called internal energy (energy that the system possesses because it is composed of energetic particles).

Note that the notation in this book uses capital letters to denote molar properties.

The total energy of a system is then

$$nE=nU+nE_K+nE_P$$

which we can simplify to

$$E=U+E_K+E_P$$

where ##E_K## is molar kinetic energy of the system (motion of the system relative to some reference frame) and ##E_P## is molar potential energy of the system (energy due to interaction with some external field).

Considering just the ##U## term, as mentioned above, this can be changed by means of heat, work, or mass transfer.

Heat is a path function and is transferred via conduction, convection, and/or radiation.

Work is a "catch all" energy transfer mechanism: it is all the energy crossing the boundaries of the system caused by any driving force other than temperature but excluding mass transfer.

I understand calculations of heat and work, but this post is about calculations involving energy transfer via mass.
 
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FAQ: How to understand the energy involved in mass transfer into an open system?

What is mass transfer in an open system?

Mass transfer in an open system refers to the movement of mass from one location to another, typically involving the exchange of matter with the surroundings. This process can occur through various mechanisms, such as diffusion, convection, or advection, and is influenced by factors like concentration gradients, temperature, and pressure.

How is energy related to mass transfer?

Energy is a critical factor in mass transfer as it drives the movement of particles. The energy involved can be thermal, kinetic, or potential, and it influences the rate and efficiency of the mass transfer process. For example, increased thermal energy can enhance diffusion rates by increasing molecular motion.

What are the key factors affecting energy during mass transfer?

Key factors affecting energy during mass transfer include temperature, pressure, concentration gradients, and the physical properties of the substances involved (such as viscosity and density). These factors determine how easily mass can move and how much energy is required for the transfer to occur.

How can I calculate the energy involved in mass transfer?

The energy involved in mass transfer can be calculated using various equations, depending on the process. For example, the enthalpy change can be calculated using the specific heat capacities and temperature differences. Additionally, Fick's laws of diffusion can be used to understand the energy related to diffusive mass transfer.

What are some practical applications of understanding energy in mass transfer?

Understanding the energy involved in mass transfer is crucial in various fields, including chemical engineering, environmental science, and food technology. Applications include optimizing chemical reactions, designing efficient separation processes, improving heat exchangers, and enhancing mass transfer in biological systems.

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