Assignment on Evaporation

Course Code: FET-2101

Course Title: Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Submitted To Submitted By
Md. Belal Name: Nadira Bushra
Lecturer ID: UG11-54-23-022
Department of Food Engineering & State University of Bangladesh
Technology
State University of Bangladesh

Date of submission: 20/04/2024

Evaporation
Evaporation is a process where the liquid state of matter is converted into a gaseous state of matter
in the presence of heat.

Fig: Schematic diagram of evaporator

Examples of Evaporation
There are many examples of evaporation but here we are discussing only a few of them:
1. Drying of clothes in sun: We all dried up our clothes in the sun, the wet clothes get dries
up because of evaporation where the water turns into water vapor.
2. Drying of water bodies: We have seen in summer water in the ponds and lake get decrease
or sometimes dried up due to evaporation.
3. Water cycle: This is a very good example of evaporation, in the above two we discussed
how evaporation turns water into water vapor. This water vapor further goes to the sky and
gets condensed to form a cloud, and later it got precipitated. So, evaporation is significant
to regulate the water cycle.
4. Salt formation: Naturally or industrially salt forms due to evaporation where the water
gets evaporated to leave us salt.
5. Drying of a Mopped Floor
6. Working in the desert cooler in summer.
Process of Evaporation
A liquid evaporates when it is heated. This implies that the molecules in the liquid must acquire
kinetic energy. A liquid’s molecules expand out and vibrate more quickly as it acquires kinetic
energy. The liquid turns into a gas as a result, changing its state of matter.

Water is a common substance where evaporation occurs. Water changes from a liquid to a gas
when energy or heat is applied because the bonds keeping the molecules together start to weaken.
The boiling point of water, which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius, is the point at
which it transforms from a liquid to a gas.

Factors affecting Evaporation

Evaporation eases our life in many ways, and even it is contributing to the water cycle too. But
evaporation is dependent on some factors which will be going to control the rate of evaporation.
One more thing to note evaporation is a slow process but some external factors increase or slow
down the rate of evaporation. Several factors influence the rate of evaporation. These factors
include:
• Temperature
The very first factor is temperature since we know evaporation can happen at any
temperature before the boiling point, but the temperature has a role in evaporation too. It
will determine the rate of evaporation, the more the temperature more is the rate of
evaporation. Now the question is how? We all know the temperature will increase the
kinetic energy, as the energy used to break intermolecular forces that bind the liquid
molecule. So, when we apply more temperatures the molecule firstly breaks its
intermolecular forces and get evaporated. This implies,
Temperature ∝ Evaporation
 For Example, we all have seen in the hot summer clothes get fastly dried up than on normal
days. This is due to the Temperature factor.

• Surface Area of the Liquid

Earlier we discussed that evaporation is a surface phenomenon, and the surface plays a role
in the rate of evaporation. The more a surface area more will be the rate of evaporation. So,
if more surface area will be there then more liquid molecules will present on the surface,
meaning more molecules break their intermolecular bonds which will increase the rate of
evaporation. So, we can write it as;

Surface area of liquid ∝ Evaporation

For example, the same amount of water gets evaporated more quickly in a plate than the
water in a shallow cup, this is because the plate offers a greater surface area for the liquid
than the shallow cup.

• Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of wetness or water vapor in the air. The more water vapor
in the air we will say more humidity. With more humidity, the rate of evaporation gets
decreased.

Humidity ∝ 1/Evaporation

For example, in the rainy season when our surrounding is more humid than it is very
difficult to dry up our clothes.

• Wind speed
Wind speed is directly proportional to evaporation means with the increase in wind speed
there would be an increase in the rate of evaporation.

Wind Speed ∝ Evaporation

For example, on a windy day, clothes get quickly dried up than on normal days. This is
because the wind decreased the humidity which will increase the rate of evaporation.

• Air Movement
Moving air can carry away newly evaporated molecules from the liquid's surface, creating
a more favorable environment for evaporation. This is why windy conditions can increase
the rate of evaporation.
 • Pressure
Lower air pressure allows for easier escape of molecules from the liquid phase, increasing
the rate of evaporation. Conversely, higher pressure suppresses evaporation.
• Nature of the Liquid
Different liquids have different rates of evaporation based on their molecular structure and
intermolecular forces. For example, volatile liquids evaporate more quickly than non-
volatile liquids.
• Presence of Other Substances
The presence of solutes in the liquid can affect the rate of evaporation. In solutions, the
evaporation rate may be slower due to the presence of solute molecules that interfere with
the escape of solvent molecules.
Understanding these factors is crucial in various fields such as meteorology, agriculture, and
industrial processes where evaporation plays a significant role. Adjusting these factors can
sometimes be used to control the rate of evaporation for specific applications.

How Does Evaporation Cause Cooling?

Fig: Schematic diagram of air cooler

Energy extracted by liquid from surroundings decreases the temperature of the surroundings. This
process is called evaporative cooling. For example, when perfume is sprayed, our body feels
slightly cooler.
 • Evaporation causes a natural cooling effect. For a matter to change its state, it must either
gain or lose energy. In the case of transformation from liquid to gas, molecules must gain
kinetic energy to overcome their potential energy. This energy is taken by liquid from the
surroundings.
• When the transfer of energy occurs, there is an increase or decrease in the temperature of
the substance depending on whether the energy is being transferred from the substance to
the surroundings or vice versa.
• There is an observable change in temperature during evaporation until the boiling point is
reached but there is no observable heat transfer during phase change.
• Molecules absorb heat continually from their surroundings until the substance reaches its
boiling point. Molecules then break free from liquid and turn into vapour.
• As there is no change in temperature till evaporation is complete, the amount of energy
required for this phase change is called Latent Heat of Vaporization. Latent means hidden
implying that this heat will not change the temperature reading in a thermometer.

Applications of Evaporative Cooling

Here are a few day-to-day examples of evaporative cooling:

1. Perspiration is similar to evaporation. Sweating happens to cool our bodies. Water from
the body vaporizes, absorbing heat from the body and cooling it down.
2. Cotton clothes are worn in summer because they make us feel cooler. Cotton is an excellent
absorber of water. It allows more sweat to be in contact with the atmosphere and hence
increases the rate of evaporation.
 3. Earthen pots keep water cool. Like pores of cotton clothes, pores of earthen pots expose
more surface area, increasing the rate of evaporation.
4. Air coolers work on the principle of evaporative cooling. They are very effective on hot
dry days when the temperature is high and humidity is low. Hence the rate of evaporation
increases. The water in the cooler takes energy from the air and evaporates making the air
cooler.

Different types of evaporator

Evaporators are devices used to concentrate a solution by removing the solvent, typically water,
to produce a concentrated product. There are several types of evaporators, each designed for
specific applications and operating conditions. Some common types include:
1. Natural Circulation Evaporator: In this type of evaporator, the circulation of the liquid
and vapor is driven by natural convection currents induced by density differences between
the heated and cooled sections of the evaporator. Natural circulation evaporators are simple
in design and suitable for low to medium evaporation rates.
2. Forced Circulation Evaporator: Forced circulation evaporators utilize external pumps to
circulate the liquid through the evaporator tubes or plates. This allows for higher
evaporation rates and better control over the process parameters. Forced circulation
evaporators are often used for viscous or heat-sensitive liquids.
3. Falling Film Evaporator: Falling film evaporators consist of vertical tubes or plates over
which the liquid film flows downward due to gravity. Heat is applied to the outer surface
of the tubes or plates, causing evaporation of the solvent from the thin liquid film. Falling
film evaporators offer high heat transfer coefficients and are suitable for heat-sensitive
materials.
4. Rising Film Evaporator: Rising film evaporators operate on a similar principle to falling
film evaporators but with the liquid flowing upward in the tubes or plates. The liquid is
evenly distributed at the top of the evaporator, and steam is introduced to induce boiling
and vaporization of the solvent. Rising film evaporators are commonly used for heat-
sensitive materials and high fouling liquids.
5. Thin Film Evaporator: Thin film evaporators are designed to evaporate volatile
components from heat-sensitive materials at low operating temperatures and short
residence times. The liquid is spread as a thin film on the inner surface of a rotating
 cylindrical or conical evaporator vessel, allowing for efficient heat transfer and
evaporation.
6. Multiple Effect Evaporator: Multiple effect evaporators consist of a series of evaporator
vessels, each operating at progressively lower pressures and temperatures. The vapor
generated in one effect is used to heat the liquid feed to the next effect, resulting in
significant energy savings. Multiple effect evaporators are commonly used for
concentration of heat-sensitive solutions and in industries where energy efficiency is
critical.
7. Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) Evaporator: MVR evaporators utilize
mechanical compressors to increase the pressure and temperature of the vapor generated
during evaporation. This high-pressure vapor is then condensed and used to heat the liquid
feed, resulting in energy savings compared to conventional evaporators.

How does Evaporation differ from Boiling?

Both evaporation and boiling involve liquid changing to gas. However, they are different in some
aspects. Boiling is a bulk phenomenon while evaporation is a surface phenomenon. Key
differences between boiling and evaporation have been tabulated below:
Evaporation Boiling
Evaporation is a natural process in which the Boiling is simply the vaporization, which turns
liquid changes into gaseous form due to an liquid into gas by continuous heating.
increase in either temperature or pressure or
both.
Evaporation occurs only on the surface of the However, boiling occurs throughout the large
liquid. mass of the substance.
In case of the evaporation, the temperature However, in boiling, the process occurs only at
does not cross the Boiling point of the liquid. the boiling point of the liquid.
Hence, it is a Slow Process. Hence, this is a rapid process.
Rate of evaporation increases with an increase Rate of boiling is independent of the open
in the open surface area of the liquid. surface area of the liquid.

Role of evaporation in food engineering sections

Evaporation is widely used in the field of food engineering for various purposes. Some key
applications include:
 ➢ Concentration of Liquid Foods: Evaporation is employed to concentrate liquid foods
such as juices, syrups, and dairy products. By removing water through evaporation, the
desired solids content can be achieved, leading to products with enhanced flavor, viscosity,
and shelf life. Concentration can also help reduce transportation costs by decreasing the
volume of the product.
➢ Drying of Food Products: Evaporation plays a crucial role in drying food products such
as fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs. In processes like spray drying or freeze drying,
liquid water is evaporated from the surface of the food, leaving behind dried particles with
extended shelf life and improved stability. These dried products are often used in various
food applications, including snacks, instant soups, and ready-to-eat meals.
➢ Evaporative Cooling: Evaporation is utilized for cooling purposes in food processing
facilities. Evaporative cooling systems, such as cooling towers or evaporative condensers,
help remove heat from industrial processes and refrigeration systems by evaporating water
into the surrounding air. This helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for equipment
and ensures the quality and safety of food products.
➢ Production of Dairy Products: Evaporation is employed in the production of various
dairy products such as condensed milk, evaporated milk, and powdered milk. By
evaporating water from milk under controlled conditions, the desired concentration and
viscosity can be achieved, resulting in products with improved flavor, texture, and shelf
stability.
➢ Production of Sugar and Salt: Evaporation is used in the production of sugar and salt
from their respective raw materials. In sugar refining processes, evaporation is employed
to concentrate sugar cane or sugar beet juice, leading to the crystallization of sucrose.
Similarly, salt production involves evaporating seawater or brine to obtain crystallized salt.
➢ Extraction of Food Ingredients: Evaporation is used in the extraction of food ingredients
such as flavors, essences, and extracts. In processes like solvent extraction or steam
distillation, volatile compounds are evaporated and condensed to obtain concentrated
extracts, which are used to impart flavor and aroma to food products.
Overall, evaporation plays a crucial role in various aspects of food engineering, ranging from
concentration and drying of food products to cooling and extraction processes. By leveraging
evaporation technologies, food engineers can optimize production processes, improve product
quality, and ensure food safety and sustainability.

Future scopes and research opportunities of evaporation

The future scope of evaporation involves further advancements and applications in various fields,
driven by technological innovation, sustainability concerns, and evolving industrial needs. Some
potential future directions for the utilization of evaporation include:
 ➢ Renewable Energy Integration: Evaporation could be integrated into renewable energy
systems such as solar-powered desalination plants. Utilizing solar energy for evaporation
processes can help address water scarcity issues in arid regions while reducing dependence
on fossil fuels.
➢ Nanotechnology and Materials Science: Advancements in nanotechnology and materials
science may lead to the development of novel materials with enhanced evaporation
properties. Nanostructured surfaces and materials could facilitate more efficient
evaporation processes for applications in water purification, cooling systems, and energy
generation.
➢ Water Harvesting and Atmospheric Water Generation: Evaporation-based
technologies could be further developed for water harvesting and atmospheric water
generation. Innovations in passive evaporation systems and atmospheric moisture capture
could provide sustainable solutions for freshwater production, particularly in water-
stressed regions.
➢ Precision Agriculture and Crop Management: Evaporation data and modeling could be
integrated into precision agriculture systems to optimize irrigation scheduling and crop
management practices. Real-time monitoring of evaporation rates and soil moisture levels
can help improve water use efficiency, reduce water wastage, and enhance crop yields.
➢ Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control: Evaporation processes could be
applied to environmental remediation and pollution control efforts. Techniques such as
enhanced evaporation ponds and evaporative crystallization could be utilized for the
treatment and disposal of industrial wastewater, brine, and other contaminated liquids.
➢ Advanced Food Processing Technologies: Evaporation technologies could be further
refined for advanced food processing applications, including the development of more
efficient evaporative cooling systems, innovative methods for food preservation, and the
production of functional food ingredients through evaporation-based extraction techniques.
➢ Space Exploration and Life Support Systems: Evaporation-based technologies may play
a crucial role in space exploration and life support systems for long-duration missions.
Evaporative water recycling systems could be utilized to recover and purify water from
various sources, enabling self-sufficient space habitats and sustainable exploration
missions.
Overall, the future of evaporation holds promise for addressing global challenges related to water
scarcity, energy sustainability, environmental protection, and food security. Continued research
and development efforts in evaporation science and technology are essential for unlocking its full
potential and advancing towards a more sustainable and resilient future.