Chapter 12

Ideal Gas Mixture and Psychrometric

Applications
 Learning Outcomes
►Describe ideal gas mixture composition in terms
of mass fractions or mole fractions.
►Use the Dalton model to relate pressure, volume,
and temperature and to calculate changes in U,
H, and S for ideal gas mixtures.
►Apply mass, energy, and entropy balances to
systems involving ideal gas mixtures, including
mixing processes.
 Learning Outcomes, cont.
►Demonstrate understanding of psychrometric
terminology, including humidity ratio, relative
humidity, mixture enthalpy, and dew point
temperature.
►Use the psychrometric chart to represent common
air-conditioning processes and to retrieve data.
►Apply mass, energy, and entropy balances to
analyze air-conditioning processes and cooling
towers.
 Describing Mixture Composition
►Consider a system consisting of a
number of gases within a container of
volume V. The temperature and
pressure of the gas mixture are T and
Gas 1: n , m
p, respectively.
1 1
Gas 2: n , m
2 2
►The composition of the mixture can

…
Gas j: n , m
be described by giving the mass mi or j j

Sum: n m
the number of moles ni for each
component present.
►The mass mi, number of moles ni, and molecular weight Mi
of component i are related by
►ni is in kmol when mi is in
mi
kg and Mi is in kg/kmol. ni  (Eq. 12.1)
►ni is in lbmol when mi is in
Mi
lb and M is in lb/lbmol.
 Describing Mixture Composition
►The mass fraction is the relative amount of each
component in the mixture. The mass fraction mfi of
component i is
mi (Eq. 12.3)
mf i 
m
where m is the total mass of mixture.
►The sum of the mass fractions of all components
in a mixture equals unity.
 Describing Mixture Composition
►Alternatively, the mole fraction can
ni
be used to describe the relative amount yi 
of each component in the mixture. The n
mole fraction yi of component i is (Eq. 12.6)
where n is the total moles of mixture.
►The sum of the mole fractions of all components in
a mixture equals unity.
►The apparent (or average) molecular j

weight M of a mixture is determined as M   yi M i

i 1
a mole-fraction average of the
component molecular weights: (Eq. 12.9)
 Describing Mixture Composition
Example: The molar analysis of a gas mixture is
50% N2, 35% CO2, and 15% O2. Determine
(a) the apparent molecular weight of the mixture and
(b) the analysis in terms of mass fractions.
Solution:
(a) The apparent molecular weight of the mixture is
found using Eq. 12.9 and molecular weights
(rounded) from Table A-1

M  0.50 28  0.35 44  0.15 32 = 34.2 kg/kmol

 Describing Mixture Composition
(b) Although the actual amount of mixture is not known, the
calculations can be based on any convenient amount. We use
1 kmol of mixture.
►Then, the amount ni of each component, in kmol, is equal to its
mole fraction, as shown in column (ii).
►Column (iii) lists the respective molecular weights.
►Column (iv) gives the mass mi of each component, in kg per
kmole of mixture, obtained using mi = niMi (Eq. 12.1).
►The mass fractions, listed as percentages in column (v), are
obtained by dividing the values in column (iv) by the column total
and multiplying by 100.
(i) (ii) × (iii) = (iv) (v)
Component ni Mi mi mfi %

N2 0.50 × 28 = 14 40.94
CO2 0.35 × 44 = 15.4 45.03
O2 0.15 × 32 = 4.8 14.04
1.00 34.2 100
 Relating p, V, and T for Ideal Gas Mixtures
►Many systems of practical
interest involve mixtures where the
overall mixture and each of its
Gas 1: n1, m1
components can be modeled as Gas 2: n2, m2

…
ideal gases. For such mixtures the Gas j: nj, mj

Dalton mixture model is Sum: n m

commonly used.
► The overall mixture is considered an ideal gas
nR T
p (Eq. 12.10)
V
► The Dalton model also assumes each component
behaves as an ideal gas as if it were alone at
temperature T and volume V.
 Relating p, V, and T for Ideal Gas Mixtures
►Accordingly, with the Dalton model
the individual components do not exert
the mixture pressure p but rather a
partial pressure denoted by pi: Gas 1: n1, m1
Gas 2: n2, m2

…
ni R T Gas j: nj, mj
pi  (Eq. 12.11) Sum: n m
V
►By combining Eqs. 12.10 and 12.11 the partial pressure
pi can be determined alternatively from
pi  yi p (Eq. 12.12)
where the sum of the partial pressures equals the mixture
pressure j
p   pi (Eq. 12.13)
i 1
Evaluating U, H, and S for Ideal Gas Mixtures
►For an ideal gas mixture, the values of U, H,
and S are evaluated by adding the contribution
of each component at the condition at which the
component exists in the mixture.
►Evaluation of the specific internal energy or
specific enthalpy of a mixture component i
requires only a single intensive property: the
mixture temperature, T.
►Evaluation of the specific entropy of a mixture
component i requires two intensive properties.
We will use the mixture temperature, T, and the
partial pressure, pi.
Evaluating U, H, and S for Ideal Gas Mixtures
(Molar Basis)
►Accordingly, when working on a molar basis expressions for
U, H, and S of a mixture consisting of several components are:
Evaluating U, H, and S for Ideal Gas Mixtures
(Molar Basis)
►The mixture specific heats c v and c p are mole-
fraction averages of the respective component
specific heats.

(Eq. 12.23) (Eq. 12.24)

►See Sec. 12.4 for applications using these

expressions for U, H, S, and the specific heats.
Evaluating U, H, and S for Ideal Gas Mixtures
(Mass Basis)
►When working on a mass basis the expressions for U, H, S,
and specific heats of a mixture consisting of two components
– a binary mixture – are:
Table 12.2
 Engineering Applications of Ideal Gas
Mixtures
►We encounter ideal gas mixtures in many
important areas of application. Two of these are:
1. Systems involving chemical reactions and, in
particular, combustion. For these applications we
typically work on a molar basis. Combustion
systems are considered in Chapter 13.
2. Systems for air-conditioning and other
applications requiring close control of water vapor in
gas mixtures. For these applications we typically
work on a mass basis. Systems of this type are
considered in the second part of Chapter 12.
 Psychrometric Applications
►The remainder of this presentation centers on
systems involving moist air. A condensed water
phase may also be present in such systems.
►The term moist air refers to a mixture of dry air
and water vapor in which the dry air is treated as a
pure component.
►The Dalton model applies to moist air.
►By identifying gas 1 with dry air and gas 2
with water vapor, Table 12.2 gives moist air
property relations on a mass basis.
►The study of systems involving moist air is known
as psychrometrics.
 Moist Air
►Consider a closed system
consisting of moist air occupying
a volume V at mixture pressure p
and mixture temperature T.
►In moist air the amount of
water vapor present is much
less than the amount of dry air:
mv << ma nv << na.
►The Dalton model applies to the mixture of dry air
and water vapor:
 Moist Air
1. The overall mixture and each component, dry air
and water vapor, obey the ideal gas equation of state.
2. Dry air and water vapor within the mixture are
considered as if they each exist alone in volume V at
the mixture temperature T while each exerts part of
the mixture pressure.
3. The partial pressures pa and pv of dry air and
water vapor are, respectively
pa = ya p pv = yv p (Eq. 12.41b)
where ya and yv are the mole fractions of the dry air and
water vapor, respectively. These moist air expressions
conform to Eqs. (c) of Table 12.2.
 Moist Air
4. The mixture pressure is the sum of the partial
pressures of the dry air and the water vapor:

p = pa + pv
Mixture pressure, p
5. A typical state of water
vapor in moist air is fixed
,
using partial pressure pv T

and the mixture Typical state of

temperature T. the water vapor
in moist air

The water vapor is

superheated at this state.
 Moist Air
Mixture pressure, p
6. When pv corresponds
to pg at temperature T,
,
the mixture is said to be T

saturated.
7. The ratio of pv and pg
is called the relative
humidity, :
p 
 v  (Eq. 12.44)
pg 
T , p

Relative humidity is usually expressed as a percent and

ranges as dry air only
0 ≤  ≤ 100% saturated air
(pv = 0) (pv = pg)
 Humidity Ratio
►The humidity ratio  of a moist air sample is the
ratio of the mass of the water vapor to the mass of
the dry air. mv
 (Eq. 12.42)
ma
Since mv << ma, the value of  is typically << 1.
►Using the ideal gas equation of state and the
relationship pa = p – pv 18.02/28.97 = 0.622

mv M v p vV / R T M v p v  M v  p v 
      
ma M a p aV / R T M a pa  M a  p  p v 


pv
  0.622 (Eq. 12.43)
p  pv
 Mixture Enthalpy
►Values for U, H, and S for moist air can be found by
adding contributions of each component.
►For example, the enthalpy H is
H  H a  H v  ma ha  mv hv (Eq. 12.45)
which conforms to Eq. (d) in Table 12.2.
►Dividing by ma and introducing , the mixture enthalpy
per unit mass of dry air is
H mv
 ha  hv  ha  hv
(Eq. 12.46) ma ma

►For moist air, the enthalpy hv is very closely given by the

saturated vapor value corresponding to the given
temperature.  
hv  hg T (Eq. 12.47)
 Heating Moist Air in a Duct
Example: Moist air enters a duct at 10oC, 80%
relative humidity, is heated as it flows through the
duct, and exits at 30oC. No moisture is added or
removed and the mixture pressure remains constant
at 1 bar. For steady-state operation and ignoring
kinetic and potential energy changes, determine
(a) the humidity ratio, 2, and
(b) the rate of heat transfer, in kJ per kg of dry air.
 Heating Moist Air in a Duct
Solution:
(a) At steady state, mass rate balances for the dry air
and water vapor read:
m a1  m a2 (dry air)
m v1  m v2 (water vapor)
Since the mass flow rates of the dry air and water
vapor do not change from inlet to exit, they are
denoted for simplicity as m∙ a and m∙ v. Moreover, since
no moisture is added or removed, the humidity ratio
does not change from inlet to exit: 1 = 2. The
common humidity ratio is denoted by . m v

m a
 Heating Moist Air in a Duct
The humidity ratio is evaluated using data at the
inlet:
•The partial pressure of the water vapor at the inlet,
pv1, can be evaluated from the given inlet relative
humidity 1 and the saturated pressure pg1 at 10oC
from Table A-2:
pv1 = 1pg1 = 0.8(0.01228 bar) = 0.0098 bar
•The humidity ratio can be found from:
pv  0.0098  kg (vapor)
  0.622  0.622   0.00616
p  pv  1  0.0098  kg (dry air)
 Heating Moist Air in a Duct
(b) The steady-state form of the energy rate balance
reduces to:
0
0  Q cv  W cv  (m a ha1  m v hv1 )  (m a ha2  m v hv2 )

∙
•Solving for Qcv

Q cv  m a (ha2  ha1 )  m v (hv2  hv1 )

•Noting that m∙ v = m∙ a, we get

Q cv
 (ha2  ha1 )   (hv2  hv1 )
m a
 Heating Moist Air in a Duct
Q cv
 (ha2  ha1 )   ( hv2  hv1 )
m a

For the dry air, ha1 and ha2 For the water vapor, hv1 and hv2 are
are obtained from ideal gas obtained from steam table Table A-2
table Table A-22 at 10oC and at 10oC and 30oC, respectively, using
30oC, respectively. hv ≈ hg

Q cv kJ
 (303.2  283.1)  The
m a kg (dry air) contribution of
 kg (vapor)  kJ the water vapor
 0.00616 (2556.3  2519.8) to the heat
 kg (dry air)  kg (vapor) transfer
magnitude is
Q cv kJ kJ relatively
 (20.1  0.22)  20.32 minor.
m a kg (dry air) kg (dry air)
 Dew Point Temperature
►When moist air is cooled, partial condensation of the water
vapor initially present can occur. This is observed in
condensation of vapor on window panes, pipes carrying cold
water, and formation of dew on grass.
►An important special case is cooling of moist air at constant
mixture pressure, p.
►The figure shows a sample of moist air, initially at State 1,
where the water vapor is superheated. The accompanying T-v
diagram locates
states of water.
►Let’s study this
system as it is
cooled in stages
from its initial
temperature.
 Dew Point Temperature
►In the first part of the cooling process, the mixture pressure
and water vapor mole fraction remain constant.
►Since pv = yv p, the partial pressure of the water vapor
remains constant.
►Accordingly, the water vapor cools at constant pv from
state 1 to state d, called the dew point.
►The temperature at state d is called the dew point
temperature.
►As the system cools
below the dew point
temperature, some of
the water vapor initially
present condenses.
The rest remains a
vapor.
 Dew Point Temperature
►At the final temperature, the system consists of the dry air
initially present plus saturated water vapor and saturated liquid.
►Since some of the water vapor initially present has
condensed, the partial pressure of the water vapor at the final
state, pg2, is less than the partial pressure initially, pv1.
►The amount of water that condenses, mw, equals the
difference in the initial and final amounts of water vapor:
mw = mv1 – mv2
 Dew Point Temperature
►Using mv = ma and the fact that the amount of dry
air remains constant, the amount of water condensed
per unit mass of dry air is
mw
 1   2
ma
where

 p v1   pg2 
1  0.622 
  2  0.622 
p  p  p  pg2 
 v1   

and p denotes the mixture pressure, which remains

constant while cooling occurs.
 Dry-bulb Temperature and
Wet-bulb Temperature
►In engineering applications involving moist air, two
readily-measured temperatures are commonly used:
the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures.
►The dry-bulb temperature, Tdb, is simply the
temperature measured by an ordinary
thermometer placed in contact with the moist air.
►The wet-bulb temperature, Twb, is the
temperature measured by a thermometer whose
bulb is enclosed by a wick moistened with water.
 Dry-bulb Temperature and
Wet-bulb Temperature
►The figure shows wet-bulb and dry-bulb
thermometers mounted on an instrument called a
psychrometer. Flow of moist air over the two
thermometers is induced by a battery-operated fan.
►Owing to evaporation
from the wet wick to the
moist air, the wet-bulb
Moist
temperature reading is Air in

less than the dry-bulb

temperature: Twb < Tdb.
►Each temperature is
easily read from its
respective thermometer.
 Psychrometric Chart
►Graphical representations of moist-air data are provided by
psychrometric charts.
►Psychrometric charts in SI and English units are given in
Figs. A-9 and A-9E, respectively. These charts are constructed
for a moist air mixture pressure of 1 atm.
►Several important features of the psychrometric chart are
discussed in Sec. 12.7, including
 Psychrometric Chart
►Dry-bulb temperature, Tdb.

Moist air
state

Tdb
 Psychrometric Chart
►Humidity ratio, .

Moist air
state

 Psychrometric Chart
►Dew point temperature, Tdp.
►Since the dew point is the state where moist air
becomes saturated when cooled at constant pressure, the
dew point for a given state is determined from the chart by
following a line of constant  (constant pv) to the saturation
line where  = 100%.

Moist air
state

Tdp
 Psychrometric Chart
►Relative humidity, .

Moist air
state
 Psychrometric Chart
►Mixture enthalpy per unit mass of dry air, (ha + hv).
The value of (ha + hv) is calculated using
ha = cpaT
Fig. 12.9: T in oC, cpa = 1.005 kJ/kg-K
Fig. 12.9E: T in oF, cpa = 0.24 Btu/lb-R

(ha + hv)

Moist air
state
 Psychrometric Chart
►Wet-bulb temperature, Twb.
►Lines of constant wet-bulb temperature are
approximately lines of constant mixture enthalpy.

Twb
Moist air
state
 Psychrometric Chart
►Volume per unit mass of dry air, V/ma.
►Lines giving V/ma can be interpreted as the volume of
dry air or of water vapor (each per unit mass of dry air)
because in keeping with the Dalton model each
component is considered to fill the entire volume.

Moist air
state

V/ma
 Psychrometric Chart
Example: Using Fig. A-9, determine relative humidity,
humidity ratio, and mixture enthalpy, in kJ/kg (dry air)
corresponding to dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures of 30oC
and 25oC, respectively.
 Psychrometric Chart
Solution:

(ha + hv) = 76 kJ/kg dry air

 = 67%
25 C
o

 = 0.0181 kg water/kg dry air

 Analyzing Air-Conditioning Systems

►The next series of slides demonstrates the

application of mass and energy rate balances
together with property data to typical air-conditioning
systems using the psychrometric principles
introduced thus far.
►Featured applications include
►Dehumidification
►Humidification
►Mixing of two moist air streams
►An application of psychrometric principles to a
cooling tower is also considered.
 Dehumidification
►The aim of a dehumidifier is to remove some of
the water vapor in the moist air passing through
the unit.
►This is achieved by allowing the moist air to
flow across a cooling coil carrying a refrigerant at
a temperature low enough that some water vapor
condenses.
 Dehumidification
►The figure shows a control volume enclosing a
dehumidifier operating at steady state.
►Moist air enters at state 1.
►As the moist air flows
1 2
over the cooling coil, some
water vapor condenses. m∙ , T , 
 = 100%,
2
a 1 1 T <T,
►Saturated moist air exits  <
2

2
1

at state 2 (T2 < T1).

3
►Condensate exits as
m∙
saturated liquid at state 3.
w

Here, we take T3 = T2. T =T3 2

 Dehumidification
►For the control volume, let us evaluate
►The amount of
condensate exiting per unit
mass of dry air: m∙ w/m∙ a and 1 2
►The rate of heat transfer
2 = 100%,
between the moist air and m∙ , T , 
a 1 1 T2 < T1,
2 <  1
cooling coil,∙ per unit mass
∙
of dry air: Qcv/ma. 3

m∙ w

T3 = T2
 Dehumidification
►Mass rate balances. At steady state, mass rate balances
for the dry air and water are, respectively
m a1  m a 2 (dry air)
m v1  m w  m v 2 (water) 1 2

Solving for the mass flow rate of m∙ a, T1, 1

2 = 100%,
T2 < T1,
the condensate 2 < 1
m w  m v1  m v 2

Then, with m∙ v1 = 1m∙a and m∙v2 = 2m∙a, where 3

∙ m∙ w
ma denotes the common mass flow rate of
the dry air, we get the following expression T3 = T2
for the amount of water condensed per unit
mass of dry air m w
 1   2 (1)
ma

 Dehumidification
Energy rate balance. With W∙ = 0 and no significant
► cv
kinetic and potential energy changes, the energy rate
balance for the control volume reduces at steady state to
0  Q cv  (m a ha1  m v1hv1 )  m w hw  (m a ha2  m v 2 hv2 ) (2)

With m∙ v1 = 1m∙a, m∙v2 = 2m∙a, and Eq. (1), Eq. (2) becomes

Q cv
 (ha  hv ) 2  (ha  hv )1  (1   2 )hw (3)
m a

Since heat transfer occurs from the moist air to the cooling
coil, Q∙ cv/m∙ a will be negative in value.
 Dehumidification
Q cv
 (ha  hv ) 2  (ha  hv )1  (1   2 )hw (3)
m a
►For the condensate, hw = hf (T2), where hf is obtained from
Table A-2.
►Options for evaluating the underlined terms of Eq. (3) include
►1 and 2 are known. Since T1 and
T2 are also known, ha1 and ha2 can be
obtained from ideal gas table Table
(ha + hv)1
A-22, while hv1 and hv2 can be
obtained from steam table Table A-2
(h + h v ) 2
using hv = hg. a

►Alternatively, using the respective

temperature and humidity ratio
values to fix the states, (ha + hv) at
states 1 and 2 can be read from a T2 T1
psychrometric chart.
 Humidification
►The aim of a humidifier is to increase the
amount of water vapor in the moist air passing
through the unit.
►This is achieved by injecting steam or liquid
water.
 Humidification
►The figure shows a control volume enclosing a
humidifier operating at steady state.
►Moist air enters at state 1.
►Steam or liquid water is injected.
►Moist air exits at state 2 with greater humidity
ratio, 2 > 1.

W∙ cv = 0, Q∙ cv = 0

∙
ma1

h3, m∙ 3
 Humidification
►For adiabatic operation, the accompanying
psychrometric charts show states 1 and 2 for each
case.
►With relatively high-temperature steam injection, the
temperature of the moist air increases.
►With liquid injection the temperature of the moist air may
decrease because the liquid is vaporized by the moist air
into which it is injected.
W∙ cv = 0, Q∙ cv = 0

∙
ma1

h3, m∙ 3
 Humidification
►For the control volume, let us evaluate
►The humidity ratio, 2, and
►The temperature, T2.

W∙ cv = 0, Q∙ cv = 0

∙
ma1

h3, m∙ 3
 Humidification
►Mass rate balances. At steady state, mass rate balances
for the dry air and water are, respectively
m a1  m a 2 (dry air)
m v1  m 3  m v 2 (water)

Then, since m∙ v1 = 1m∙a and m∙v2 = 2m∙a, where m∙a denotes

the common mass flow rate of the dry air, we get
m 3 W∙ cv = 0, Q∙ cv = 0
 2  1  (1)
m a

Since 1, m∙ a, and m∙ 3 are ∙

ma1

specified, the humidity ratio 2 3

h3, m∙ 3
can be calculated from Eq. (1)
 Humidification
►Energy rate balance. With no significant kinetic and
potential energy changes, the energy rate balance for the
control volume reduces to
0  Q  W  (m h  m h )  m h  (m h  m h )
cv cv a a1 v1 v1 3 3 a a2 v 2 v2
∙ and Q∙ are each zero in this case
Since W cv cv

0  (m a ha1  m v1hv1 )  m 3 h3  (m a ha2  m v2 hv2 ) (2)

With m∙ v1 = 1m∙a and m∙v2 = 2m∙a, Eq. (2) becomes
m 3
0  (ha1  1hv1 )  ( )h3  (ha2   2 hv2 ) (3)
m a
Solving Eq. (3)
m 3
(ha2   2 hv2 )  (ha1  1hv1 )  ( )h3 (4)
m a
 Humidification
m 3
(ha2   2 hv2 )  (ha1  1hv1 )  ( )h3 (4)
m a

,
ai r
►Options for determining T2 from Eq. (4) include

st
oi
fm
►Use the psychrometric chart:

ai r y o
ry lp
)
(d t h a
•The first term on the right side

/k en
kJ fic
of Eq. (4) can be read from the 

i n eci
g
Sp
chart using T1 and 1 to fix the (ha2 + 2hv2)

state.
(ha1 + 1hv1)
•Since the second term on the 2
2
right is known, the value of
(ha2 + 2hv2) can be calculated.
1 1
•This value together with 2 fixes
the exit state, which allows T2 to
T1 T2
be determined by inspection.
 Humidification
m 3
(ha2   2 hv2 )  (ha1  1hv1 )  ( )h3 (4)
m a

►Options for determining T2 from Eq. (4) include

►An iterative solution using data from Table A-22: ha(T) for the
dry air and Table A-2: hv = hg(T) for the water vapor:
• The value of the right side of Eq. (4) is known because the data are
either known or can be obtained from the indicated tables using T1.
• On the left side of Eq. (4), 2 is known from the mass rate balance.
• Accordingly, the only unknown is T2, which can be found iteratively:
For each assumed value of T2, Table A-22 gives ha2 and
Table A-2 gives hv2.
This allows the left side to be calculated.
Iteration with T2 continues until the calculated value on the left
agrees with the known value on the right.
Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
►In air-conditioning systems, a frequent
component is one that mixes moist air streams as
shown in the figure:

►For the case of adiabatic mixing, let us consider

how the following quantities at the exit of the control
volume, m∙ a3, 3, and T3, can be evaluated knowing
the respective quantities at the inlets.
Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
►Mass rate balances. At steady state, mass rate balances
for the dry air and water vapor are, respectively
m a1  m a 2  m a 3 (dry air)
m v1  m v 2  m v3 (water vapor)

With m∙ v = m∙ a, these equations combine to give

1m a1   2 m a2  3 (m a1  m a2 )

Alternatively
m a1 3   2
 (1)
m a2 1  3

These equations can be solved for 3 using known values of

1, 2, m∙ a1, and m∙ a2.
 Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
►Energy rate balance. Ignoring the effects of kinetic and
potential energy, the energy rate balance for the control
volume reduces at steady state to
0  Q cv  W cv  (m a1ha1  m v1hv1)  (m a2 ha2  m v 2 hv2 )  (m a3ha3  m v3hv3 )
∙ ∙
Since Wcv and Qcv are each zero in this case
m a1 (ha1  1hv1 )  m a2 (ha2   2 hv2 )  m a3 (ha3  3 hv3 ) (Eq. 12.56c)

The enthalpies of the water vapor are evaluated using hv = hg.

∙ ∙ ∙
With ma3 = ma1 + ma2, Eq. 12.56c can be solved to give an
expression with the same form as Eq. (1)
m a1 (ha3  3 hg3 )  (ha2   2 hg2 )
 (2)
ma2 (ha1  1hg1 )  (ha3  3 hg3 )


Using known data, this equation can be solved for (ha + hg)3,
from which T3 can be evaluated.
Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
►From study of Eqs. (1) and (2) we conclude that on
a psychrometric chart state 3 lies on a straight line
connecting states 1 and 2, as shown in the figure

m a1 3   2
 (1)
m a2 1  3

m a1 (ha3  3 hg3 )  (ha2   2 hg2 )

 (2)
ma2 (ha1  1hg1 )  (ha3  3 hg3 )

 Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
Example: For adiabatic mixing of two moist air
streams with the data provided in the table below,
use the psychrometric chart to determine
(a) 3, in kg (vapor)/kg (dry air), and
(b) T3 in oC.

State T  ∙
m (ha + hg)*
a
(oC) (kg (dry air)/kg (vapor)) (kg (dry air)/min) (kJ/kg (dry air))
1 24 0.0094 497 48
2 5 0.002 180 10
*
The values of (ha + hg) are read from Fig. A-9 using the respective
temperature and humidity ratio values.
Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
Solution:
(a) Inserting known values in Eq. (1),
497 3  0.002

180 0.0094  3

we get 3 = 0.0074 kg (vapor)/kg (dry air).

(b) Then from Fig. A-9

T3 = 19oC
Adiabatic Mixing of Two Moist Air Streams
Solution:
(a) Inserting known values in Eq. (1),
497 3  0.002

180 0.0094  3

we get 3 = 0.0074 kg (vapor)/kg (dry air).

(b) Then from Fig. A-9
Alternatively, Eq. (2) can
be used to determine
(ha + hg)3 = 38 kJ/kg (dry air).
Then, from Fig. A-9

T3 = 19oC
 Cooling Towers
►Moist air principles also play a
role in the analysis of cooling
towers such as shown in the
figure.
►Major events occurring within
the control volume enclosing the
tower include the following:
►The warm water to be cooled
enters at 1 and is sprayed from the
top of the tower.
►Atmospheric air enters at 3 and flows counter to the
falling water.
 Cooling Towers
►As the liquid water and moist air
interact within the tower, a fraction
of the liquid evaporates, resulting in
• Liquid water that exits the
tower at 2 with a lower
temperature than the water
entering at 1, which is the
objective.
• Moist air that exits the tower at
4 with a greater humidity ratio
than the air entering at 3.
►Since some of the incoming water has evaporated, an
equivalent amount of makeup water is added at 5 so that
the return mass flow rate equals the mass flow rate entering
at 1.
 Cooling Towers
►Mass rate balances. To evaluate the mass flow rate of
the makeup water, apply mass rate balances to the control
volume at steady state to get
m a 3  m a 4 (dry air)
m w1  m 5  m v3  m w2  m v 4 (water)
m 5  m v 4  m v3

With m∙ v3 = 3m∙a and m∙v4 = 4m∙a, where m∙a is the common

mass flow rate of the dry air, this becomes
m 5  m a ( 4  3 )

►Energy rate balance. Application of the energy rate

balance to such a cooling tower is demonstrated in
Example 12.15.