Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to principles of chemical processes analysis and design by guiding students through the elementary concepts of processes and their applications, the variables and unit used to describe those processes and the quantitative frameworks for mass and energy balances. Students are also introduced to important aspects of industrial practice and how those related with chemical process design, particular digital process simulation tools, process safety, sustainability, corporate risk and liability and materials selection. Industrial guest speakers help to strengthen the links between theory and industrial practice.

Outline Of Syllabus

Units, conversions between units and order of magnitude analysis.

Material and Energy Balances, and introduction to process simulation tools to solve material and energy balances.

Introduction to Process Safety, including Inherent safety, COSHH and COMAH regulations, consequence of unsafe design and an examination of the issues surrounding the balance of cost and safety.

Introduction to Sustainability, including an examination of sustainability problems, the role of the engineer in tackling these problems, environmental legislation. Corporate risk and liability.

Introduction to science of materials, properties, and selection of materials for use in process vessels, pipe work and seals.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this course, students are expected to be able to:
-Make use of units, dimensions and systems of units to present data with scientific clarity and rigor, and to a professional engineering standard (AHEP4 C1);
-Identify and describe functionality and basic operation principles for commonly used process units and process configurations (AHEP4 C1,2,4);
-Interpret process information and transpose that into schematic and quantitative formats (AHEP4 C1,2,4);
-Solve mass and energy balances to single units, systems with multiple units and complex processes with or with chemical reaction (AHEP4 C1-6, 13);
-Employ process simulation software to solve mass and energy balances in complex processes, and relate the digital methods of solution to the analytical methods (AHEP4 C1-6,12-14);
-Analyse process safety aspects of chemical processes to establish hazards, inherent safety, and required mitigation measurements (AHEP4 C4-6,9);
-Appraise the key sustainability aspects of processes, products and industry at different levels and in different dimensions, identifying risks and opportunities to lead design decisions (AHEP4 C4-9);
-Development an awareness for major pieces of safety, environmental and sustainability legislation and standards, and corporate risk management practices (AHEP4 C4-5,15);
-Evaluate equipment and process operation requirements and apply materials science fundamentals to select appropriate materials of construction for major pieces of equipment and ancillary parts (AHEP4 C1-7, 13).

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this course students are expected to be able:

1)       To combine knowledge of units and dimensions, mass and energy balances, process simulation, process safety, sustainability and materials selection to carry out an integral analysis of a chemical process taking into consideration implications of each of these factors into each other and making or commenting on design and operation choices (AHEP4 C1-9, 12-13).
2)       To extend the process engineering knowledge and techno-scientific expertise accross all topics and application taught through research and use of literature and digital sources beyond those provided to cover the module syllabus, and application of the acquired knowledge and expertise to an industrial practice and design case study (AHEP4 C1-9,12-13).
3) To develop good problem solving, team working, initiative, adaptability, and workload management skills (AHEP4 C16)
4)       To develop reporting writing and data presentation skills, and to initiate self-reflective writing and self- and peer-assessment practices (AHEP4 C17, 18).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and Structured Lecture notes deliver the required knowledge and solved examples. Tutorials and computer labs will provide space for students to learn and solve numerical problems in a supervised way. Case study small group teaching introduces process simulation and flowsheeting software and reinforces concepts, teaches initiative and links knowledge from related modules across Stage 1.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam will test the ability to apply the principles of energy and material balances. Students must pass the written examination with at least 40% (AHEP4 C1-3,5-6).

The plant design and Industrial assessment will test the students knowledge of the principles of process design and knowledge gained from Industrial presentations. The case study on plant design will assess the ability to apply energy and material balances to a complex system, the use of flow sheet software to simulate complex systems and understanding of the principles of process safety, sustainability and materials selection (AHEP4 C1-7,9, 12-13, 16-18). The case study component must be passed in order to pass the module.

Formative assessment is conducted via Canvas quizzes and tutorials throughout the semester.

NOTE: a student must pass both the Semester 1 exam and the Semester 2 case study in order to pass the module overall.

General Notes

N/A