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Module

CME3036 : Process and Product Engineering

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Professor Steve Bull
  • Lecturer: Professor Jarka Glassey, Dr Katarina Novakovic
  • Owning School: Engineering
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0

Aims

This module introduces the techniques used to select an appropriate route to the scaled-up synthesis of a (bio)chemical product. It highlights the fact that such products may be target molecules, formulated mixtures or solids and can be selected in terms of chemistry or performance. The importance of clean, sustainable processing routes is illustrated with case studies.

Outline Of Syllabus

Process/route selection (1-3 lectures) – product selection, route selection, retrosynthesis, decision making, constraints, optioneering, whole life analysis, risk reduction. Illustrated by case studies from industry (e.g.chemical route/retrosynthesis and risk minimization, downstream biopharmaceutical process development, bioprocess route selection, including formulation)

Performance chemicals (4-5 lectures) – performance targets compared to composition/chemistry targets, blending and formulation. Examples from petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Case study on developing high performance low carbon lubricants for EV engines/gearboxes.

Bioprocess design (4-5 lectures) – bioprocessing PFD and unit operations, design of production strain, sterilisation and downstream processing.

Case study in product engineering (4-5 lectures)
Principles of polymerisation, manufacturing of plastics and plastics recycling

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion129:0029:00Revision/preparation for the exam/sitting the exam
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion129:0029:00Formative tests and assimilating notes
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture171:0017:00PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching82:0016:00Online Synchronous tutorials and case study seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching91:009:00PIP tutorials and case study seminars
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This will be taught with a mixture of lectures and seminars, reinforced by some online delivery from external lecturers.

The aim is to introduce sufficient new material on practical product engineering which, in combination with what has been learned in other modules, provides the basis for selection of a process route for a given product taking into consideration potential for risk minimization. Material introduced in lectures is reinforced in tutorials. Seminars (in person and on-line) are used to allow industrial lecturers to deliver case studies to the class to further reinforce learning.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination902A100Pip -to cover all lecture content including that delivered by external lecturers.
Formative Assessments
Description Semester When Set Comment
Computer assessment2MOnline MCQ test. To cover key points from each lecturer - 30 points
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Process selection involves drawing conclusions from the synthesis of data from a lot of sources and is assessed by an exam that covers the wide range of the taught material introduced in the course.

Reading Lists

Timetable