Chemical Engineering

In this course, students integrate knowledge of reaction engineering and chemical engineering with process dynamics and control, and apply this to the design of a reactor for chemical conversion with an appropriate control structure. Students explore the control systems simulations package, Simulink, and gain proficiency in the use of MATLAB for real reaction rate equations and numerical integration. Simulink enables the study of dynamic effects on control of the reactor designed in this project. At the end of the course the students are able to derive the continuity equation for an arbitrary control volume, derive the Reynolds transport theorem and use it to derive the conservation of mass equation for general fluid flows, understand the concept of stress tensor, derive the conservation of momentum equation for general fluid flows, non-dimensionalize the equations of motion, continuity and Navier-Stokes in different flow settings, and solve these equations for different flow settings to obtain quantities of interest such as velocity profiles and volumetric flow rates.

This course introduces an equilibrium stage approach to absorption/stripping, distillation, and solvent extraction. Graphical methods are introduced as well as the concepts of minimum number of stages, minimum solvent or stripping agent rate, and minimum reflux ratio. The concept of humidity and the use of psychrometric charts are introduced. In addition, training in group and collaborative working and communication skills is undertaken. Students undertake two laboratory sessions on separation processes as part of this course.

This course is designed to help students explain the behaviour and properties of fluids (static and dynamic). Students will solve problems involving Newtonian incompressible fluids using 1-D mass, momentum and energy balances, and will apply these basic principles in flow measurements and solve pipeline problems. Students will solve simple 1-D problems in compressible flow.

The aim of the project is to integrate knowledge gained from CE2 Reaction Engineering I and CE1 Chemical Engineering with CE2 Process Dynamics and Control and apply this to the design of a reactor for chemical conversion with an appropriate control structure. Further aims are to become familiar with the control systems simulations package Simulink and to gain proficiency in the use of MATLAB for real reaction rate equations and numerical integration. Simulink will enable study of dynamic effects on control of the reactor designed in this project.

In this course, students explore international development with a detailed real-world case study analysis. Students focus on identifying the issues faced by the community, the key stakeholders, and their varied perspectives on the problems. They work in teams to design a practical solution to an issue that they have identified as being critical for the community. Students work alongside other students who are studying the same community, but from different perspectives.

The aim of the class is for students to develop a mind-set for problem solving through experiential and practical based learning in order to tackle the challenges they may face as chemical engineers in industry.

The course provides the fundamental theory for the design and analysis of (pseudo-) homogeneous chemical reactors. It considers ideal isothermal and non-isothermal reactor systems, and reactors involving non-ideal flow. Students learn to describe batch, semi-batch, and continuous reactor operation; homogeneous and heterogeneous reactors; and ideal and non-ideal flow models. They define conversion and the extent of reaction; product yield and selectivity; and residence time, space time, and space velocity. They derive the basic design equations for isothermal and non-isothermal reactors and perform design analysis of multistage reactor configurations, and reactors involving recycle. They determine optimal reactor configurations and operating policies for systems involving multiple reactions. Students perform analysis of reactors involving non-ideal flow based on residence time distribution theory, and zero and one-parameter flow models.

This course provides basic knowledge in understanding, judging, and predicting the effects of chemicals on health and environment. The chemical basis for how health-damaging and environmentally hazardous compounds are absorbed and metabolized by organisms and the mechanisms behind their effects are discussed thoroughly. Emphasis is put on relationships between structure, chemical properties, and biological effects. The external environment section of the course discusses aspects of eight environmental threats: gases affecting the climate, ozone depletion, soil and water acidification, photochemical oxidants/tropospheric ozone, over-fertilization of soil and water, environmental influence of metals, toxic effects of organic compounds on the environment, disrupted environmental/ecological cycles, and hazardous by-products.