MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Process Fluid Dynamics

Course unit fact file
Unit code CHEN64211
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

The unit is divided in four parts.

Part 1. Integral analysis and compressible flow: Reynold’s transport theorem for mass, energy and momentum; review of Thermodynamics of gases; stagnation properties and critical conditions in gases; basic equation for one-dimensional compressible flow; isentropic compressible flow in pipes with variation of area in sonic, subsonic, and supersonic conditions; reference stagnation and critical conditions for isentropic flow; isentropic flow in converging nozzles and in converging-diverging nozzles; compressible flow in pipes of constant area with friction; adiabatic flow (Fanno flow); and compressible frictionless flow with heat exchange (Rayleigh flow).

Part 2. Non-Newtonian flow: review of differential equations of fluid mechanics including the convective derivative, differential mass balances, differential momentum balances, and stress components in various coordinate systems; classification of non-Newtonian fluids; constitutive equations for inelastic viscous fluids including power-law fluids and Bingham plastics; elementary rheology and non-Newtonian flow calculations.

Part 3. Bubble motion and Two-phase flow: Rise of bubbles in unconfined systems; pressure drop and void fraction in horizontal pipes; two phase flow in vertical pipes including the analysis of limits of bubble flow and gas-lift pumps.

Part 4. Independent study on advanced topics in fluid mechanics. In addition to the topics covered in the classroom, students will carry out independent study (directed study) in a specific topic of advanced fluid mechanics. This year the selected topic is in the  prediction of viscosity for simple fluids using the f-theory. The f-theory is a well-known mechanical-based methodology for the prediction viscosity of fluids such as water, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and other simple fluids. In the first instance, students will be referred to the original article of the f-theory [S. E. Quinones-Cisneros et al., “The friction theory (f-theory) for viscosity modelling”, Fluid Phase Equilibria, 169, 249 (2000)] but additional research on the topic is expected.

Aims

The unit aims to:

Provide competence with advanced topics of Fluid Mechanics including (a) integral analysis of mass, energy and momentum flow, (b) Rheology and non-Newtonian flow, and (c) two-phase flow.

 

Learning outcomes

Part 1. ILO for Compressible flow (12 contact hours)

  1. Analyze and appraise the differences between differential and integral analysis in fluid mechanics.
  2. Analyze and quantify the flow of compressible fluids in process equipment and appraise the difference on behavior with respect to incompressible fluids.
  3. Evaluate the conditions at which the fluids behave as compressible fluids and evaluate the conditions required for the optimum control of the flow.
  4. Describe the differences and similitudes of the analysis of compressible flow under (a) isentropic conditions, (b) adiabatic and irreversible (friction) conditions, and (c) isothermal conditions.
  5. Describe and explain the physics that take place in incompressible fluids flowing through converging and diverging nozzles and diffusers, as well as in pipelines of constant and non-constant area.

Part 2. ILO for Non-Newtonian flow (6 contact hours)

  1. Describe and evaluate the differences on behavior between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.
  2. Appraise the behavior of the viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids under different shear stresses.
  3. Formulate simple methodologies to describe the flow of non-Newtonian fluids using a modified version of Navier-Stokes equations under laminar regime.

Part 3, ILO for Two-phase flow (6 contact hours)

  1. Explain the difference between single and multiphase flow in vertical and horizontal pipes.
  2. Predict the velocities and behavior of bubbles rising in vertical columns.
  3. Categorize the different flow regimes in multiphase flow as a function of the mass flow rate.

 

Part 4, ILO for independent study on advanced topics of fluid mechanics

  1. Demonstrate the ability to carry out independent study in an advanced topic in fluid mechanics with minimum supervision.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures: 2 hours per week

Tutorial: an hour per week in the EBL suite. There will be 8 tutorial sessions (approximately 7 problems per session)

Coursework: one on-line test in Blackboard at the end of the semester that will cover all topics of the semester.

Discussion board: A discussion board will be maintained during the semester for discussion of various topics

Research resources: Students have free access to research search engines (Web of knowledge; scopus, etc.) and access to research articles needed for their independent studies. For more information consult the University of Manchester Library website (https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk). VPN connection is needed for off-campus access to these resources, (for more information on VPN connections visit http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/ourservices/popular/vpn/ ).

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Written exam 70%
Report 30%

Feedback methods

Feedback will be made available via the virtual learning environment following marks release.

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures 24
Independent study hours
Independent study 126

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Carlos Avendano Jimenez Unit coordinator

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