- UCAS course code
- H801
- UCAS institution code
- M20
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Course unit details:
Distillation & Absorption
| Unit code | CHEN20072 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Offered by | Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Science |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Equilibrium stages: Conceptual characterisation of binary separations.
Batch distillation: Rayleigh distillation and batch rectification for ideal mixtures.
Continuous distillation: Flash and continuous binary distillation, McCabe-Thiele construction, total and partial reboilers and condensers, plate efficiencies.
Continuous absorption: Binary vapour-liquid absorption in column, mass transfer analysis, design using theoretical units.
Column hydraulics: Characteristics of different types of plates and packaging, flooding, flooding correlations and sizing of columns, column control strategies.
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Engineering Fundamentals | CHEN10041 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Momentum, Heat & Mass Transfer | CHEN20112 | Co-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
The unit aims to:
Develop a basic competence in making equilibrium, mass transfer and hydraulic calculations for binary distillation and absorption.
Learning outcomes
Students should be able to:
1 Interpret, arrange and gather equilibrium data (VLE, K values) using various tabulated and graphical formats.
2 Apply equilibrium data and mass balances to construct models for batch and continuous separation systems: Rayleigh distillation, batch rectification, flash distillation, multiple stage distillation and absorption.
3 Calculate preliminary design parameters (minimum number of theoretical stages, minimum reflux ratio, feed stage) for a multi stage distillation unit using the McCabe-Thiele graphical method.
4 Calculate preliminary design parameters (minimum number of theoretical stages, minimum stripping/scrubbing carrier flow rates) for a multi stage absorption unit using stepping or theoretical unit analysis.
5 Distinguish the difference between VLE and absorption/desorption, and translate distillation theory to plate absorption columns.
6 Recognize the key effects of fluid dynamics and flow within a distillation or absorption column.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous videos. Problem solving tutorials, on-line video examples and on-line quizzes. Handbook (hardcopy and electronic version), notes and slides available on Blackboard throughout the semester.
Assessment methods
| Assessment task | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Continuous assessment | 30% |
| Exam style assessment | 70% |
Recommended reading
- Coulson JM & Richardson JF, Chemical Engineering Volume 2, 5th Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002, ISBN 0750644451, Joule Library 660 COU (e-book available)
- Geankoplis CJ, Transport Processes and Unit Operations, Prentice Hall, 1993, Joule Library 660.02 GEA
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 16 |
| Tutorials | 8 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 76 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Peter Martin | Unit coordinator |
| Rosa Cuellar Franca | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 20/21 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact. Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.