MEng Chemical Engineering

 Batch operation is required for production of highly regulated materials, such as pharmaceuticals, and more recently with the emerging field of bioengineering. There are differences between continuous and batch processes, which need incorporating into a plant design in order for it to be fit for purpose. One of the main factors is the change of conditions with time, resulting in non-steady state conditions.

 By the end of this module, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the design, operation, sequencing, scheduling and optimisation of batch operations. This will include:

• Scheduling a batch process to increase process efficiency
• Develop control strategies for batch processes
• Design batch distillation columns
• Design batch reactors, including internals and utility

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title	Unit code	Requirement type	Description
Process Engineering Fundamentals	CHEN10041	Pre-Requisite	Compulsory
Chemical Reactor Design	CHEN20141	Pre-Requisite	Compulsory
Chemical Engineering Optimisation	CHEN20051	Pre-Requisite	Compulsory

Aims

The unit aims to: Explain the difference between batch and continuous processes, and understand their characteristics in relation to applications. This will allow students to quantitatively design a range batch processes and how to schedule batch processes effectively to improve system efficiency.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to: 

ILO 1: Describe and evaluate the use and synthesis of different batch processes. 

ILO 2: Design batch reactors and analyse factors that impact reactor performance. 

ILO 3: Compare different operation modes (relating to condensers and reboilers) of batch distillation columns. 

ILO 4: Produce and analyse schedules for batch processes and quantify production rates. 

ILO 5: Produce and evaluate control schedules for batch processes.

Teaching and learning methods

Fundamental aspects supporting the critical learning of the module will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous short videos via our virtual learning environment. These will be supported by synchronous sessions with master lecture content, Q&A, and problem-solving sessions where you can apply the new concepts.

Surgery hours are also available for drop-in support.

Students are expected to expand the concepts presented in the session and online by additional reading (suggested in the Online Reading List) in order to consolidate their learning process and further stimulate their interest to the module.

Teaching Activities

Lecture - 22 hours
Assessment (Exam) - 2 hours
Assessment (Coursework) - 20 hours
Assessment (Revision/Preparation) - 30 hours
Independent Study - 26 hours

Assessment methods

Method	Weight
Other	30%
Written exam	70%

Continuous Assessment

Recommended reading

Reading lists are accessible through the Blackboard system linked to the library catalogue.

 

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Lectures	22

Independent study hours
Independent study	26

Teaching staff

Staff member	Role
Emily Cooksey	Unit coordinator

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £39,700 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

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