BEng Chemical Engineering

Basic engineering calculations:

•  Unit conversions

• Order of magnitude

• Dimensional homogeneity

Processes:     

• Classification (batch, fed batch, continuous, transient, steady state)

• Unit operations (general definition, introduction of concept)

• Flow diagrams

Material balances:

• General material balance equation

• Differential and integral balances (system boundaries, degrees of freedom analysis)

• Material balances for non-reacting systems

• Material balances for reacting systems (stoichiometry, conversion, excess/limiting reactant, yield, selectivity)

• Processes with more than one unit operation, recycle and purge

Energy balances:

• First law of Thermodynamics and forms of energy

• Energy balances for closed systems

• Energy balances for open systems (steady state)

• Energy balance calculations for reacting systems (enthalpy, reference state, heat of reaction, heat of formation, single and multi-phase systems)

Case study: combined material and energy balances

The unit aims to: Introduce and apply the principles of conservation of mass and energy to determine the material and energy requirements of a process. Extend student knowledge of basic engineering calculations. Give students understanding of process classification and analysis. Introduce the concept of unit operations. Provide a framework and problem solving approach for complex engineering calculations.

On successful completion of CHEN10041, a student will be able to… (1) Use knowledge of the first law of thermodynamics to derive the energy balance equations for closed and open systems. (2) Apply the concepts of conservation of mass and energy to calculate the material and energy requirements of a process for reacting and non-reacting systems. (3) Describe and classify processes (batch, continuous, steady state etc.) and explain the concept of unit operations and its importance in chemical engineering. (4) Construct and interpret process flowcharts given a process description for multi-stage processes, including those with recycle and purge streams. (5) Calculate theoretical and excess air, yield, conversion and selectivity in reactive processes. (6) Convert data between different unit systems and perform simple design calculations.

Lectures provide fundamental aspects supporting the critical learning of the module and will be delivered as pre-recorded asynchronous short videos via our virtual learning environment.

Synchronous sessions will support the lecture material with Q&A and problem-solving sessions where you can apply the new concepts. Surgery hours are also available for drop-in support.

Feedback on problems and examples, feedback on coursework and exams, and model answers will also be provided through the virtual learning environment. A discussion board provides an opportunity to discuss topics related to the material presented in the module.

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 - 24 hours
Assessment (Coursework) - 2 hours
Assessment (Exam) - 2 hours
Assessment (Revision/Preparation) - 28 hours
Independent Study - 44 hours

For each assessment

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