MEng Chemical Engineering

Increases, and major fluctuations, in the costs of fuels and power, and new restrictions on fuel related emissions (both legislative and financial), have provided additional incentives to examine the provision of heat and power for industrial processes. New and advanced practical tools are now available for targeting, design and operation of utility systems (including cogeneration). This course examines the design and operation of fuel consumers (such as furnaces, boilers and gas turbines) and power generators (such as steam turbines and gas turbines) in the context of the provision of heat and power to a variety of end users. Models and tools are developed for individual components of the utility system that can be easily applied in the design and operation of industrial utility systems in order to minimise operational costs and, where appropriate, to maximise the effectiveness of capital expenditure. In addition, methods and tools are available to examine and optimise these systems in the context of the overall and changing requirements of process users and generators, thereby maximising effectiveness, flexibility and profitability of total sites. Targeting tools, as a basis for utility system design in the supply of heat and power, are also examined and evaluated.

Contents

Fuels, Combustion, and Emissions

Boiler Feedwater Treatment

Boilers

Basic Steam Calculations

Basic Gas Turbine Calculations

Steam Turbines

Gas Turbines

Gas Turbine Heat Recovery

Steam Use and Distribution

Steam Balances and Energy Audits

Optimising Utility Systems

Utility System / Process Interface

Steam Pricing

Total Site Composite Curves

Cogeneration Targets for Steam Turbine Systems

Optimising Steam Levels

The unit makes use of traditional face-to-face lectures, problem solving sessions, and the use of software in solving larger scale problems during timetabled practical sessions. All materials are available via Blackboard, including podcasts of lectures, which can assist in the learning process. Communications outside of timetabled teaching slots also make use of the Blackboard system via Discussion Boards.

Practical work and related coursework has been designed in order to demonstrate subject knowledge and competency in methodology, evaluation and interpretation of results, and communication/presentation skills. You will be required to make use of engineering calculations, the use of software, and general problem solving skills. Coursework is required to be submitted via Blackboard and in the form of a hardcopy.