MEng Chemical Engineering

The unit consist of seven main topics:

Topic 1 - Particle characterization: in this topic the methods used to describe particle size and shape are introduced. The focus will be on particle size distributions and definitions of shape.

Topic 2 - The motion of a single particle in a fluid: in this topic the concepts of particles moving in a fluid will be discussed. The focus will be on how to describe and evaluate the motion of particles through a fluid.

Topic 3 - Sedimentation – settlers and thickeners: in this topic the concepts of particles settling under gravity are explored. The focus will be on how to design industrial settlers and thickeners using knowledge of particle motion in a fluid.

Topic 4 - Centrifuges and Cyclones: in this topic the methods to enhance particle settling are explored. The focus will be on how to design centrifuges and cyclones for industrial processes using key design methodologies including Sigma theory and Stairmand’s design procedure.

Topic 5 - Fluid flow through packed beds: in this topic the basic principles of fluid flow through granular and packed beds of particles are introduced. The focus will be on how to describe, evaluate and analyse fluid flow through a bed of stationary particles using Darcy’s law and other empirical equations such as Ergun, Blake-Kozeny, Kozeny-Carmen, etc.

Topic 6 - Filtration: in this topic the basic concepts of filtration is introduced. The focus will be on how to describe from fundamental principles fluid flow through a cake and medium filter system and how to design this unit operation.

Topic 7 - Fluid flow through fluidized beds: in this topic the main principles of fluidization and flow through fluidized beds are presented. The focus will be on how to describe the process of fluidization, the different fluidization regimes, Gerdart’s classification and fluidized bed. Furthermore, analyses and evaluation of how to estimate the minimum and maximum fluidization velocity and the benefit of pneumatic conveying will be presented. 

The unit aims to:

Develop an understanding of various industrial solid processing units, their applications, and the fundamental principles where solid-fluid interactions are important in these units.

Students will be able to:  

ILO1: Use methods to characterise solid particle sizes and shapes.

ILO2: Describe the motion of solid particles in a fluid-solid system.

ILO3: Design gravity solid separating units such as settlers, thickeners, and filters.

ILO4: Design force enhanced solid separating units such as centrifuges and cyclones.

ILO5: Develop mathematical expressions to describe, evaluate, and analyse fluid flow through a bed of stationary and fluidized particles.

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.

Feedback on problems and examples, feedback on coursework and exams, and support 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

Core Learning Material (e.g. recorded lectures, problem solving sessions) - 24 hours

Continuous Assessment - 21 hours

Self-Guided Work (e.g. extra problems, reading) 30 hours

Exam Revision/Preparation - 25 hours

Total for Module - 100 hours

Assessment Types	Total Weighting
Continuous Assessment (ILOs 2,3)	50%
Final Exam (ILOs1,2,4,5)	50%

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

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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