Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

A-level Mathematics

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module teaches the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and, heat and mass transfer processes.

Fluid mechanics is one of the most important topics in Chemical Engineering. This module will equip the students with fundamental knowledge of solving common fluid flow problems in Chemical Engineering. It will begin by describing the properties of fluids such as density, pressure, viscosity, and surface tension and will then discuss various flow regimes and explain how to measure frictional energy and pressure losses in various fluid flow conditions.

This module introduces the 3 basic types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation. By the end of the module the students will be able to understand many everyday examples of heat transfer, as well as being able to solve many steady state heat transfer calculations that Chemical Engineers encounter on plant.

The module will explain the processes of mass transfer and diffusion and apply them to engineering systems of separation and reactions. These principles build on knowledge of fluid behaviour and the analogy between momentum; heat and mass transfer.

Outline Of Syllabus

The Fluid Mechanics content will cover the following sections:
•       Fluid Properties
•       Properties of fluids in motion, including flow regimes, Reynolds number and Poiseuille equation.
•       Continuity equations (conservation of mass), fluid energy (pressure, kinetic, and potential energies), Mechanical Energy Balance, and Bernoulli’s equation
•       Conservation of momentum, friction factor in pipes, pressure drop due to friction, and Moody chart
•       Minor losses (sudden expansions/contractions, valves, and fittings), loss coefficient, and equivalent length
•       Flow measurement (orifice plates, flow nozzles, Venturi tubes, and Pitot tubes).

The Heat Transfer content will cover the following sections:
•       An introduction to heat transfer, the 3 modes of heat transfer and why the study of heat transfer is important for chemical engineers
•       The fundamentals of conduction including Fourier’s Equation, conduction through different 1D geometries, composite systems and thermal resistance
•       The funamentals of convection including Newton’s Law of Cooling, combined convection and conduction, and convection correlations
•       Heat Exchanger Design including the overall heat transfer coefficient, the log mean temperature difference and sizing of simple heat exchangers
•       Extended surfaces.

The mass transfer content will cover the following sections:
•       Diffusion and diffusion coefficients
•       Ficks 1st law and equimolar counter diffusion. Diffusion through a stationary phase and Stefan’s Law. Two film theory
•       Individual and overall mass transfer coefficients. Application of mass transfer coefficients.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

After successfully completing the module students should
•       be able to explain the properties associated with fluids and their flow processes (viscosity, surface tension, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate, average velocity, pressure, density etc.)
•       be able to distinguish between laminar, transitional and turbulent flow (C2)
•       be able to explain and use friction factor charts, the Continuity Equation and the Mechanical Energy Balance (C2)
•       be able to estimate frictional energy, pressure, and head losses in straight pipes (C2)
•       be able to estimate frictional energy, pressure, and head losses due to valves and fittings (C2)
•       be able to describe and discuss a range of techniques used for flow measurement
•       be able to explain fundamental modes of heat transfer (C2)
•       be able to explain and use thermal resistances to analyse thermal systems (C2)
•       be able to use log mean temperature differences and heat balances. (C2)
•       be able to analyse extended surfaces (C1, C2)
•       be able to explain the processes of diffusion (C2)
•       be able to explain the principles of interfacial and inter-phase mass transport. (C2)
•       be able to describe and use the correlations of mass transport.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students should be able to:
•       use friction factor charts, Mechanical Energy Balances to solve fluid flow problems in pipe networks (C1, C2)
•       apply theoretical knowledge of Reynolds number, friction factors and flow measurement to example problems (C1, C2)
•       design simple heat exchangers (C1, C2)
•       to analyse and perform design calculations for numerous types of heat transfer problem, including systems with multiple heat transfer modes, multiple layers, multiple phases and of varying geometries (C1, C2)
•       determine heat transfer coefficients from correlations and/or data (C1)
•       calculate rates of mass transport based on diffusion and film theories. (C1, C2)
•       determine mass transport coefficients from correlations and experimental data (C1)
•       analyse systems and perform calculations based on unseen problems related to transfer processes (C1, C2, C6, C13)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures convey the basic concepts of fluid mechanics and, heat and mass transfer, and demonstrate their application in chemical engineering context whilst tutorial classes support the lecture material through extended examples. The key concepts are presented in person, to allow discussion with students and in-person questioning. All tutorial classes are also held in-person, to ensure students receive the help they need to successfully attempt the extended example problems.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The exam at the end of semester 2 is an appropriate way to assess mathematical and analytical skills applied in combination with assessment of the fundamental knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer and mass transfer. In particular, the exam allows the students to be suitably tested by undertaking unseen problems.

The computer assessment will allow students to test their knowledge during the term, helping them to identify gaps in their knowledge and areas for improvement prior to the end of term exam.

General Notes

N/A