Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

The aim of this module is to give the participants an understanding of separation process technology currently used in the modern chemical industry.

This module gives an overview of the technology and design methods for industrially important separation techniques such as crystallisation, solids separation, advanced distillation, membrane separation processes and adsorption-based processes.

Outline Of Syllabus

Crystallisation
i.       Nucleation processes
ii.       Crystal growth
iii.       Heat effects
iv.       Design of crystallisers

Solids Handling
i.       Filtration
ii.       Centrifuges
iii.       Sedimenters
iv.       Cyclones and hydro cyclones

Pressure drop in packed beds; introduction to fluidisation and fluidised bed operations.

Advanced Distillation
i.       Azeotropic distillation
ii.       Multi-component distillation

Membranes
i.       Membrane operating principles and membrane characteristics
ii.       Reverse osmosis
iii.       Ultrafiltration
iv.       Gas permeation

Adsorption
i.       Adsorption Isotherms
ii.       Chromatography
iii.       Gas adsorption
iv.       Ion Exchange

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
•       Apply knowledge of mathematics and chemical engineering principles to the solution of complex industrial separation problems. (EngC LO C1, IChemE A1.2)
•       Understand the most widely used unit operations of separation technology (EngC LO C13, IChemE A2.4)
•       Understand the principles on which separation equipment operates, and determine size and performance of commonly used separation units. (EngC LO C13, IChemE A2.4)

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
•       Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, chemistry, and chemical engineering principles (EngC LO C2, IChemE A2.1, A2.2, A2.5, A4.2)
•       Select appropriate analytical techniques to model complex (multi-step) separation problems, and recognizing the limitations of the techniques employed (EngC LO C3, IChemE A2.3, A2.4, A2.5, A4.2)
•       Apply digital techniques to solve separation problems (EngC LO C3, IChemE A2.5)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures explain key concepts and outline illustrative examples. Tutorial and assessed problems will develop the student’s understanding of the subject area. Drop in sessions offer students the opportunity to personalize their learning through one-to-one consultations.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will assess students’ understanding of the basic principles of the separation processes studied in this module, as well as their ability to apply these principles to design appropriate units. The examination consists of two sections. Students should answer all questions in Section A, and students can choose to answer a subset of questions offered in Section B.

General Notes

N/A