CHEN30020 Unit Operations

Academic Year 2023/2024

The purpose of this module is to engender in students a practical and analytical, engineering-based appreciation of unit operations and separation processes in the context of modern bio/chemical processing, with particular reference to sustainability, safety, health and environmental considerations. The course includes classical heat- and mass-transfer-based processes commonly used in the chemical and processing industries, as well as a selected range of processes for particulates' handling.

The module will include the use of computer-based process development and simulation tools. Computer-based simulation sessions will be run in cooperation with CHEN30030 Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering Thermodynamics.


Recommended Text: McCabe, W., Smith, J. & Harriott, P. (2005) Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering
(7th Edition), New York: McGraw-Hill.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the analysis of a range of separation processes in terms of equilibrium stages as applied to chemical, oil & gas & bioprocessing systems.
2. Design and analyse batch and continuous distillation systems for binary systems, to achieve a specified degree of separation.
3. Apply the Fenske-Underwood Gilliland method to the preliminary design of multi-component distillation systems.
4. Specify appropriate system configurations for drying and multiple-effect evaporation processes.
5. Design absorption/scrubbing systems, based on the height and number of transfer units, and on the generalised pressure drop correlation.
6. Develop and apply the fundamental equations (incl the Kremser equations) required for the design of cascades, with particular reference to liquid-liquid extraction systems.
7. Specify the configuration and operating conditions of a selected range of solid-liquid and solid-gas separation systems.
8. Use Aspen Plus for the preliminary analysis of a range of separation units.

Indicative Module Content:

Gas Absorption
Binary distillation
Batch distillation
Multicomponent distillation
Filtration
Liquid- Liquid Extraction
Drying
Centrifuges

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Tutorial

12
Computer Aided Lab

6
Autonomous Student Learning

66
Total

120
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module will be taught via a combination of online lectures, online and face to face tutorials, online and face to face group work session.
Students will engage with material through various methods including lectures, peer to peer learning and self reflection. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the material through homework assignments, in-class problems and using data obtained from labatory equipment. The module includes a computer-based simulation tutorial component using Aspen Plus 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
CHEN20030 - Thermodynamics & Kinetics, CHEN20060 - Transport Phenomena


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): multiple MCQs taking place through out the trimester a combination of online and in class. Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30
Examination: Online end of Trimester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Continuous Assessment: Continuous Assessment Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be available on Assignments online

McCabe, W., Smith, J. & Harriott, P. (2005) Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering
(7th Edition), New York: McGraw-Hill.

Name Role
Assoc Professor Patricia Mary Kieran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Niloufar Azizi Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 09:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 9 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6, 7 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn