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CHEN30020

Academic Year 2025/2026

Unit Operations (CHEN30020)

Subject:
Chemical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Chem & Bioprocess Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Eoin Syron
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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
Autonomous Student Learning

66
Lectures

36
Tutorial

12
Computer Aided Lab

6
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End-of-term closed-book exam; scheduled centrally End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% Yes
60
 Yes
Participation in Learning Activities: Attendance at, and participation in, ASPEN sessions - including carrying out the in-session work-sheets satisfactorily Week 5, Week 6, Week 7 Graded No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: This Assessment consists of 6 short in class exercises. These will be a combination of MCQ's & problem solving Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 10, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

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.

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
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 9 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 6 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Computer Aided Lab Offering 1 Week(s) - 9 Thurs 11:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 11:00 - 11:50
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