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CHEN40570

Academic Year 2025/2026

Chemical & Bioproc Systems Eng (CHEN40570)

Subject:
Chemical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Chem & Bioprocess Engineering
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Ioscani Jimenez Del Val
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The objective of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and computational tools to develop and solve mathematical models of process systems where chemical and biochemical reactions take place in heterogeneous (multi-phase) environments. The module will cover the general principles for formulating dynamic material and energy balances to describe chemical and bioprocess operations with systems of Differential Algebraic Equations (DAEs) and consistent initialisation and solution of DAE systems (DAE Index reduction strategies). A brief overview of dynamic optimisation and parameter estimation will also be provided. Solutions for different case studies on catalytic reactors and other process systems will be developed using some/all of the following computational tools: MATLAB[TM] and gPROMS[TM].

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able:
1. To develop dynamic mathematical models for the simulation and design of chemical and bioprocess unit operations using systems of Differential and Algebraic Equations.
2. To identify the Index and perform Index reduction on DAE systems for consistent initialisation.
3. To implement and solve mathematical models for process systems in gPROMS[TM].
4. To define, implement and solve dynamic optimisation problems in gPROMS[TM].
5. To perform dynamic parameter estimation in gPROMS[TM].

Indicative Module Content:

I. Numerical methods for solving non-linear systems of equations and differential equations.
(a) Bisection method
(b) Successive substitutions
(c) Newton-Raphson
(d) Newton's method for systems of non-linear equations
(e) Euler, Heun's and R-K methods for solving ODEs and PDEs

II. Dynamic process modelling
(a) A systematic approach to model development
(b) Modelling chemical reacting systems
(c) Energy considerations in reacting and non-reacting systems
(d) Systems of differential and algebraic equations (DAEs)
(e) Index and Index reduction strategies
(f) Modelling systems with phase equilibrium
(g) Dynamic optimisation
(h) Dynamic parameter estimation

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

78
Lectures

24
Studio

8
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
1. Lectures
2. Hands-on studio sessions on MS Excel, Matlab and gPROMS ModelBuilder
3. Task-based learning: two assignments throughout the semester

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): In this assignment, numerical methods will be coded in MS Visual Basic and Matlab to solve typical Chemical Engineering problems (e.g., vapour liquid equilibrium and batch reactor material balances). Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): This assignment involves the development of a dynamic process model and its coding into gPROMS Process software followed by dynamic optimisation and model validation with experimental data. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Exam (In-person): This final exam will include a section on numerical methods (30%) and dynamic model development (70%). End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 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 provided no later than three weeks after assignment submission.

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 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 6, 9, 11 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Studio Offering 2 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
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