SEPARATION PROCESSES 2 - 2019/0

Module Overview

Multicomponent separation is the most commonly used industrial separation process and a sound understanding of the fundamental principles (material/energy balances, vapour-liquid, liquid-solid, gas-solid and liquid-liquid equilibrium, separation efficiency and system hydrodynamics) defining the operation of such processes is essential to a graduate engineer.  This module extends a students knowledge and understanding to include multicomponent systems involving distillation, filtration, ultra-filtration, ion exchange and adsorption.

Module provider

Chemical and Process Engineering

Module Leader

MILLINGTON Alan (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Completion of the progression requirements to FHEQ Level 6 of degree courses in Chemical Engineering and Chemical and Bio-Systems Engineering or equivalent

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Introduction

• Yield and separation factors


• Effect of operating variables on separation

• Ideal systems, dew/bubble point calculations

• Cubic equations of state


• Fugacity and compressibility


• Activity and Gibbs-Duhem equation


• Activity models


• Azeotropes


• Adsorbents and adsorption isotherms


• Non-linear isotherms

• Adiabatic flash separation


• Isenthalpic flash separation

• Flow rate, concentration and temperature profiles


• Nmin and Rmin


• Key and non-key components


• Shortcut design
  
  
  
  • Fenske equation
  
  
  • Underwood equation
  
  
  • Gilliland Eduljee correlation
  
  
  • Kirkbride equation
  
  
  
  


• Plate to plate design
  
  
  
  • Generalised method
  
  
  • Inside out/rigorous solution
  
  
  
  

• Solvents and Extractors


• Pressure Swing Distillation


• Membrane separation


• Separation using adsorption

• TBP curves and pseudo components


• Pumparounds, side streams, multiple products


• Control of complex fractionation

• Efficiency and pressure drop


• Design variables and effects on operation


• Column malfunctions

• Membranes, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis


• Adsorption column design


• Ion exchange

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and analytical skills over the full range of module material and to encourage progressive learning.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Class Tests – 10%, 2x45 minute, (LO1, LO3)


• Examination – 80%, 2 hours (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4)  

Module aims

• a systematic appreciation and critical awareness of the importance of component separation to the process industry
• a comprehensive appreciation of the characteristics of the separation of ideal and non-ideal multicomponent systems using a variety of techniques
• an in-depth appreciation of the inter-relationships between the separation performance and operating parameters of multicomponent separating devices
• a knowledge of the design methodologies of multicomponent distillation columns
• an appreciation of the effects of hydraulic malfunction on separation efficiency and the ability to propose feasible scenarios of malfunction based on operating data
• prepare a scoping design and initial sizing of some separation operations of complex biological systems, based on adsorption, ion-exchange and membranes

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Take students logically through the challenging material associated with complex multicomponent multiphase separation.


• To ensure a logical and progressive learning experience


• To allow students to practice their skills on a series of real life tutorial problems in a supportive environment.

• Lectures                                 3.5 hours per week for 11 weeks (average)


• Tutorials                                 0.5 hour per week for 12 weeks (average)


• Drop-in sessions                    1 hour/week for 10 weeks (average) – [optional sessions]


• Independent Learning 8.8 hours per week for 12 weeks (average)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENG3185

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.