SEPARATION PROCESSES 2 - 2020/1

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 CA Dr (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

JACs code: H890

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


System Properties


Ideal systems, dew/bubble point calculations


Thermodynamics of Non-ideal system


Cubic equations of state
Fugacity and compressibility
Activity and Gibbs-Duhem equation
Activity models
Azeotropes
Adsorbents and adsorption isotherms
Non-linear isotherms


Ideal Single Stage Vapour/Liquid Separation


Adiabatic flash separation
Isenthalpic flash separation


Multicomponent Distillation


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




Azeotropic Separation    


Solvents and Extractors
Pressure Swing Distillation
Membrane separation
Separation using adsorption


Complex Fractionation


TBP curves and pseudo components
Pumparounds, side streams, multiple products
Control of complex fractionation


Tray and Column Hydraulics


Efficiency and pressure drop
Design variables and effects on operation
Column malfunctions


Bio-separations


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)  


Formative assessment

None

Feedback

Verbal feedback during tutorial sessions and the optional drop-in sessions, written feedback from Class Tests.

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.


The learning and teaching methods include:


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

Reading list for SEPARATION PROCESSES 2 : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/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 2020/1 academic year.