SEPARATION PROCESSES 2 - 2020/1

Module code: ENG3185

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, ultra-filtration and adsorption.


Module provider

Chemical and Process Engineering

Module Leader

COSTELLO Katie (Chm Proc Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 100

Lecture Hours: 44

Tutorial Hours: 6

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 Petroleum Engineering or equivalent

Module content

Indicative content includes:



Introduction



Yield and separation factors



Effect of operating variables on separation



Multicomponent Liquid/Vapour System



Ideal Systems



Definition of K value and use



Dew/Bubble point calculations



Non-ideal Systems



Cubic equations of state



Fugacity and compressibility



Activity and Gibbs-Duhem equation



Activity models



Azeotropes



Adsorbents and adsorption isotherms



Ideal Single Stage Vapour/Liquid Separation



Adiabatic single stage equilibrium



Isenthalpic single stage equilibrium



Control of "flash" vessels



Multicomponent Distillation



Effect of operating variables on separation efficiency



Internal flow rates, concentration and temperature profiles



Nmin and Rmin



Key and non-key components



Short-cut Design Methods



Fenske equation



Underwood equation



Gilliland / Eduljee correlations



Kirkbride correlation



Use of equation set



Plate to plate design



Generalised methods



MESH equations



Generalised methods



MESH equations, matrix solutions



Inside-out and rigorous solutions



Azeotropic Separation    



Azeptropic systems, homogeneous/heterogeneous



Use of Solvents and Extractors



Pressure Swing Distillation



Membrane separation



Separation using adsorption



Complex Fractionation



Complex petroleum fractionation



TBP curves and pseudo components



Pump-arounds, side streams, multiple products



Control of complex fractionation



Column and Tray Efficiency



Basic definitions and correlations



Tray and Column Hydraulics



Hydraulic design and operation, tray passes



Hydraulic gradient and tray passes



Pressure drop, tray pressure balance and downcomer back-up



Froth height and tray spacing



Design variables and effect on operation



Hydraulic malfunctions



Bio-separations



Membranes, ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis



Adsorption column design



 


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
School-timetabled exam/test Class Test 1 (45 minute test on multicomponent equilibrium) 10
School-timetabled exam/test Class Test 2 (45 minute test on multicomponent separation) 10
Examination Examination (2 hours) 80

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 – 20%, 2x45 minute (10% each test), (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 either adsorption or membranes

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Propose suitable models to explain the complexity of multicomponent multiphase equilibrium and to test and confirm their applicability.   KC
002 Explain the operating characteristics of multicomponent separating devices and their inter-relationship and analyse the appropriate equilibrium, material and energy balances. KC
003 Confidently scope out a distillation column design in sufficient detail to efficiently set up a process simulator to carry out a design simulation.        KCP
004 Accurately prepare a scoping design and initial sizing of some biological separation operations based on either adsorption or membranes   KC

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

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                                4 hours per week for 11 weeks (average) 

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

  • Class Tests                           2 x 0.75 hour (nominally in weeks 6 and 11)

  • Independent Learning          ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​98.5 hours (8.21 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

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons) 1 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Chemical Engineering MEng 1 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

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.