SEPARATION PROCESSES 2 - 2021/2
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
Chemistry and Chemical 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: 96
Lecture Hours: 11
Tutorial Hours: 10
Guided Learning: 11
Captured Content: 22
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None.
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 |
---|---|---|
Online Scheduled Summative Class Test | ONLINE (OPEN BOOK) TEST | 20 |
Examination Online | ONLINE (OPEN BOOK) EXAM | 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 2021/2 academic year.