Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering
Unit Outlines

Thermodynamics In Chemical Engineering

AI Generated Intermediate 60 hours 10 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand and apply the fundamental principles and laws of thermodynamics in chemical engineering contexts.
  • Analyze the properties of pure substances and their significance in process design and operation.
  • Perform energy balances and evaluate heat and work interactions in chemical engineering systems.
  • Examine phase equilibria and reaction equilibria to optimize chemical separation and reaction processes.
  • Apply thermodynamic concepts to advanced topics such as mixtures and electrochemical systems.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 2141: Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering

1. Introduction to Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering

1.1 Basic Concepts and Definitions

  • System, surroundings, boundary
  • State functions and path functions
  • Intensive and extensive properties

1.2 Laws of Thermodynamics

  • Zeroth Law and temperature definition
  • First Law: energy conservation
  • Second Law: entropy and irreversibility
  • Third Law: absolute entropy

2. Properties of Pure Substances

2.1 Specific Heat Capacities

  • Cp and Cv, temperature dependence

2.2 Enthalpy and Entropy

  • Definitions and significance
  • Standard reference states

2.3 Phase Diagrams

  • Phase boundaries and critical points
  • Use of phase diagrams in process design

3. Heat and Energy Transfer

3.1 Mechanisms of Heat Transfer

  • Conduction, convection, radiation

3.2 Energy Balance Equations

  • Closed and open systems
  • Steady-state and transient energy balances

3.3 Applications in Chemical Engineering

  • Heat exchangers design principles
  • Reactor heat management

4. Work and Heat Interactions

4.1 Work in Thermodynamic Systems

  • Types of work (boundary, shaft, electrical)
  • Calculation methods

4.2 Heat Transfer Calculations

  • Heat capacity and latent heat considerations
  • Heat loss and gain in processes

5. Thermodynamic Cycles

5.1 Carnot Cycle

  • Idealized cycle and efficiency

5.2 Rankine Cycle

  • Steam power cycle characteristics

5.3 Brayton Cycle

  • Gas turbine cycle basics

5.4 Applications and Efficiency Analysis

  • Real-world chemical engineering systems

6. Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium (VLE)

6.1 Phase Equilibria Principles

  • Equilibrium criteria

6.2 Raoult's Law and Ideal Solutions

6.3 Henry's Law for Gas Solubility

6.4 Application in Separation Processes

  • Distillation, absorption, extraction

7. Chemical Reaction Equilibrium

7.1 Thermodynamics of Chemical Reactions

  • Gibbs free energy and spontaneity

7.2 Equilibrium Constant Calculations

  • Relation to thermodynamic properties

7.3 Impact on Reactor Design and Optimization

  • Yield and selectivity considerations

8. Thermodynamics of Mixtures

8.1 Ideal vs Non-Ideal Mixtures

8.2 Phase Diagrams of Binary Systems

8.3 Partial Molar Properties

  • Chemical potential, activity coefficients

8.4 Applications in Process Design

9. Energy Balances in Chemical Processes

9.1 Applying Thermodynamic Principles

  • Integration of heat, work, and mass transfer

9.2 Calculations of Heat Transfer and Work

9.3 Efficiency and Performance Metrics

10. Thermodynamics of Electrochemical Systems

10.1 Fundamentals of Electrochemical Cells

  • Cell potential and thermodynamic foundations

10.2 Batteries and Fuel Cells

  • Energy storage and conversion principles

10.3 Significance in Chemical Engineering

  • Application in sustainable energy technologies
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Thermodynamics In Chemical Engineering.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan

Learning Outcomes

Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.

Quick Information

Unit Thermodynamics In Chemical Engineering
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration60 hours
Topics10
CreatedJul 20, 2026
GeneratedJul 20, 2026 13:14

Prerequisites

  • Basic Chemistry
  • Fundamentals of Physics
  • Mathematics including calculus and algebra

Recommended Resources

  • Smith, J.M., Van Ness, H.C., Abbott, M.M., 'Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics', 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
  • Prausnitz, J.M., Lichtenthaler, R.N., Azevedo, E.G., 'Molecular Thermodynamics of Fluid-Phase Equilibria', 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.
  • Reid, R.C., Prausnitz, J.M., Poling, B.E., 'The Properties of Gases and Liquids', 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
  • Incropera, F.P., DeWitt, D.P., 'Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer', 7th Edition, Wiley.
  • Online simulation tools for thermodynamic cycles and phase equilibria (e.g., NIST WebBook, Aspen Plus)

Unit Topics

10
Introduction to Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering
An overview of the basic concepts and principles of thermodynamics as applied to chemical engineerin...
Properties of Pure Substances
Examination of properties such as specific heat, enthalpy, entropy, and phase diagrams of pure subst...
Heat and Energy Transfer
Study of heat transfer mechanisms, energy balance equations, and their applications in chemical engi...
Work and Heat Interactions
Understanding the relationship between work and heat in chemical processes, including the calculatio...
Thermodynamic Cycles
Analysis of different thermodynamic cycles like Carnot, Rankine, and Brayton cycles, their efficienc...
Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium
Investigation of phase equilibria in vapor-liquid systems, including Raoult's law, Henry's law, and...
Chemical Reaction Equilibrium
Exploration of thermodynamics of chemical reactions, equilibrium constant calculations, and their im...
Thermodynamics of Mixtures
Study of ideal and non-ideal mixtures, phase diagrams of binary systems, and calculations of partial...
Energy Balances in Chemical Processes
Application of thermodynamic principles to perform energy balances in chemical processes, including...
Thermodynamics of Electrochemical Systems
Analysis of thermodynamic principles in electrochemical systems, such as batteries and fuel cells, a...