Unit 4629: Chemical Engineering Fundamentals and Applications

1. Introduction to Chemical Engineering

1.1 Overview of Chemical Engineering

• Definition and scope
• Key roles and responsibilities of chemical engineers

1.2 History of Chemical Engineering

• Evolution of the discipline
• Milestones and influential figures

1.3 Fundamental Principles

• Interdisciplinary nature (chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics)
• Core concepts and methodologies

1.4 Role in Various Industries

• Petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, food processing, environmental engineering, energy

2. Material and Energy Balances

2.1 Conservation of Mass

• Principle of mass conservation
• System boundaries and control volumes

2.2 Conservation of Energy

• First law of thermodynamics
• Forms of energy and energy transfer

2.3 Material Balance Calculations

• Steady-state and transient processes
• Single and multiple unit operations

2.4 Energy Balance Calculations

• Heat capacities, enthalpy, and calorimetry
• Energy balances with chemical reactions

2.5 Applications to Real-World Scenarios

• Industrial case studies

3. Thermodynamics in Chemical Engineering

3.1 Thermodynamic Principles

• Laws of thermodynamics
• Thermodynamic properties

3.2 Heat Transfer

• Modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
• Heat exchangers

3.3 Phase Equilibria

• Phase diagrams and phase rule
• Vapor-liquid equilibria

3.4 Reaction Thermodynamics

• Gibbs free energy and spontaneity
• Equilibrium constants

4. Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena

4.1 Fluid Flow Behavior

• Types of flow: laminar and turbulent
• Fluid properties and dynamics

4.2 Momentum Transfer

• Newton’s law of viscosity
• Pressure drop calculations

4.3 Heat Transfer

• Conduction, convection, radiation revisited
• Heat transfer coefficients

4.4 Mass Transfer

• Diffusion and mass transport
• Mass transfer coefficients

4.5 Significance in Process Design and Operation

• Pumps, pipelines, and mixing equipment

5. Chemical Reaction Engineering

5.1 Chemical Reaction Analysis

• Types of chemical reactions
• Stoichiometry and reaction mechanisms

5.2 Reaction Kinetics

• Rate laws and rate constants
• Temperature dependence and Arrhenius equation

5.3 Reactor Design

• Batch, continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR), plug flow reactors (PFR)
• Design equations and performance

5.4 Process Optimization

• Maximizing yield and selectivity
• Scale-up considerations

6. Separation Processes

6.1 Overview of Separation Techniques

• Importance in chemical processes

6.2 Distillation

• Principles and types
• Design and operation

6.3 Absorption and Extraction

• Gas-liquid absorption
• Liquid-liquid extraction fundamentals

6.4 Filtration

• Mechanisms and equipment
• Applications

7. Process Control and Instrumentation

7.1 Introduction to Process Control Systems

• Objectives and importance

7.2 Feedback Control Loops

• Components: sensor, controller, actuator
• Control strategies

7.3 Instrumentation Tools

• Common sensors and transmitters
• Data acquisition

7.4 Maintaining Optimal Process Conditions and Safety

• Control of temperature, pressure, flow
• Alarm and shutdown systems

8. Process Design and Optimization

8.1 Engineering Principles in Process Design

• Process flow diagrams and piping
• Equipment selection

8.2 Economic Considerations

• Cost estimation
• Economic feasibility

8.3 Sustainability and Environmental Impact

• Green engineering principles
• Waste minimization

8.4 Optimization Techniques

• Process simulation and modeling
• Sensitivity analysis

9. Safety and Environmental Considerations in Chemical Engineering

9.1 Safety Protocols

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safe handling of chemicals

9.2 Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment

• Identification of hazards
• Quantitative and qualitative risk methods

9.3 Environmental Regulations

• Local and international standards
• Emission controls

9.4 Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Operations

• Emergency response
• Environmental management systems

10. Emerging Technologies in Chemical Engineering

10.1 Nanotechnology

• Applications in catalysis and materials

10.2 Biotechnology

• Biochemical reactors and bioengineering

10.3 Process Intensification

• Novel reactor designs
• Energy-efficient processes

10.4 Impact on the Future of Chemical Engineering

• Trends and innovations
• Challenges and opportunities