OVERVIEW

The processes used for the manufacture of the main inorganic compounds are described and discussed technically and from the point of view of the environmental impact

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge and critical analysis of the main processes of inorganic industrial chemistry and the criteria for a correct approach to the design of a chemical process.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In particular, the objective is, starting from the detailed analysis of the current industrial chemical processes, to provide the student with the knowledge necessary to be able to evaluate the possible and the best solutions for the choice of reactors, unit operations and process configurations applicable for the production of inorganic chimical intermediates.

Given the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the reactions of industrial interest, the student will be able to evaluate the different options for the optimal configuration of the reactor to be used. Similarly, we intend to provide the student with the knowledge necessary to evaluate the possible or the best technical solutions (unit operations) for the separation of components of complex mixtures or for the purification of fluid flows and solids.

Overall, the student will acquire the ability to evaluate, in practical terms and based on the composition of raw materials, as well as the thermodynamic, kinetic, economic and environmental aspects, the reasons for the technical choices of existing processes and to design, similarly , processes and innovative technologies.

PREREQUISITES

A relatively deep knowledge of basic chemistry and of the fundamentals of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics is required. Furthermore, a more than basic knowledge of mathematics and physics is required.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures in italian languge, visits to industrial facilities.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Production lines. Thermodynamics, kinetics, economics, environmental protection and safety aspects. Separation of air components (nitrogen, oxygen, argon). Production of syngas and hydrogen. Industrial production of hydrogen: steam reforming of natural gas and syngas treatments, partial oxidation processes, coal gasification, biomass gasification, water electrolysis. Separation of CO2. Methanol synthesis and purification. Manufacture of nitric acid, sulphur, sulphur dioxide, sulphuric acid. Chloralkali electrochemical processes. Production of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogenchloride. Solvay process for sodium carbonate and bicarbonate manufacture. Production of phosphorus, phosphoric anhydride and phosphoric acids. Fertilizer industry. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Teaching book in italian language, provided by the teacher. Teaching material in english language is also available

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GUIDO BUSCA (President)

ELENA SPENNATI

GABRIELLA GARBARINO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10375/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The oral examination will consist of three topics to be discussed, among those discussed during the course. In one of them we will focus on the configuration of the reactors useful for achieving an important organic industrial chemical reaction, in relation to the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects. In a second subject we will focus on the unitary operations necessary to carry out a process of separation or purification, in relation to the thermodynamic aspects of the system. In the third question we will discuss a production process as a whole.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Through the critical discussion of the industrial processes covered in the course and of the individual plants and reactors used, it will be possible to evaluate the student's knowledge and depth of understanding on chemical thermodynamics, kinetic aspects, the nature of unit operations and the equipment used in industrial chemistry, as well as the management aspects of a complex process, aspects of an economic nature and related to respect for the environment.

Exam schedule