OVERVIEW

The teaching refers to the application of mathematical tools to the description of industrial chemical processes. The description is addressed to the simulation and optimization of the aforementioned processes for a correct design of industrial chemical plants. The mathematical tools aim at the setup of equations and at their numerical solution.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims at supplying to all students, regardless of their origin, the mathematical tools to understand the fundamental phenomena of chemical processes applied to industrial plants. The teaching is divided in two parts. The former is focused on theory of statistics and chemical engineering principles, while the second deals with numerical problems related to the aforementioned topics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The global purposes refer to the acquisition of a mastery in the use of a mathematical tool applied to industrial chemical processes. In particular, the course is intended to formulate a mathematical model, to adopt the proper simplifications, to obtain a numerical solution of the model and finally to propose a critical analysis of the model itself.

At the end of teaching, the student will be able to perform a rigorous data analysis, a correct model identification, a reliable process optimization and a choice of the most suitable algorithm to solve problems pertaining to industrial chemistry.

TEACHING METHODS

Oral lessons and exercises on the blackboard. The exercises are carried out by the teacher himself.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part 1

Elements of stochastic calculus. Measures of central tendency and dispersion. Application to the unit operations of industrial chemical processes.

Residence time distribution functions for reagent and non-reagent systems. Ideal and real chemical reactors. Choice of the optimal reactor setup in a chemical process.

Theory of sample variables. Test of hypothesis applied to quality control of a chemical product and to pollution data analysis.  

Part 2

Introduction to matrix algebra. Operations with vectors, matrices and determinants. Numerical solution of a linear algebraic system.

Experimental data fitting with linear and non-linear models. Least squares estimation.

Determination of the local singular points of an objective function in the technical-economical optimization of an industrial chemical process.

Numerical methods for non-linear algebraic equations. Application to chemical equilibria.

Computational molecules for derivative operators and their uses in finite difference methods for the solution of ordinary differential equations. Applications to diffusive processes.

Introduction to elements of scale-up. Application of scale-up concepts to mixing and heat transfer in batch and continuous processes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended bibliography:

R. Bird, “Transport Phenomena”, John Wiley & Sons

N. Piskunov, “Calcolo Differenziale e Integrale”, vol. 1 e 2, Editori Riuniti

D.Himmelblau, “Process Analysis by Statistical Methods”, John Wiley & Sons

Scheid, “Analisi numerica”, Schaum

D.Himmelblau, “Applied Nonlinear Programming”, Glen Head NY

R. Felder, “Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes”, John Wiley & Sons

Supplementary material is provided on request by working students or by students affected by disabilities in order to meet specific needs.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA REVERBERI (President)

ALBERTO SERVIDA

MARCO VOCCIANTE (President Substitute)

ANTONIO COMITE (Substitute)

PAOLO MORETTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons will start on february 22, 2021, with the relevant interruptions according to the academic calendar.

See the link: 

https://servizionline.unige.it/unige/stampa_manifesto/MF/2020/9020.html

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral discussion.

For those students affected by disabilities, the format of examination is subject to the regulations of the University of Genoa (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa).

In case of emergency and only according to specific indications by the University of Genoa, the assessment method for the exam might be changed, including the possibility of an online procedure.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims at checking:

• the learning level ;
• the skilfulness in applying the learned concepts to solve problems concerning the themes proposed.

The assessment standards concern the ability to stay on topic, the quality of expression, the logic pattern of the reasoning and the critical reasoning skills.

Exam schedule