OVERVIEW

Fundamentals to study a process are discussed in term of physicochemical variables, material and energy fluxes by formulating macroscopic balance equations.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participation in the proposed learning activities (lectures, exercises, computer lab sessions), along with individual study and group discussions, will enable students to:

·        Recognize the main chemical-physical quantities characterizing a process, along with their units of measurement;

·        Correctly formulate macroscopic mass and energy balances and discuss them using appropriate terminology;

·        Apply macroscopic mass (in mass and molar units) and enthalpy balances to individual unit operations typical of chemical engineering;

·        Identify possible simplifying assumptions applicable to a process problem solvable through macroscopic mass and energy balances;

·        Construct a qualitative-quantitative diagram (flow rates, concentrations, temperatures) describing a process scheme involving multiple unit operations.

PREREQUISITES

For a successful learning basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics are required, but no formal propaedeuticity is provided.

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical lessons are alternated to exercises showing different approaches for flowchart resolution. Specific case-studies of chemical and process engineering will be proposed. Class attendance is recommended.

In order to introduce students to the core elements of this bachelor’s degree path, educational visits will be organised to plants.

Transversal skills in terms of communication abilities and independent judgment will be developed through group work and the completion of in-class exercises

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it  ), the Polytechnic School's disability liaison.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1.      Introduction

Main physico-chemical quantities, terminology and nomenclature, general approach to material balances.

2.      Steady-State Macroscopic Mass Balance

Formulation of macroscopic balances in mass and moles (both full and simplified forms);

Generation term in the presence of reactions: definition and calculation of equilibrium constant, kinetics, extent of reaction, yield, selectivity;

Problem-solving exercises on material balances involving both single-unit systems and systems composed of multiple unit operations.

3.      Steady-State Macroscopic Energy Balance

Formulation of macroscopic energy balances and their reduction to enthalpy balances (full and simplified forms);

Reaction enthalpy and its correlation with material balances;

Problem-solving exercises on energy balances involving both single-unit systems and systems composed of multiple unit operations.

4.      Process Analysis Linking Material and Energy Balances

Material and energy balances in unsteady-state systems;

Process schematization through material and energy flow diagrams;

Exercises on specific applications in the process industry using technical manuals and/or simulation software.

5.      Supplementary Activities

Educational visits for first-year students to industrial process plants.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The teaching material used during lessons and solved exercises will be available in the teaching portal. Notes taken during the lessons and the material shared in the teaching portal are sufficient for the exam preparation, but the following books are suggested as supporting and in-depth texts:

- D.M. Himmelblau amd J.B. Riggs, Basic Principles and Calculations in Chemical Engineering, Prentice Hall Pearson Edication,

- M.C. Annesini, “Fenomeni di trasporto. Fondamenti e applicazioni”, Edizioni Hoepli (only in Italian),

- R. Mauri, Elementi di fenomeni di trasporto, Plus Pisa University Press (only in Italian),

- R.H. Perry, D.W. Green,“Perry’s chemical engineers’ handbook” VIII ed., Mc Graw Hill.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

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

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final examination will consist of a written test that serves as a prerequisite for the oral interview. The written test will involve solving a process diagram problem both qualitatively and quantitatively within a three-hour time limit. During the written exam, students may consult technical manuals provided by the instructor; however, the use of any personal reference material is not allowed. Exercises similar to those on the exam will be proposed during the course. The written test has no expiration date and may be repeated; in such cases, the grade from the most recent attempt will be considered.

To access the oral exam, students must have passed the written test with a minimum grade of 16/30. The final grade will be the average of the written and oral exam scores. The oral exam can be taken either during the same session in which the written test is passed or in a subsequent session. Students may retake the oral exam while retaining the grade of the written test.

There will be three exam sessions available during the 'summer' period (June, July, September) and two during the 'winter' period (January and February). Additionally, the oral exam may be taken during the teaching breaks scheduled by the Polytechnic School in autumn and spring. Extraordinary exam sessions outside the official periods set by the Polytechnic School are not allowed, except for students who have not included any educational activities in their current academic year’s study plan.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam will involve the analysis of a process consisting of one or more unit operations, which will need to be outlined and analyzed by solving macroscopic material and/or energy balances. In addition to the ability to correctly set up and solve the problem, the logical rigor of the applied methodology, the justification of any assumptions made, and the clarity of the written explanation will all be evaluated.

The oral exam will include questions covering the entire course content, ranging from theoretical questions to applied exercises. The exam will assess the acquisition of fundamental knowledge, and in particular, the ability to integrate and apply it to solve specific case studies. Also evaluated will be the quality of the presentation, the correct use of technical terminology, and the ability to think critically.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Working students and students with DSA, disability or other special educational need certifications are advised to contact the teachers at the course beginning to agree on teaching and exam methods that, in compliance with the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning features and provide suitable compensatory tools.