Course overview
This course covers the principles and design of large-scale equilibrium and mass transfer based separation processes. Separation processes covered include distillation (including binary multicomponent), Gas absorption/stripping, Liquid-liquid extraction, washing and leaching, Membrane separation processes, and Sorption processes. Separation processes are a core part of global chemical engineering, making up a large proportion of capital investment in plants.
- Introduction / Flash Distillation
- Binary Column Distillation 1
- Binary Column Distillation 2
- Multicomponent Distillation
- Absorption and Stripping
- Liquid-liquid Extraction 1
- Liquid-liquid Extraction 2 and Washing & Leaching
- Membrane Separation Processes 1
- Membrane Separation Processes 2
- Sorption Separation Processes
Course learning outcomes
- Apply fundamental principles to solve problems in separation processes, including distillation, gas absorption, extraction, washing, leaching, membrane, and adsorption operations
- Analyse and size separation processes using principles of mass and energy balances, heat and mass transfer, and phase equilibria.
- Demonstrate skills in assessment of separation unit performance and optimisation
- Analyse data from a separation process column to assess column performance and compare to predictions from fundamental principles
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