Introduction to Chemical Processes

The theoretical classes are intended to expose the syllabus of the course accomplished with illustrative examples of applications. The theoretical practices classes are used for solving problems and exercises. In these classes, after a general discussion of the specific problems, students are encouraged to continue with the corresponding resolutions complemented with a general discussion of the obtained results. The proposed problems to be solved are distributed to the students in advance. The evaluation of the course is performed through a final exam covering the whole syllabus with a weight of 100% in the final grade.

Ability to identify and define a system and its boundaries, the number of variables (known and unknown) of the process and if the material balance is for a process involving single or multiple units; Ability to understand the way in which a chemical reaction affects the material balance; Ability to define the number of independent material balances of the system (with or without chemical reaction), using the law of mass conservation; Ability to determine the molar mass, density, and mole and mass fraction of an ideal gas mixture; Ability to understand the properties of air-vapour mixture in the humidity (psychrometric) charts and their subsequent use; Ability to formulate a correct energy balance for a selected system and to calculate the appropriate enthalpies by solving energy balances.

1. General concepts
1.1. Dimensions and units
1.2. Mole fraction and mass (weight) fraction
2. Ideal gas mixtures
2.1. Mass molar and density of an ideal gas mixture
3. Material balances
3.1. Material balance problems for single or multiple units without chemical reaction
3.1.1. Strategy for solving problems: variables, independent equation, choosing a basis
3.1.2. Material balance involving particular multiple units: recycle, purge and bypass
3.2. Material balances for process involving reaction
3.2.1. Stoichiometry, conversion and limiting and excess reactants
3.2.2. Element material balances
4. Psychrometry: systems air-vapour
4.1. Properties of of air-vapour mixtures
4.2. Psychrometric charts and their use
5. Energy balances
5.1. General energy balance
5.2. Calculation of enthalpy changes
5.3. Energy balances that include the effects of chemical reaction
5.3.1. The heat (enthalpy) of reaction, standard heat (enthalpy) of formation and heat of combustion.

NAO