151-0942-00L  Introduction to Chemical Engineering

SemesterSpring Semester 2016
LecturersM. Mazzotti
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish


AbstractThe class aims at bridging chemistry and engineering by presenting some fundamental aspects of chemical engineering. In particular, topics from the broad areas of chemical engineering thermodynamics, separation process technology, and chemical reaction engineering are covered. Though at an introductory level, the different topics are presented rigorously and quantitatively.
Learning objectiveThe students will be able to understand the interplay between natural sciences (chemistry and physics) and the engineering aspects of chemical processes. They will also understand how they can describe the relevant phenomena and mechanisms using proper mathematical models, and thus gaining insight on them.
ContentList of specific topics addressed:
- multicomponent multiphase equilibria (chemical potential),
- binary liquid-vapor equilibria,
- solubility of solids in solution,
- equilibrium of chemical reactions,
- flash evaporation,
- solid formation from solution (nucleation and growth of crystals),
- fundamentals of kinetic gas theory (Maxwell's velocity distribution),
- ideal reactors (CSTR, batch, PFR),
- heat transfer effects in ideal reactors
Lecture notesThe students will be provided with lecture notes prepared for the class; a few additional and optional references will also be recommended.