Module Details

Module Code: CHEP7005
Title: Equilibrium Separations
Long Title: Equilibrium Separations
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2022/23 ( January 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5240 - Chemical & Process Eng
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module the student is introduced to the concept of equilibrium-staged separation applied to selected operations, e.g. distillation, absorption, liquid-liquid extraction.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Use short-cut methods to design a binary or multi-component distillation with ideal or near ideal VLE.
LO2 Design a gas absorber or stripper described by physical absorption.
LO3 Apply commercial-grade software to simulate a continuous separation cascade.
LO4 Design single stage, countercurrent and crosscurrent systems for immiscible and partially miscible extraction.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Introduction to phase equilibrium
Classification of separation operations: mechanical / diffusional; equilibrium stages / rate governed. Review of single component equilibrium: vapour pressure, triple point, critical point. Antoine equation. Gibbs phase rule. Graphical representation of binary vapour liquid equilibrium: Pxy, Txy, xy plots. Bubble point, dew point. Tie-lines, lever rule. Ideal Gas law. Dalton's Law. Raoult's Law. Henry's Law. K values. Relative volatility. Introduction to non-ideal vapour liquid equilibrium: activity coefficients, azeotropes.
Single stage equilibrium calculations: Flash distillation
Single stage separation: binary flash distillation. Description of operation. Degrees of freedom. Mass and energy balances. Derivation of operating equation. Graphical simultaneous solution of equilibrium relationship and operating line. Flash fraction. Range of calculation options: bubble point pressure, dew point pressure, bubble point temperature, dew point temperature, isothermal flash, adiabatic flash. Software solution.
Simple binary distillation
Countercurrent cascade. Reflux (internal/external) and boil-up. Column sections: rectifying and stripping. Column configuration and operation. Degrees of freedom analysis. External mass and energy balances. Stage to stage calculations. Lewis method: constant molal overflow. McCabe-Thiele method: graphical representation of the top and bottom operating lines. Feed quality. Limiting conditions: minimum number of plates at total reflux; infinite number of plates at minimum reflux. Tower profiles: temperature, composition, flows.
Complex binary distillation
Examination of cases with additional streams: multiple feeds, sidestream products. Particular configurations: open steam distillation, stripping and enriching columns. Allowing for stage efficiency. Approximate short-cut methods for binary distillation: Fenske method. Gilliland method.
Multicomponent distillation
Light and heavy key components; introduction to rigorous method for calculation of number of theoretical plates; column profiles. Computer simulation of short-cut and rigorous columns.
Stagewise absorption
Review examples of application of absorption and stripping. Elementary phase equilibrium for gas–liquid systems: Henry’s law, effect of temperature and pressure. Derivation of operating equation and determination of minimum liquid to gas ratio. Use of mole ratios to calculate absorption with concentrated solutions. Use of algebraic methods for dilute solutions: Kremser equation.
Liquid-liquid Extraction
Equipment. Immiscible extraction: McCabe Thiele method, countercurrent and cross-flow cascades. Partially miscible systems:phase equilibria, single stage, crossflow and countercurrent flow cascades. Effect of solvent rate.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Design a separation system for a specified
operation
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Equilibrium Separations Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Computer lab tutorials on separation processes Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Equilibrium separations Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Computer lab tutorials on separation processes Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Wankat, P.C.. (2017), Separation Process Engineering, includes Mass Transfer Analysis, 4th. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0133443655].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Henley, E.J., Seader, J.D., & Roper, D.K.. (2011), Separation Process Principles, 3rd. Wiley, [ISBN: 978 0470646113].
  • J. Richard Elliott, Carl T. Lira. (2012), Introductory Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, 2nd. Pearson, [ISBN: 0-13-606854-5].
  • Koretsky, M. (2013), Engineering & Chemical Thermodynamics, 2nd. Wiley, [ISBN: 0470259612].
  • Adams, T.A.. (2018), Learn AspenPlus in 24 hours, McGraw-Hill, [ISBN: 9781260116458].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_ECPEN_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering 4 Mandatory