CHIM0696-1 : Static and dynamic modelling of large chemical processes

Study Programmes 2015-2016

CHIM0696-1

Static and dynamic modelling of large chemical processes

Duration :

30h Th, 15h Pr

Number of credits :

Master in chemical and materials engineering (120 ECTS)		4

Lecturer :

Grégoire Léonard

Language(s) of instruction :

English language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

The course consists in 4 parts related to the detailed study of chemical engineering processes. First, the course deals with the analysis of the energy supply and demand in a chemical process and with their representation under the form of composite curves. Then, it makes an overview of methods for evaluating the physical and thermodynamic properties of mixtures. The main types of state equations are described. The thermochemical variables characterizing reactions are presented and chemical equilibria are studied. In the third part, the dynamic modelling of chemical processes is studied: formulation, analysis of the degrees of freedom, and introduction to the control of processes. Finally, the last module provides an introduction to process optimization: numerical optimization methods, solving approaches, basics of process intensification.

Learning outcomes of the course :

The first part of this course aims at gaining skills in the analysis of the performances of a heat exchanger network as well as in the synthesis and design of such system. Students will be able to represent the thermal energy requirement of a process under the form of composite curves. On that basis, they must be able to identify the potential of energy-saving technologies like: combustion air pre-heating, oxygen-enriched combustion, limitation of the excess air, pressure change in boilers and condensers, use of heat pumps or refrigeration cycles, integration of thermodynamic cycles (cogeneration). Based on the composite curves, students must be able to design efficient heat exchanger networks (selection of heat transfer fluids and decision about the amount of heat to be transferred) that maximize the energy re-use.
Then, the second part of the course aims at giving the ability to practically evaluate thermodynamic data based on incomplete data and to select the most relevant methods among those offered by calculation software. It will also teach how to evaluate the accuracy and the reliability of these estimation methods.
The thrid part of the course will enable the students to further use some simulation software for static simulation and to get an introduction to dynamic modelling of large chemical processes. This will complete the presentation of the dynamics and control of linear systems that has been made in the Bachelor courses. It enables the students to use software tools based on rigorous non-linear models for applications ranging in process control and performance follow-up of integrated chemical processes.
The fourth part will study the optimization of large chemical processes through the choice of operating parameters that minimize the process impact from energy, environment and raw materials consumption points of view.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Basics of heat exchangers, fuels use, thermodynamic cycles, refrigeration. Basic modelling and analysis of systems.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

During the first part of the lectures, the theoretical basics of energy integration are presented and illustrated through simple examples. Students must perform an individual work: design of a heat exchanger network to maximize the energy recovery for a process with known energy demand and supply. The other parts will consist in lectures and practical classes.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

Course held in the spring semester. 2h lecture and 1h practical classes per week.