Duration
20h Th, 32h Pr
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course proposes an introduction to the general principles of modeling and applies these principles to the field of process engineering.
First, the objectives, usefulness and limitations of modeling and simulation are presented. The methodology for building a model is exposed, proceeding via the identification of a conceptual model and its implementation into a simulation model. The key elements of the conceptual model are discussed: balance equations, fundamental laws, constraints and specifications, degrees of freedom. It is then discussed how this general modeling procedure applies to solving process flowsheets.
In the next chapters, the selection of appropriate methods for predicting the thermodynamic properties of chemical systems is recalled. Then, the modeling of typical bloc unit operations in process engineering is presented: reactors, heat exchangers, distillation units, flash tanks... Different approaches are compared for solving process flowsheets, relying either on the simultaneous solving of all equations (equations oriented) or on the use of a physical stream sequence in the process (sequential modular approach). The principle of process tearing to facilitate iterative flowsheet solving is described and methods are proposed to identify optimal tear streams. Numerical methods typically used in chemical engineering to solve equations are also presented (Newton, Wegstein, Broyden...). Moreover, the course also introduces the analysis of the energy supply and demand in a chemical process and their representation under the form of composite curves.
Besides theoretical classes, the use of process models is trained in commercial software packages (Aspen Tech), leading to solve typical problems observed in the industry.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
In this course, students will gain theoretical and practical knowledge in order to be able to develop, calibrate and efficiently use mathematical models in general, and for chemical engineering processes in particular.
They will first learn the different steps in the construction of a general model, and apply this methodology for chemical engineering processes. They will be able to select a relevant thermodynamic model to predict the properties of a chemical system. They will learn how to build a conceptual model for single physical unit operations, identifying specifications, characteristic variables, and the resulting degrees of freedom. They will be able to include these bloc models into a flowsheet model and to propose a solving architecture based on the sequential modular approach, including the identification of tear streams. They will be able to select adapted numerical methods to solve industrial processes models.
The heat integration 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.
From the practical works, the students will learn to use the simulation tool Aspen Plus and they will get an introduction to Aspen Hysys. They will test the limits of modeling and train their understanding of chemical engineering processes thanks to the use of simulation models.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Recommended pre-requisites :
Thermodynamique chimique appliquée, CHIM0009
Introduction au génie chimique et aux procédés industriels, CHIM9306
Introduction to numerical analysis MATH0006
Basics of heat exchangers, fuels use, thermodynamic cycles, refrigeration.
Recommended co-requisite :
Physical unit operations I, CHIM9299
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical classes will give students an insight in the basics of modeling with particular application to the modeling of chemical engineering processes. During the heat integration part of the lectures, the theoretical basics of energy integration are presented and illustrated through simple examples.
In parallel to the lectures, practical classes will be held with the objectives of training the use of simulation software. Students will work in groups of 2, using commercial simulation tools.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Course and practical work in English. Course held in the first semester. Lectures (1.5h/week) and practical classes (2.5h/week).
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
If needed due to the sanitary situation, the written examination may be replaced by an oral examination using Lifesize. The practical classes will be kept anyway as it is possible for students to perform the exercices with their own computers on distance.
Recommended or required readings
Reference book : K. Hangos & I. Cameron, 2001. Process modelling and model analysis, Academic Press.
Lecture slides and applications available on eCampus.
Simulation software available in the IT room or to install on own computer.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
oral exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred in-person
Additional information:
The final grade is established from the practical classes reports (by groups of 2) and the written examination.
It is mandatory to take part to practical classes and produce the corresponding reports in order to take the exam. The note of the practical classes can be kept for the second session. No second session is organised for the practical classes.
The second session will hopefully take place physically as well. If not allowed by the sanitary situation, then an oral examination via lifesize will replace the written examination. It will consist in 20 min discussion about the theoretical part of the course.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
First class (face-to-face) for year 2020-2021: Tuesday September 16, 13h30 in Room S74 B4 (Europe Amphitheaters). It is recommended that students bring their own laptop for the first class.
See Celcat calendar for latest updates about rooms and timetables.
Contacts
Grégoire Léonard, G.Leonard@uliege.be