Module overview
The module will develop a detailed understanding of advanced particle technology and processes, including processes that have simultaneous heat and mass transfer. The main objective will be to learn how to design and size sustainable processes that involve solids or particles.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Describe the characterisation of particles and solids;
- Describe methods used for the processing of solids, including the thermodynamic aspects, mass and energy balances;
Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply the principles of the different unit operations in the design of separation units for industrial processes involving solids, and be able to apply methods that analyse the performance of the different mixing, separation and processing steps for fluids, particulates and solids;
- Apply concepts of fluids dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat and mass transfer in separation processes involving solids;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate separation processes involving solids and select the most appropriate types of separations
Cognitive Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of health, safety and sustainability into complex industrial separations;
Syllabus
Particle Technology: characterisation of solid particles including particle shape and size, system with mixed particle sizes, determination of average particle size, screen analysis and screening equipment design.
Sedimentation: sedimentation processes including gravity settling, sink-and-float methods, and differential settling methods, uses of clarifiers and thickeners, flocculation, and batch sedimentation; equipment for sedimentation including cyclones, hydrocyclones, and centrifugal decanters.
Fluidisation: characteristics of fluidised, liquid-solids, and gas-solids systems; mass and heat transfer between fluids and particles. Applications of fluidised solids.
Filtration: filtration methods including cake filters, discontinuous pressure filters, filter presses, continuous vacuum filters, rotary drum filters, and centrifugal filters
Green Separations: definitions of sustainable processes, sustainable unit operations, sustainable design and green engineering.
Practical: lab based experiments
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching will be done with a combination of formal lectures, paper-based problem-solving sessions and laboratory sessions. There will be a emphasis on active learning techniques, including workshops and tutorial sessions that focus on exercises and problems.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 24 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 40 |
| Practical | 6 |
| Revision | 12 |
| Tutorial | 10 |
| Independent Study | 58 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Final Exam | 60% |
| A lab report | 40% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External