Process and Plant Design

The following issues are addressed:

The difficulties encountered when simulating complex mixtures are analyzed and the basic elements of chemical engineering thermodynamics are reviewed. Thermodynamic models such as cubic EOS and activity models are critically reviewed. Ideal and non-ideal mixtures and solutions are reviewed and the corresponding thermodynamic models are presented.

The estimation of thermo-physical properties using group contribution methods, such as the method Joback, are presented. The implementation of thermodynamic models into computer software and the use of pseudo-components are discussed.

The methods available for structuring process systems calculations,  in order to take advantage of the sparse structure of the relevant equations, are analyzed and their implementation in the most commonly used commercial simulation tools is discussed. Recycle streams and their implications to the solution of the material and energy balances for complete plants are discussed. Examples of the efficient steady-state simulation of complete process flow diagrams are presented in the classroom. 

The underlying principles for the design and sizing of main process units, such as distillation columns, heat exchangers, phase separation units, mixing tanks and reactors, pumps and compressors are analyzed in detail and the available methodologies are extended to non-conventional units.