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Mass and energy balance calculations are the essential parts of the solution of many complex chemical engineering problems. They assist in the planning and design of processes, in the economic evaluation of the proposed and existing processes, in process control, and in process optimization. In this course, students will learn a systematic procedure for solving mass and energy balance problems including drawing and labelling for a flowchart, performing a degree-of-freedom analysis, making appropriate chemical engineering assumptions etc. Students will be able to analytically examine and predict the mass and energy balances around single or multiple unit operation(s) involving gases and liquids, recycle, bypass or purge streams with or without chemical reactions.
This is a compulsory course, which provides a basis for many other courses in chemical engineering.
This course seeks to develop the following knowledge and skills in students: Mass balanceStudents will be able to analyse and perform:o Units conversion, mass/molar/volumetric flowrates, mass/mole fractions, total and component balanceso Steady-state/unsteady-state, batch/continuous processeso Tie element, basis for calculation, flowchart labellingo Independent mass balance equations and Degree-of-Freedom analysiso Steps for solving mass balance problems including breaking down complex systems into smaller unitso Mass balance with/without chemical reactions Energy balanceStudents will be able to analyse and perform:o Energy conservation and balance equationso Energy balances involving temperature changeo Energy balances involving phase changes and steamo Energy balances involving reactions
Subject to approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
The course consists of three lectures (3 x 1 hour) and one HelpDesk session (1 hour) per week. Tutorial sessions will be run within the lecture occasionally. Attendance at all lectures is highly encouraged.Time recommendations for the course activities:Lectures: Lectures provide context and a different perspective to the course materials. They provide opportunity to learn in real time. (36 hours)HelpDesk: HelpDesk sessions provide Q&A opportunities about the course materials. You may find the sessions particularly useful for assignments. We will have 2 tutors in each session. The first session will start in Week 2. (11 hours)Self-study: It is highly recommended to commit at least three hours per week to review the lecture material and practice the problems. (36 hours)Assignments: Assignments will require to apply your gained knowledge to solve chemical and process engineering problems. Time spend on these assignments will highly depend on previous self-study. (40 hours)Revision: Focus on understanding the content and being able to articulate your ideas. (27 hours)
Aaron Marshall
Alex Yip
For the three assignments, you are permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to assist you in any way within the bounds of academic integrity. You must appropriately acknowledge any use of generative AI in your work. You must include a “statement of acknowledgment/AI declaration” with your work, clearly indicating which AI tools were used and how they contribute to your assessment.
Felder, Richard M. , Rousseau, Ronald W., Bullard, Lisa G; Elementary principles of chemical processes ; 4th edition; Wiley, 2016.
Smith, J. M. , Van Ness, H. C., Abbott, Michael M; Introduction to chemical engineering thermodynamics ; 7th ed; McGraw-Hill, 2005.
Domestic fee $1,122.00
International fee $6,238.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Chemical and Process Engineering .