Advanced Topics in Chemical Engineering

Overview

STAFF:
NAME CONTRIBUTION
Lorenzo Stella (l.stella@qub.ac.uk)
Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering Applications
Peter Robertson (p.robertson@qub.ac.uk)
Artificial Photosynthesis
Nathan Skillen (n.skillen@qub.ac.uk) Artificial Photosynthesis
Chirangano Mangwandi (c.mangwandi@qub.ac.uk)
Agglomeration and Granulation; module coordinator
Chris Murnaghan (c.murnaghan@qub.ac.uk)
Biopharmaceutical Engineering
Dr Daniel McStay (daniel.mcstay@inov8s.com)
Technology Management and Entrepreneurship
Prof David Rooney (d.rooney@qub.ac.uk)
Technology Management and Entrepreneurship

This module is comprised of a compulsory numerical methods component (5 CATS), in addition to five further optional components, each weighted at 5 CATS points, of which students select three to study within the module. Further information in relation to each of the module topics is provided below.

Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering Applications (Compulsory)
This submodule builds on B-level mathematical and programming skills with MATLAB©. In the first part of the submodule, the student will gradually develop a MATLAB© script to fit complex reactions models using the least squares method. The first assignment includes a discussion of the quality of the fit against an existing benchmark. In the second part, the students will progressively build a numerical model of a realistic model of a packed bed reactor COMSOL© Multiphysics© which includes both the details of complex reaction-diffusion of multiple species in the pellets and the pressure drop in the bulk phase. The second assignment includes a discussion of the relevance of non-isothermal conditions in the reactor.

Lecture Topics:
• Fitting a complex reaction model using the least squares method
• Example of a MATLAB® implementation of the least squares method
• Revision of Partial Differential equations (PDEs) in Chemical Engineering and their solution using the Finite Element Method (FEM)

Workshop Topics:
• Solving stationary reaction-diffusion equations (heterogeneous catalysis) with realistic boundary conditions using COMSOL®.
• Example of catalyst pellets with multiple reactions and mass transfer limitations.
• Solving stationary non-isothermal reaction-diffusion problems (Weisz-Hicks method) with COMSOL®.
• COMSOL® multiphysics modelling of a packed bed tubular reactor.
• Example of coupled mass (reaction-diffusion equation) and momentum (Ergun equation) transfer.
• Adding heat transfer to the model. *If time permits

NOTE - Assessment:
This topic is assessed via continual assessment, consisting of:

1. Assignment 1 - MATLAB model fitting with the least squares method
2. Assignment 2 - COMSOL® modelling of a packed bed reactor

Additionally, submission of materials related to workshops for this topic is compulsory, however, no marks
are awarded for those elements.

Artificial Photosynthesis (Optional)
Solar energy is converted to a potential food stock, specifically through conversion of atmospheric CO2. Over the past 50 years there have been considerable efforts put into the development of artificial photosynthetic systems to convert CO2 to useful energy products. This has included the development of novel materials and devices that can harvest solar energy for conversion to renewable fuels. Subject to the development of technologically and economically viable processes there is huge scope for this process through the utilization of solar energy to convert both water and CO2, two abundant raw materials, to renewable fuel products and hence address the looming global energy challenges. This sub-module will focus on the various approaches to developing artificial photosynthetic systems and consider the current state of the art in terms of research and technology.
Lectures:
1. Introduction to Artificial Photosynthesis
2. Natural Photosynthesis 1
3. Natural Photosynthesis 2
4. Bio-inspired Systems/The Death of Biofuels?
5. Artificial/Bionic Leaf
6. Artificial Photosynthesis of Hydrogen
7. Reduction of Carbon Dioxide via Artificial Photosynthesis
8. Waste Materials/Biomass and Artificial Photosynthesis
9. Molecular Sensitisers for Artificial Photosynthesis
10. Measuring Yields and Efficiencies of Artificial Photosynthetic Processes
11. Dark Reactions and a Numbers Game
12. Upscaling of Artificial Photosynthetic Processes
A workshop will also be delivered within this topic in relation to the aspects listed above.

Agglomeration and Granulation (Optional)
Size enlargement unit operation is used in several industries such as food, pharmaceutical and agricultural, to process powder material into products with better flow and handling properties and improved functionality. The objective of this sub-module is to introduce granulation and agglomeration size enlargement techniques.
Lectures:
1. Introduction to powder processing
2. Introduction to size enlargement
3. Wet Agglomeration Techniques
4. Dry granulation Techniques
5. Granulation rate process
6. Modelling of size enlargement process
Workshops:
1. Size Analysis
2. Modelling Solid Systems with ASPEN
Tutorials will also be delivered within this topic in relation to the aspects listed above.

Biopharmaceutical Engineering (Optional):
Biopharmaceutical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the discovery, formulation, and manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, as well as analytical and quality control processes, which ensure the safety of the end user. This area involves the study and understanding of a wide range of areas including bio/chemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences.
This course will provide students with an understanding of the principal scientific and engineering challenges involved in the development and manufacture of biopharmaceuticals, in addition to aspects of the design, operation and management of biopharmaceutical production facilities.
Lectures:
1. Changing Nature of the Pharmaceutical Industry: Small to Large Molecules
2. Physical Chemistry & Engineering Principles in Drug Dissolution and Classification
3. Formulation and Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals
4. Designing Cell Factories
5. Separation of Biopharmaceuticals 1
6. Separation of Biopharmaceuticals 2
7. Characterisation of Biopharmaceuticals
Workshops/Seminars:
1. Facility Design, Operation and Management, Bio/Pharmaceutical Industry Regulation and QC

Directed Self-Study:
1. Basics of Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology
2. Biopharmaceutical Drug Discovery
3. Drug delivery systems
4. Lean Six Sigma

Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (Optional)
Many chemical engineers will progress into senior management positions and as they do their skill sets need to adjust to include wider business acumen. This topic is designed to enhance knowledge of creativity, leadership and business practice. The topic is delivered through four interlinking themes each of which include pre/post-reading material and live workshops. These four themes are:
1. Creativity and design thinking
2. Innovation management
3. Leadership and people
4. Financing and growth

Learning Objectives

For the extensive learning outcomes please see the full synopsis on CANVAS

Skills

On completion of the module, students are expected to be able to demonstrate a range of skills, dependent on the optional topics selected, including:

Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering Applications:
• Advanced modelling and computer programming
• Written presentation skills
• Independent and group learning

Artificial Photosynthesis:
• Ability to select appropriate photosensitising materials for artificial photosynthesis applications and
• Skill in critical assessment of artificial photosynthetic systems as alternative energy processes
• Ability to undertake economic and technical analysis of system efficiency
• Skills to select of key reactor design parameters for various artificial photosynthetic processes

Agglomeration and Granulation:
• Problem solving skills in relation to particle sizing
• Designing of systems for processing and handling of particulate products
• Analysis of bulk movement of particulate product

Biopharmaceutical Engineering:
• Design, operation, management of biopharmaceutical reactors
• Analysis and characterisation of biopharmaceuticals
• Design of systems in line with regulatory legislation relating to biotechnological products

Technology Management and Entrepreneurship:
• Skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and quality management
• presentation, leadership
• self-awareness and communication

Assessment

Assessment Profile
Element type Element weight (%)
1. Continuous Assessment (Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering Applications) 25%
2. Examination (3 hours, three compulsory questions based on optional topic selection) 75%

Course Requirements:
• Continual assessment submission (including non-contributory workshop tasks within Numerical Methods for Chemical Engineering Applications) – 100%
• Continual assessment mark veto – 40%
• Final examination mark veto – 40%
• Overall module mark veto – 40%