Course Objectives

• Be familiar with the choices and criteria which form the platform when a flow diagram is designed for a process.
• Be able to evaluate/optimise these at an early point in the planning stage (conceptual design)
• Recognise which process parameters must be weighed against each other with respect to the design of processes, both on a unit basis and when considering the process as a whole, with respect to profitability.
• Understand how the simulation programme HYSYS may be used to evaluate and optimise process alternatives.
• Understand the chemical processes used to convert raw oil and natural gas to different products (refining processes, methanol and ammonia production)

Course Description

The structural arrangement of flow diagrams. Short-cut procedures for evaluating process equipment. Calculation of the costs of equipment based on cost-models for the equipment. Creating cost models for processes. Re-circulation structures for flow diagrams.

Building up separation systems. Distillation sequences. Heat integration of columns.

Preliminary process optimising and planning the models for them.

A survey of flow diagrams for refining processes and other chemical processes (for example methanol and ammonia production).

The use of the HYSYS computer simulation programme for the static optimising of processes.

Learning Methods

Lectures. Practical assignments and casework.

Assessment Methods

- 1 midterm examination, a final examination and a HYSYS case assignment, all of which contribute to the final grade.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean