Separation Processes and Particle Technology 1
| Module title | Separation Processes and Particle Technology 1 |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENS3021 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
Unit operations are central to the chemical engineering industry, and the processes therein often involve particulate solids and separation of the components of a mixture. In this module you will further your knowledge about separation processes, such as absorption, distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, leaching, evaporation, crystallisation, drying, filtration and membrane processes. Adsorption and ion-exchange processes will also be covered in the scope of chromatographic separations. You will learn about particulate solids, from their properties and characterisation, to processing and separation techniques. Process intensification and sustainability considerations will also be given in the scope of process plant design.
Module aims - intentions of the module
In this module you will delve deeper into widely used separation processes. With a focus on absorption, distillation, and extraction processes, you will further your knowledge on fluid separation processes. You will learn about performance metrics, graphical analysis, and multistage separations, and you will also become familiar with the equipment used for the different separation processes.
The module will then focus on particle technology. You will learn how bulk solids can be processed in terms of their size, mixing and fluidisation, and how these particulates can be characterised. Finally, you will learn about separation processes for particulate solids.
You will have a chance to put this into practice with an experimental activity on distillation columns. You will also use simulation software to design, analyse the performance and improve distillation columns, after being shown how to do so in guided computer workshops.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Understand the most widely used unit operations of separation processes, both mechanical/physical separation and chemical separation processes.
- 2. Understand how to select the correct separation process for the application.
- 3. Understand the importance of particle technology systems, with an appreciation of the different types of particulate systems (granular/powders, suspensions, emulsions, foams, gels aerosols etc.), and have a knowledge of how these systems are processed in unit operations.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Integrate separation unit operations into the design of a plant where necessary, considering how it will affect the overall process.
- 5. Extend their appreciation of the importance of process simulation software, with practical experience in using basic simulation of separation and particle operations. This will enable them to make informed design choices and order unit operations as required to maximise product yield.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Select suitable tests to investigate a chemical process and be able to analyse the results and draw relevant conclusions. You will be able to clearly explain your conclusions and how they came about.
- 7. Work as an integral part of a team in a laboratory and collaborate on drafting results and explanations.
Syllabus plan
Separation processes
- Fluid separation processes
- Focus on absorption, distillation and extraction
- Fluid separation equipment
- Adsorption, ion exchange and chromatography
Particle technology
- Bulk solids and particle formation processes
- Types of particulate system and their bulk properties
- Characterisation, instrumentation and measurement of particulate systems
- Particle size analysis and the effects of particle size distribution on bulk properties
- Mixing and fluidisation
- Separation processes for particulate solids (solid mixtures and solid-fluid systems)
Process simulation
- Related applications of Aspen HYSYS
- Simulation of separation processes
Separation processes
- Fluid separation processes
- Focus on absorption, distillation and extraction
- Fluid separation equipment
- Adsorption, ion exchange and chromatography
Particle technology
- Bulk solids and particle formation processes
- Types of particulate system and their bulk properties
- Characterisation, instrumentation and measurement of particulate systems
- Particle size analysis and the effects of particle size distribution on bulk properties
- Mixing and fluidisation
- Separation processes for particulate solids (solid mixtures and solid-fluid systems)
Process simulation
- Related applications of Aspen HYSYS
- Simulation of separation processes
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 38 | 112 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 20 | Lectures (20 × 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 10 | Tutorials (10 × 1h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 4 | ASPEN HYSIS computer workshops (2 × 2h) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 4 | Laboratory (2 × 2h) |
| Guided independent study | 72 | Lecture consolidation, solving problem sheets |
| Guided independent study | 20 | Preparing the experiment, write up |
| Guided independent study | 20 | Performing the simulation, write up |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem sheets 5, solved in tutorials | 5 x 1h | In-class |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 Aspen HYSIS | 20 | 10 hours | 5 | Written |
| Coursework 2 Lab report | 20 | 10 hours | 6-7 | Written |
| Written closed-book exam | 60 | 2.5 hours | 1-4 | Exam scripts available to review |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework 1 | Coursework (10 hours, 20%) | 5 | Referral/deferral period or before |
| Coursework 2 | Coursework (10 hours, 20%) | 6-7 | Referral/deferral period or before |
| Written closed-book exam | Written closed-book exam (2.5 hours, 60%) | 1-4 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Where a student fails part of the assessment on the module, but passes the module as a whole, the module will be deemed to have been passed and referral will not be applicable. Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
Where a student fails part of the assessment on the module, but passes the module as a whole, the module will be deemed to have been passed and referral will not be applicable. Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- B. P. Binks, Modern Aspects of Emulsion Science, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2007
- R. P. Chhabra, B. Gurappa, Coulson and Richardson’s Chemical Engineering: Volume 2A: Particle systems and Particle Technology, 6th Edition, Elsevier, 2019.
- J. Humphrey, G. Keller, Separation Process Technology, McGraw-Hill, 1997.
- B. K, Dutta, Principles of Mass Transfer and Separation Processes. PHI Learning, 2023.
- S. Verma, Separation Process Technology, Westbury Publishing, 2020.
- G. Towler, R. Sinnott, Chemical Engineering Design – Principles, Practice and Economics of Plant and Process Design, Third Edition, Elsevier, 2022.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- ASPEN HYSIS online documentation.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 09/07/2025 |
| Last revision date | 09/07/2025 |
