98883 - Laboratory of Chemical Plants Management

Learning outcomes

The laboratory activities are designed to develop the ability to operate and ensure the proper management of a chemical process plant through practical experience with fluid-handling equipment, industrial instrumentation for process measurements, separation and heat-exchange units, and equipment for the treatment of gaseous effluents.

Course contents

• Exercises on the UNICHIM standards for the representation of chemical process plants.
  
  
• Exercises on fluid flow and the evaluation of the power requirements of fluid-handling equipment. Numerical solutions will be obtained using spreadsheets.
  
  
• Experimental evaluation of the errors associated with the use of flow meters for liquid and gaseous phases. Assembly and operation of centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps.
  
  
• Exercises on heat transfer equipment. Numerical analysis using spreadsheets, with comparison against experimental data collected during laboratory sessions.
  
  
• Analysis of flash separation processes, continuous distillation, and batch distillation. Numerical solutions using spreadsheets, with comparison against experimental data collected during laboratory sessions.
  
  
• Analysis of separation processes by absorption/stripping and sedimentation. Numerical solutions using spreadsheets, with comparison against experimental data collected during laboratory sessions.
  
  
• Laboratory activities based on the use of computational tools, including spreadsheets, numerical computing environments, and process simulation software (particularly ASPEN Plus), for the modelling, analysis, and design of chemical engineering equipment and processes.
  
  
• Analysis and interpretation of simulation results to evaluate the performance of process equipment and chemical processes under different operating conditions.

Readings/Bibliography

Al-Malah, K.I.M. (2016). Introducing Aspen Plus. In Aspen Plus®, K.I.M. Al-Malah (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119293644.ch1

Teaching methods

In the first module, the practical sessions will be held in the computer laboratories, where students will mainly use the ASPEN process simulation platform for the simulation of chemical processes. In the second module, the practical activities will be carried out in the teaching laboratories, and the analysis and discussion of the experimental data collected will take place in the classroom, according to the official timetable.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based on a oral presentation of the results obtained during the laboratory activities, delivered at the end of the laboratory sessions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used as a supporting tool for individual study, including for in-depth learning, summarization, and self-assessment activities. However, the use of AI during the in-person assessment is strictly prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials required for exam preparation will be made available electronically via the internet. Students can access the course materials through the University of Bologna's Virtuale platform at https://virtuale.unibo.it/ . Access credentials (username and password) are available only to students enrolled at the University of Bologna and will be provided by the instructor.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate their suitability in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Nicodemo Di Pasquale

See the website of Federico Alberini