78652 - Laboratory of Thermodinamic Simulation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has skills on the selection of thermodynamic models for process simulation and on the thermodynamic analysis of processes.

Course contents

The laboratory of thermodynamic simulation will focus on the following topics:

- Brief introduction of the different modeling approaches for the study of pure components and mixture properties: the equation of state approach and the models for the estimation of activity coefficients of different compounds in mixtures.

- Implementation of simple models in Excel and application for the prediction pure components and binary mixtures properties in different experimental conditions.

- Description of the different models available in commercial software for process simulation (HYSYS), introduction to the criteria for their choice as a function of the type of process a considered and application for the solution of simple thermodynamics problems involving multicomponent mixtures.

Readings/Bibliography

No particular text are suggested for the laboratory, however general thermodynamics textbooks such as:

S. I. Sandler, "Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics " 3rd Edition, Wiley and Sons (1999)

J. M. Smith, H. C. Van Ness, Michael M. Abbott – “Introduction To Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics” (7th Edition) McGraw-Hill Education, 2005

can be an useful help in approaching the course. In addition, for further reference, the student can also consider books such as:

R. C. Reid, J. M. Prausnitz, and B. E. Poling, “The Properties of Gases and Liquids", McGraw-Hill, New York, 1987.

J. M. Prausnitz, R. N. Lichtenthaler, E. G. de Azevedo, Molecular Thermodynamics of Fluid-Phase Equilibria 3rd Edition Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 1999.

Which particularly focus on thermodynamic models. The user manuals of the different softwares used during the laboratory will also be an useful support during practical experience.

Teaching methods

The course is carried out through short introductory lessons followed by the execution of computer based exercises focused on model implementation and application to describe different type of experimental data and to solve simple thermodynamic problems.

Assessment methods

The course assessment consists solely of a written examination administered through the EOL platform.

The examination includes application exercises covering the topics addressed during the laboratory classes. Students will be required to answer multiple-choice questions involving the use of Microsoft Excel, their own programs, and the other software tools introduced during the course.

The examination will take place in LAB6 and must be completed using the laboratory computers. General internet access will not be available; access will be limited to the EOL platform. The use of personal laptops, tablets, mobile phones, or any other external electronic devices is not permitted. Students may consult their personal notes and books during the examination.

The assessment will focus on the students’ ability to:

a) select and correctly apply an appropriate solution procedure;

b) implement the procedure using Excel, their own programs, and the software tools adopted during the course;

c) interpret and critically evaluate the results obtained.

Each unanswered question will receive zero points, while incorrect answers will incur a penalty. The number of questions, the points awarded for each correct answer, and the applicable penalty for each incorrect answer will be clearly specified in the examination instructions provided through EOL.

To pass the examination, students must obtain a final score equal to at least 60% of the maximum available score, after any penalties for incorrect answers have been applied.

Teaching tools

Slides/exercises of the lessons will uploaded on virtuale and will be available to students registered to the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Zambon