84193 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES M

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

Introduction to and training in sustainable design of industrial processes in the chemical, biotechnological and energy sectors. Application of knowledge in thermodynamics, kinetics, heat transfer, equipment selection to process selection and simulation. Concerted application of skills in the mentioned technical areas in an economical framework while considering environmental, raw-materials and energy availability, as well as safety constraints.

Contenuti

Prior knowledge required to access the course

A prior knowledge and understanding of unit operations is required. This should be based on courses attended during bachelor programs.

Knowldege of equipment design and safety in chemical and process industry is required to attend with profit this course. This knowledge can be achieved through classes on “Introduction to Basic Design” and “Industrial Safety”.

Fluent spoken and written English is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials, and all study material will be in English.

Course Contents

1) Introduction

Definition of an industrial process in the context of the chemical, energy and environmental sectors. Process boundaries and interfaces. Process technological issues, aims and impacts. Tools for process representation: Block Diagrams, Process Flow Diagrams, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).

2) Process economics

Assessment of production costs. Operating costs and capital costs. Assessment of process operating costs. Assessment of capital costs of equipment. Analysis of investment and basic indicators of process economic performance.

3) Environmental impact

Assessment of process environmental impacts. By-products and non-renewable raw-material consumption. Side-streams and emissions. Fugitive emissions. Link with LCA perspective. Key performance indicators for environmental performance.

4) Preliminar Safety screening

Assessment of process safety and of major accident hazards. Hazard identification and preliminary risk assessment. Key performance indicators for safety performance.

5) Process simulation and analysis

Introduction to the Hysys software. Application to the simulation of a case-study. Assessment of key performance indicators and of process sustainability.

6) Case Study

Development of a case study in groups.

Testi/Bibliografia

Lecture slides and integrative supporting material will be available on-line by Virtuale service.

Further readings:

• D.T. Allen and D.R. Shonnard. Green Engineering. 2002, Prentice Hall: Upper Saddle River.
• Fire and explosion index hazard classification guide / American Institute of Chemical Engineers. - 7th. Ed. New York : American Institute of Chemical Engineers, 1994.
• ISO 14617 - Graphical symbols for diagrams
• ISO 10628 - Flow diagrams for process plants

Metodi didattici

In-class/online lessons

Tutorials

Self-directed work

Individual development of a process analysis based on the simulation of a process by the Hysys software (process flow diagram and report describing Hysys simulation and sustainability assessment).

Discussion of individual project report and of topics presented during the lessons.

The students will be asked to carry out the development of a process analysis based on the simulation of a process by the Hysys software (process flow diagram and report describing Hysys simulation and sustainability assessment).

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

The final exam will be an oral exam. Student will be asked to present the completed activities of the process analysis developed within the course (Case Study). One week before the oral exam students are required to submit a report containing the results achieved in the development of the case study.

The oral exam will consist of a critical discussion of the individual project report and of the topics presented during the lessons.

The exam is set to evaluate the students' knowledge-level, application abilities, and technical communication skills.

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of their ideas.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to know the key concepts of the subject, to demonstrate some ability for critical application, and a comprehensible use of technical language.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Strumenti a supporto della didattica

Lecture slides and integrative supporting material will be available on-line by Virtuale service. A password is required for access and will be provided during classes.

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Alessandro Tugnoli

Consulta il sito web di Giacomo Antonioni

Consulta il sito web di Matteo Iaiani