CHEM ENG 4050 - Advanced Chemical Engineering

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

This course is composed of two equal parts. Part A is concerned with advanced process dynamics & control. Part B is focussed on particulate properties & design. The course aims to introduce you to advanced process control design tools (Part A). In this section, considerable use will be made of the Matlab & Simulink software packages to specify and design conventional and advanced controllers. As well, design heuristics will be introduced to provide you with the skills to synthesize plant-wide control systems. Part B will focus on particulate technology and its challenges when applied to chemical processing. Key topics to be covered in Part A include: Revision of level III work; analysis & design of controllers by frequency response techniques; analysis & design of complex control systems; practical examples of difficult to control systems; discrete control issues; and, finally, multivariable (MIMO) modelling and control design. Key topics to be covered in Part B include: Storage and flow of powders; solids mixing and segregation; particle size reduction; size enlargement; hazards of fine powders. By the end of this course you should be able to model non-linear dynamic processes, design appropriate analog or digital controllers, deal with interaction in MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) systems, and finally perform basic design calculations and analysis of typical industrial processes involving particulate matters.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CHEM ENG 4050
    Course Advanced Chemical Engineering
    Coordinating Unit Chemical Engineering
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites Level II Maths
    Incompatible CHEM ENG 4003
    Assumed Knowledge CHEM ENG 3031, CHEM ENG 3035
    Course Description This course is composed of two equal parts. Part A is concerned with advanced process dynamics & control. Part B is focussed on particulate properties & design. The course aims to introduce you to advanced process control design tools (Part A). In this section, considerable use will be made of the Matlab & Simulink software packages to specify and design conventional and advanced controllers. As well, design heuristics will be introduced to provide you with the skills to synthesize plant-wide control systems. Part B will focus on particulate technology and its challenges when applied to chemical processing. Key topics to be covered in Part A include: Revision of level III work; analysis & design of controllers by frequency response techniques; analysis & design of complex control systems; practical examples of difficult to control systems; discrete control issues; and, finally, multivariable (MIMO) modelling and control design. Key topics to be covered in Part B include: Storage and flow of powders; solids mixing and segregation; particle size reduction; size enlargement; hazards of fine powders. By the end of this course you should be able to model non-linear dynamic processes, design appropriate analog or digital controllers, deal with interaction in MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) systems, and finally perform basic design calculations and analysis of typical industrial processes involving particulate matters.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Nam Nghiep Tran

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    1 Complete plant tests to determine dynamic characteristics (e.g. in a first-order plus dead time model);
    2 Tune various forms of controllers (P, PI, PID) using a number of techniques (e.g. open-loop step test, closed-loop step test);
    3 Explain typical control structures for a variety of commonly encountered processes;
    4 Specify advanced controllers (e.g. dead time compensation, feed-forward, IMC, model-based controllers);
    5 Devise plant-wide control structures;
    6 Use the z-transform in digital control;
    7 Design controllers for discrete systems;
    8 Characterise and describe particulate systems in terms of their basic physical properties;
    9 Perform basic design calculations and analysis of typical particulate processes, such as mixing, size reduction and enlargement, storage and transport of powders; and
    10 Work and communicate effectively as part of a small group.

     
    The above course learning outcomes are aligned with the Engineers Australia Entry to Practice Competency Standard for the Professional Engineer. The course develops the following EA Elements of Competency to levels of introductory (A), intermediate (B), advanced (C):  
     
    1.11.21.31.41.51.62.12.22.32.43.13.23.33.43.53.6
    B C C C C C A C A A
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1-9

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1-9

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1-10

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    10

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    10
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Reference Books

    Stephanopoulos (2005) Chemical Process Control - An Introduction to Theory & Practice, Prentice-Hall, USA.

    Seborg, Edgar, Mellichamp and Doyle (2017) Process Dynamics & Control, 4th Edition, John Wiley, USA.

    Rhodes (2008) Introduction to Particle Technology, 2nd Edition, John Wiley, USA.

    Edgar, Smith, Shinskey, Gassman, Waite, McAvoy & Seborg Process Control In: Perry & Green (2000) Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill, USA.

    Online Learning
    A range of online resources will be provided via MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The activities for this course are structured by week and include the following activities:

    Online Theory Lectures

    To be viewed before earch weekly workshop session.

    Practice Workshops

    Guided problem solving in-class.

    Tutorials

    Solve problems individually and submit answers for assessment. Due a week after tutorial.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Activity In-class Out-of-class Total expected workload
    Lectures 0 12 12
    Workshop 24 12 36
    Tutorials 24 24 48
    Mid-Sem Test (x2) 4 20 24
    Exam (x2) 4 20 24
    TOTAL 56 88 144
    Learning Activities Summary
    Part A. Introduction to Particulate Processes.

    Topic 1: Storage and flow of powders
    Material characteristics; powder flow behaviour; storage hopper design; forces in bins; hopper discharge and flow.

    Topic 2: Solids mixing and segregation
    Particulate mixing; segregation of powder; powder mixing mechanisms; assessment of mixture quality; statistical analysis of mixing; solids mixing equipment.

    Topic 3: Particle size reduction
    Particle fracture mechanisms; energy requirement; prediction of product size distributions; comminution equipment.

    Topic 4: Size enlargement
    Methods of size enlargement; agglomeration processes; agglomerate bonding mechanisms; granulation rate processes; equipment for size enlargement.

    Topic 5: Hazards of fine powders
    Health effects; fire and explosion hazards.

    Part B. Advanced Process Dynamics & Control.

    Topic 1: Revision
    Fundamentals - control objectives; feedback control; standard elements; dynamic analysis; Laplace transform solution; open-loop responses; stability; PID controllers; block-diagram algebra; closed-loop responses; valve characteristics, PID diagrams.

    Topic 2: Analysis & design by frequency response techniques
    General frequency response characteristics; Bode and Nyquist diagrams; Bode stability criterion; gain and phase margins; controller design - Zeigler Nichols; controller synthesis; modern tuning algorithms; process identification; transient response from closed-loop frequency response.

    Topic 3: Analysis and design of complex control systems
    Dead time and inverse responses, & appropriate compensator designs; IMC tuning and model-based control; multiple loops - cascade, selective control; ratio control; feed-forward control and controller design.

    Topic 4: Digital control
    Sampling: zero-order hold; z transforms; control algorithms; discrete transfer functions and digital filters; closed-loop transfer functions & responses; direct design of digital controller.

    Topic 5: Multivariable Processes
    Inventory control; control system synthesis;
    loop interaction and decoupling; state-space formulation.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting (%) Individual/ Group Formative/ Summative
    Due (week)*
    Learning outcomes
    Assignments 30 Group Formative 2,4,6,8,10,12 1-10
    Mid Semester Tests (x2) 20 Individual Summative 6 & 12 1-10
    Final Exam(s)
    ie. one ea. for
    Part A & Part B
    50 Individual Summative Exam Period 1-10
    Total 100
    * The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.
     
    This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.


    Assessment Detail
    In this course the following assessments will be completed:

    Tutorials (individual) - problems submitted a week after the prior tutorial session.

    Mid-Semester tests (individual) - two tests taken in class covering section A (Particulate Processes), and section B (Advanced Process Control Respectively). Tests to be completed in weeks 6 and 12 of the semester.

    Final Exam (individual) - two exams (clos  ed book), each covering a section of the course, taken during the examination period.
    Submission
    All individually completed assignments will be submitted via MyUni. The tests will occur in class.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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