Course program
Heat and mass balance in reacting systems; chemical equilibria
Kinetics of chemical reactions
Ideal reactors (BSTR,CSTR,PFR)
Heterogeneous reactors: general discussion; diffusion and chemical reaction
Heterogeneous catalysis: reaction mechanisms and kinetic models
Interaction between chemical kinetics and diffusional phenomena. Thermal effects.
Design of fixed bed reactors
Fluid-solid reactions: shrinking core and distributed conversion models
Fluid-solid reactor design
Gas-liquid reactions: slow reactions; fast reactions; instantaneous reactions.
Design of gas-liquid reactors and chemical absorption devices
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for this course are the same as those for admittance to the Master's degree.
More specifically, knowledge of calculus, chemical engineering thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical plant design is required.
Books
O. Levenspiel - Chemica Reaction Engineering - J Wiley & Sons, 1999
H. S. Fogler - Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering - Prentice Hall 2005
G. F. Froment - Chemical Reaction Analysis and design - J. Wiley & Son 1990
M. C. Annesini - Lezioni di Reattori Chimici - Edizioni Efesto 2023
Teaching mode
Tradicional
Frequency
not compulsory
Exam mode
The students' preparation will be assessed through a written and an oral exam.
The written exam will last 3 hours. The students will be asked to solve problems on the topics discussed throughout the course. In some cases, the numerical solution may also be required. During the written exams, students will be allowed to consult their textbooks and notes. The aim of the exam is to determine the students' ability to independently apply the knowledge gained throughout the course to solve original problems.
Admittance to the oral exam is subjected to the achievement of a threshold result in the written exam, which may also be lower than 18/30.
The written test can be replaced by the presentation of a project assigned by the teacher during the lessons.
The oral exam may include both theoretical questions and the solution of problems regarding the design or simulation of chemical reactors. This examination is intended to verify the full grasp of the theoretical fundamentals introduced in the course, the ability of identifying the correct procedure for the solution of problems, and the capacity of critically analysing the procedures and the results obtained.
The final grade will take into account the results of both the written and oral exams.
The operational methods of the exam can be changed if the exam is carried out online due to the medical emergency.
Lesson mode
Eight hours per week according to the Faculty timetable
