Chemical Engineering

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

The prerequisites for this course are the same as those for admittance to the Master's degree. More specifically, knowledge of infinitesimal calculus, chemical engineering thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical plant design is required.

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 Handouts of the lessons

not compulsory

Student assessment is based on both a written and an oral examination. The written exam, which lasts three hours, consists of solving problems—also numerically—related to the topics covered in the course. The aim of the written test is to evaluate the student’s ability to work independently, integrate the knowledge acquired during the course, and apply it to broad and complex problems in contexts that may not be strictly defined in advance. A minimum threshold (possibly lower than 18/30) is required in the written exam in order to be admitted to the oral exam. The oral exam may include both theoretical questions and problem-solving tasks related to the design or simulation of chemical reactors. This exam is intended to verify the student’s understanding of the theoretical foundations of the course, their ability to identify suitable problem-solving procedures, and their capacity for critical reasoning about the methods used and the results obtained. Students are also encouraged to prepare a group project (“tesina”) on topics proposed by the instructor during the course. Submission of the project is optional but will serve as an additional element for assessing the student’s skills and the soft skills acquired.

Eight hours of lessons per week according to the Faculty timetable