ANALYSIS AND CONTROL OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES

Course objectives

MODULE I A – Knowledge and Understanding Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge): • Basic knowledge of statistical inference for data analysis (confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance); • Basic knowledge of experimental design and related statistical analysis (factorial experiments and randomized block experiments for comparing two samples); • Basic knowledge of linear (univariate and multivariate) and nonlinear regression analysis. B – Applied Skills Students who have passed the exam will be able to: • Apply techniques for experiment planning and related statistical data analysis; • Perform linear and nonlinear regression of experimental data and the corresponding statistical analysis; • Use data analysis and regression tools available in commonly used software (e.g., Excel), as well as in specialized technical software for experiment design and data analysis (e.g., JMP). C – Independent Judgment • Be able to formulate their own assessment and/or judgment based on the objective interpretation of available experimental data in relation to the comparison of samples with reference values, two samples, or multiple samples; • Be able to identify optimized procedures to improve system understanding by identifying sources of data variation through completely randomized or block experiments; • Have the practical ability to take initiatives and make decisions regarding the choice of the best empirical model to represent the experimental data obtained, based both on upstream statistical analysis and the evaluation of different possible models through statistical discrimination. D – Communication Skills • Be able to explain to non-experts the basic concepts of statistical data analysis, experimental design, and data regression with linear and nonlinear models; • Describe methodologies for data analysis, experimental design, and parameter regression of linear and nonlinear models using technically accurate language. E – Learning Ability • Possess the learning skills necessary for continuous improvement in the fields of data analysis, experimental design, and model parameter regression; • Be able to draw from various bibliographic sources, both in Italian and in English, to acquire new competencies. MODULE II A – Knowledge and Understanding Students who have passed the exam will be able to know and understand (acquired knowledge): • The issues related to the control of chemical processes, and how these issues can be addressed through the formulation and systematic application of mathematical models; • The basic concepts necessary for system dynamics analysis; • The main strategies used for chemical process control; • The basic concepts necessary for designing the control system of a chemical process. B – Applied Skills Students who have passed the exam will be able to: • Develop lumped-parameter mathematical models of chemical processes through the application of conservation principles; • Evaluate, through the analysis of the formulated mathematical models, how a process system's dynamics change with variations in operating and design parameters; • Analyze the dynamics of a nonlinear system through the study of its linearization; • Determine the response of a linear system to changes in input variables; • Determine the parameters of basic control systems for chemical processes. C – Independent Judgment • Be able to formulate their own assessment and/or judgment based on the interpretation of available information in the context of chemical process analysis and control; • Be able to identify and gather additional information to achieve greater awareness; • Have the practical ability to take initiatives and make decisions, taking into account various relevant aspects of chemical process analysis and control. D – Communication Skills • Be able to explain to non-experts the basic concepts of system dynamics and how the development and application of mathematical models allow the resolution of design and control issues in chemical processes; • Describe methodologies for chemical process control using technically accurate language. E – Learning Ability • Possess the learning skills necessary for continuous improvement in the study of the dynamics and control of chemical processes; • Be able to draw from various bibliographic sources, both in Italian and in English, to acquire new competencies.

Channel 1
FRANCESCA PAGNANELLI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
I Module Errors (2h): types of errors (sensitivity error, experimental error, propagation error, systematic error, statistical error in inference); significant figures: definition, calculation and rounding; exercises (1h) on calculation of propagation errors. Descriptive statistics (2h): histograms, sample summaries, position indices, box plots; exercises (1h) for the construction of histograms in Excel and JMP, descriptive statistics functions in Excel and JMP. Probability distributions (4h): discrete and continuous random variables, mass function and probability density function (definition, properties, expected value and variance operators), distribution function; normal probability distribution, chi-squared distribution, Student's t distribution, Fisher's F distribution (probability density function, characteristic parameters, statistical tables); exercises (2h) on direct and inverse functions in Excel for the calculation of characteristic values of distributions). Sampling distributions (4h): definition of sampling distribution, the central limit theorem, sampling distribution for sample means of small samples, sampling distribution for sample variance and ratios of sample variances; sampling distribution for differences in sample means for large and small samples; methods for verifying the normal distribution of a sample: normal control chart, quantile-quantile diagrams; exercises (2h) for building quantile-quantile diagrams in Excel and JMP. Confidence intervals (4h): definition, confidence intervals for mean with small and large samples, confidence intervals for variance and for variance ratios; confidence intervals for the difference between means for small and large samples; exercises (2h) in Excel for calculating confidence intervals. Hypothesis test (10h): test phases (definition of hypotheses, identification of descriptive statistics, identification of rejection zones for one-way and two-way tests, test results, type I and II error, operating curves and their use upstream and downstream of the experiment), hypothesis test for comparing the mean with a reference value (large samples and small samples), hypothesis test for comparing two means (large samples and small samples, homo- and heteroscedasticity), hypothesis test for comparing one variance with a reference value, hypothesis test for comparing two variances; hypothesis test for the comparison of means in the case of paired samples; exercises (6h) in Excel and JMP for performing hypothesis tests. Analysis of variance for a multilevel factor (8h): statistical model for variance decomposition; variance decomposition and hypothesis testing, least significant difference method for identifying pairs of means that differ, operating curves; verification of the hypotheses upstream of the Anova (homoskedasticity verification by means of Bartlett's test, verification of the normal distribution of errors by quantile-quantile plot); exercises (5h) in Excel and JMP. Factorial experimentation (6h): definitions and advantages of factorial experimentation; statistical model, variance decomposition, hypothesis testing; examples of experimentation with 2 and 3 factors; non-replicated two-factor factor experimentation (model, variance decomposition and Anova), derivation of an empirical multivariate model downstream of the Anova, testing of hypotheses upstream of the Anova; exercises (4h) in Excel and JMP on factorials with 2 and 3 factors with and without replication. Factorials 2^k (6h): definition, introduction of the sign code for treatments, calculation of contrasts using table of signs and Yates algorithm, calculation of effects and sums of squared deviations from contrasts, statistical model and variance decomposition, table Anova, empirical models in coded variables, verification of the adequacy of the empirical model downstream of the Anova by analyzing the normal distribution of model-data deviations; identification of significant effects by graphical method for 2^k experiments in single replication, projection of a 2^k factorial in single replication; addition of the central points in the 2^k experimentation: verification of the curvature of the effects and Anova table; exercises (4h) in Excel and JMP for 2^k factorials replicated, single replicate and with central points. Linear regression (8h): Simple linear regression: modified linear model, calculation of parameters using the least squares method, confidence intervals on the parameters, confidence interval around the regression, hypothesis testing on the model parameters, Anova (test for the significance of the regression, test for the adequacy of the linear model, the coefficient of determination R2), regression for the origin, inverse regression (confidence interval on the estimate of x); multiple linear regression: assumptions (linearity, non-collinearity), least squares parameter estimation, confidence intervals on parameters, hypothesis testing on parameters, Anova for multiple linear regression model, corrected R2 and R2, choice of explanatory variables (stepwise methods); exercises (5h) in Excel and JMP on determination of parameters, confidence intervals, test of significance of the regression and model adequacy for simple and multiple regression. Parameter regression for nonlinear models (6h): linearizable models (example Langmuir), nonlinear regression for nonlinear models: algorithms for determining parameters, confidence intervals on parameters; exercises (4h) in Excel and Matlab.
Prerequisites
Mathematics I and Mathematics II or equivalent courses as content.
Books
Handouts provided by the teacher
Teaching mode
The course includes frontal lectures and classroom exercises with the computer and on the blackboard Attendance is optional
Frequency
in person
Exam mode
The course is divided into two modules: Module I and Module II. Both Modules provide assessment methods that include written exercises in progress (optional) and/or a final oral assessment. The assessment allows to verify the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge acquired (descriptor 1) and skills acquired (descriptor 2). The ongoing assessments for Module I (2 in number) concern the application of statistical inference methods (confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, analysis of variance and regression analysis) including the execution of exercises and open-ended or multiple-choice questions. The ongoing tests for Module I take place approximately around the end of March and around the end of April. The first test with topics related to confidence intervals, hypothesis tests and analysis of variance for 1-factor multi-level experimentation. The second test on topics related to the analysis of variance for factorials and regression analysis. A third in-progress test is scheduled for module II at the beginning of June. The in-progress tests are evaluated in thirtieths and the final grade is the average of the three in-progress tests. The student who passes all three in-progress written tests with a grade of at least 18/30 can confirm the grade in the oral exam, or recover the insufficient part with a supplementary written or oral exam concerning the specific part. As an alternative to the in-progress written tests, the student can directly take the final oral exam in which questions are asked regarding the completion of specific exercises but also the exposition of principles underlying the knowledge acquired in relation to statistical inference, experimental design and regression of model parameters. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate both in the in-progress tests and in the oral exam that he has acquired the specific knowledge provided in the course and that he knows how to use the skills acquired to complete the proposed exercises. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths with a minimum grade of 18/30 and a maximum grade of 30/30 with honors.
Bibliography
D.C. Montgomery: Design and Analysis of Experiments (Mc Graw-Hill)
Lesson mode
The course includes frontal lectures and classroom exercises with the computer and on the blackboard Attendance is optional
FRANCESCA PAGNANELLI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
I Module Errors (2h): types of errors (sensitivity error, experimental error, propagation error, systematic error, statistical error in inference); significant figures: definition, calculation and rounding; exercises (1h) on calculation of propagation errors. Descriptive statistics (2h): histograms, sample summaries, position indices, box plots; exercises (1h) for the construction of histograms in Excel and JMP, descriptive statistics functions in Excel and JMP. Probability distributions (4h): discrete and continuous random variables, mass function and probability density function (definition, properties, expected value and variance operators), distribution function; normal probability distribution, chi-squared distribution, Student's t distribution, Fisher's F distribution (probability density function, characteristic parameters, statistical tables); exercises (2h) on direct and inverse functions in Excel for the calculation of characteristic values of distributions). Sampling distributions (4h): definition of sampling distribution, the central limit theorem, sampling distribution for sample means of small samples, sampling distribution for sample variance and ratios of sample variances; sampling distribution for differences in sample means for large and small samples; methods for verifying the normal distribution of a sample: normal control chart, quantile-quantile diagrams; exercises (2h) for building quantile-quantile diagrams in Excel and JMP. Confidence intervals (4h): definition, confidence intervals for mean with small and large samples, confidence intervals for variance and for variance ratios; confidence intervals for the difference between means for small and large samples; exercises (2h) in Excel for calculating confidence intervals. Hypothesis test (10h): test phases (definition of hypotheses, identification of descriptive statistics, identification of rejection zones for one-way and two-way tests, test results, type I and II error, operating curves and their use upstream and downstream of the experiment), hypothesis test for comparing the mean with a reference value (large samples and small samples), hypothesis test for comparing two means (large samples and small samples, homo- and heteroscedasticity), hypothesis test for comparing one variance with a reference value, hypothesis test for comparing two variances; hypothesis test for the comparison of means in the case of paired samples; exercises (6h) in Excel and JMP for performing hypothesis tests. Analysis of variance for a multilevel factor (8h): statistical model for variance decomposition; variance decomposition and hypothesis testing, least significant difference method for identifying pairs of means that differ, operating curves; verification of the hypotheses upstream of the Anova (homoskedasticity verification by means of Bartlett's test, verification of the normal distribution of errors by quantile-quantile plot); exercises (5h) in Excel and JMP. Factorial experimentation (6h): definitions and advantages of factorial experimentation; statistical model, variance decomposition, hypothesis testing; examples of experimentation with 2 and 3 factors; non-replicated two-factor factor experimentation (model, variance decomposition and Anova), derivation of an empirical multivariate model downstream of the Anova, testing of hypotheses upstream of the Anova; exercises (4h) in Excel and JMP on factorials with 2 and 3 factors with and without replication. Factorials 2^k (6h): definition, introduction of the sign code for treatments, calculation of contrasts using table of signs and Yates algorithm, calculation of effects and sums of squared deviations from contrasts, statistical model and variance decomposition, table Anova, empirical models in coded variables, verification of the adequacy of the empirical model downstream of the Anova by analyzing the normal distribution of model-data deviations; identification of significant effects by graphical method for 2^k experiments in single replication, projection of a 2^k factorial in single replication; addition of the central points in the 2^k experimentation: verification of the curvature of the effects and Anova table; exercises (4h) in Excel and JMP for 2^k factorials replicated, single replicate and with central points. Linear regression (8h): Simple linear regression: modified linear model, calculation of parameters using the least squares method, confidence intervals on the parameters, confidence interval around the regression, hypothesis testing on the model parameters, Anova (test for the significance of the regression, test for the adequacy of the linear model, the coefficient of determination R2), regression for the origin, inverse regression (confidence interval on the estimate of x); multiple linear regression: assumptions (linearity, non-collinearity), least squares parameter estimation, confidence intervals on parameters, hypothesis testing on parameters, Anova for multiple linear regression model, corrected R2 and R2, choice of explanatory variables (stepwise methods); exercises (5h) in Excel and JMP on determination of parameters, confidence intervals, test of significance of the regression and model adequacy for simple and multiple regression. Parameter regression for nonlinear models (6h): linearizable models (example Langmuir), nonlinear regression for nonlinear models: algorithms for determining parameters, confidence intervals on parameters; exercises (4h) in Excel and Matlab.
Prerequisites
Mathematics I and Mathematics II or equivalent courses as content.
Books
Handouts provided by the teacher
Teaching mode
The course includes frontal lectures and classroom exercises with the computer and on the blackboard Attendance is optional
Frequency
in person
Exam mode
The course is divided into two modules: Module I and Module II. Both Modules provide assessment methods that include written exercises in progress (optional) and/or a final oral assessment. The assessment allows to verify the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge acquired (descriptor 1) and skills acquired (descriptor 2). The ongoing assessments for Module I (2 in number) concern the application of statistical inference methods (confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, analysis of variance and regression analysis) including the execution of exercises and open-ended or multiple-choice questions. The ongoing tests for Module I take place approximately around the end of March and around the end of April. The first test with topics related to confidence intervals, hypothesis tests and analysis of variance for 1-factor multi-level experimentation. The second test on topics related to the analysis of variance for factorials and regression analysis. A third in-progress test is scheduled for module II at the beginning of June. The in-progress tests are evaluated in thirtieths and the final grade is the average of the three in-progress tests. The student who passes all three in-progress written tests with a grade of at least 18/30 can confirm the grade in the oral exam, or recover the insufficient part with a supplementary written or oral exam concerning the specific part. As an alternative to the in-progress written tests, the student can directly take the final oral exam in which questions are asked regarding the completion of specific exercises but also the exposition of principles underlying the knowledge acquired in relation to statistical inference, experimental design and regression of model parameters. To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate both in the in-progress tests and in the oral exam that he has acquired the specific knowledge provided in the course and that he knows how to use the skills acquired to complete the proposed exercises. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths with a minimum grade of 18/30 and a maximum grade of 30/30 with honors.
Bibliography
D.C. Montgomery: Design and Analysis of Experiments (Mc Graw-Hill)
Lesson mode
The course includes frontal lectures and classroom exercises with the computer and on the blackboard Attendance is optional
PIETRO ALTIMARI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction to the study of the dynamics and control of chemical processes (6h) Introduction to chemical process control; First principles mathematical models of chemical processes; Definition of dynamical system; Orbits and phase diagram; Stationary points; Stability of stationary points; Van Heerden stability criterion; Linearization of a dynamical system; Evaluation of the stability of stationary points by linearization analysis; Monod's chemostat; Substrate inhibition chemostat; CSTR with irreversible exothermic reaction; Linear systems (9h) Analysis of linear dynamical systems by applying the Laplace transform; Classification of the variables of a dynamical system (state variables, manipulable variables and disturbances); input-output structures (I/O); transfer functions for single-input/single-output (SISO); poles and zeros of transfer functions; dynamics of first order systems; dynamics of second order systems; dynamics of higher order systems; stability assessment through pole analysis; Proposed exercises: linearization, response analysis and stability study of systems of interest in industrial chemistry; Control of chemical processes (9h) Control systems: objectives, configurations in closed loop (feedback) and open loop (feedforward); Feedback control scheme for SISO systems; Proportional/integral/derivative type controllers (PID); Dynamics of closed loop controlled systems: effect of PID controller parameters; Stability of closed loop controlled systems; Criteria for designing a PID controller; Exercises proposed during the lessons: blackboard exercises to derive the dynamic response of I and II order processes in closed loop with derivative controllers and their combinations; stabilization and destabilization of systems by means of control systems.
Prerequisites
The course is included among the basic courses. Preparatory knowledge on Chemical Processes is considered to facilitate the acquisition of the illustrated methodologies.
Books
Reccomended textbooks: George Stephanopoulos (1984), Chemical Process Control: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (USA)
Frequency
In presence
Exam mode
The exam can be carried out through an in itinere written test. Alternatively, the exam can be carried out through an oral interview. During the oral exam, problems similar to those covered by in intinere test are proposed to the students. Both the written test and the oral interview aim to evaluate the student's ability to solve problems of dynamics and control of chemical processes.
Lesson mode
The course includes frontal lectures. The lectures are given through the use of power-point slides or a dashboard.
PIETRO ALTIMARI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction to the study of the dynamics and control of chemical processes (6h) Introduction to chemical process control; First principles mathematical models of chemical processes; Definition of dynamical system; Orbits and phase diagram; Stationary points; Stability of stationary points; Van Heerden stability criterion; Linearization of a dynamical system; Evaluation of the stability of stationary points by linearization analysis; Monod's chemostat; Substrate inhibition chemostat; CSTR with irreversible exothermic reaction; Linear systems (9h) Analysis of linear dynamical systems by applying the Laplace transform; Classification of the variables of a dynamical system (state variables, manipulable variables and disturbances); input-output structures (I/O); transfer functions for single-input/single-output (SISO); poles and zeros of transfer functions; dynamics of first order systems; dynamics of second order systems; dynamics of higher order systems; stability assessment through pole analysis; Proposed exercises: linearization, response analysis and stability study of systems of interest in industrial chemistry; Control of chemical processes (9h) Control systems: objectives, configurations in closed loop (feedback) and open loop (feedforward); Feedback control scheme for SISO systems; Proportional/integral/derivative type controllers (PID); Dynamics of closed loop controlled systems: effect of PID controller parameters; Stability of closed loop controlled systems; Criteria for designing a PID controller; Exercises proposed during the lessons: blackboard exercises to derive the dynamic response of I and II order processes in closed loop with derivative controllers and their combinations; stabilization and destabilization of systems by means of control systems.
Prerequisites
The course is included among the basic courses. Preparatory knowledge on Chemical Processes is considered to facilitate the acquisition of the illustrated methodologies.
Books
Reccomended textbooks: George Stephanopoulos (1984), Chemical Process Control: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey (USA)
Frequency
In presence
Exam mode
The exam can be carried out through an in itinere written test. Alternatively, the exam can be carried out through an oral interview. During the oral exam, problems similar to those covered by in intinere test are proposed to the students. Both the written test and the oral interview aim to evaluate the student's ability to solve problems of dynamics and control of chemical processes.
Lesson mode
The course includes frontal lectures. The lectures are given through the use of power-point slides or a dashboard.
  • Lesson code10612108
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • Coursecorso|33610
  • CurriculumOrganico Biotecnologico (OB)
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDING-IND/26
  • CFU9
  • Subject areaDiscipline ambientali, biotecnologiche, industriali, tecnologiche ed economiche