KJTS2100 Introduction to Chemical Engineering Course description

The course provides knowledge of fundamental principles and simple calculations of common unit operations and apparatus in chemical engineering. Topics include fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics with process equipment such as flow meters, valves, pumps and compressors, heat transfer with process equipment such as multi tube and plate heat exchangers, and mass and energy transfer in chemical engineering unit operations.

Lectures and exercises. Excursion to a power plant.

Approved laboratory course in KJPE1300 General Chemistry, KJFP1400 Organic Chemistry and KJM1500 Physical Chemistry, or corresponding qualifications.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• explaining how mass and energy balances are balanced in a stationary system
• using the first and second laws of thermodynamics together with mass balances and equilibrium calculations to find the equilibrium composition of a reactor
• setting up and solving an equation system of mass and energy balances for a stationary process with reaction, separation and recirculation
• performing quantitative calculations of mass and energy balances of stationary chemical processes
• performing simple simulations of mass and energy balances of stationary chemical processes
• dimensioning the heat transfer area of a heat exchanger
• calculating the heat/cooling effect and energy consumption of a heat pump or cooling unit
• using energy and mass balances to perform stationary calculations of turbines, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, split systems, mixers, heat pumps, cooling units and reactors.

Skills

The student is capable of:

• performing simple calculations to estimate the energy consumption of different processes using equipment like pumps and compressors
• performing calculations of different types of heat exchangers, both for operational values such as the consumption of cooling/heating agent and for design as size
• independently performing simple tasks with heat exchangers and distilling columns in the laboratory
• handling chemicals, material safety data sheets, assessments and laboratory safety.

General competence

The student:

• is capable of reading and interpreting scientific texts and diagrams in the chemical engineering discipline (both in English and Norwegian)
• is capable of exercising practical discretion and of performing simple calculations to assess results achieved by other chemical engineers
• is capable of explaining the operational principles behind typical equipment and apparatuses in a common chemical processing plant
• is capable of communicating chemical engineering results orally and in writing

Lectures, compulsory exercises and laboratory assignments with reports. Individual work during exercises, group work (2-4 students per group), in connection with laboratory work and report writing.

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

• 2-day laboratory course with 4 written assignments (groups of 2-4 students, 3-7 pages per assignment)
• a total of 7 compulsory assignments (2-4 hours per assignment)

Exam form: Individual written exam, 3 hours.

The exam result can be appealed.

In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, oral examination may be used instead of written. If oral exams are used for resit and rescheduled exams, the exam result cannot be appealed.

Hydroelectric engineering, hydrology, hydraulics.

Elective courses are set up under precondition that there are enough students in the course.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• is sufficiently familiar with basic hydrology and hydraulics to understand the water cycle and the properties of water, including flood hydrology
• is familiar with the basic concepts and design methods for structures crossing watercourses

Skills

The student is capable of:

• making use of the most important standards and guidelines for structures crossing watercourses
• estimating the amount of water available for power production in a watercourse
• dimensioning and calculating the stability of dams and other technical watercourse structures
• optimising power plants in terms of energy production and energy considerations
• describing the most important turbine types and explaining their function and special properties

General competence

The student is capable of:

• making independent assessments of a planned power plant, including the choice of dam type, installation and estimated production
• considering environmental issues relating to the development of power plants