Code
CHEN4015
Credits
50
Graduate Attributes
Introduction
Design is arguably the defining activity of the professional engineer. Broadly speaking, design for mass production is one of the things that makes engineering different from science. Chemical engineers design both products and processes. In this unit, you'll perform process design work on a largescale process plant. In fact, it's similar to a pre-feasibility study conducted in industry. Each of the projects on offer were devised and will be supported by practising engineers from local engineering companies. Each group will also have an academic advisor to answer some technical questions, clarify the assessments, provide feedback on your work and generally help you keep on track with the unit through the semester. The unit contains some important taught content, but relatively few new topics are introduced. The main aim is to show how your previous studies can be applied to a large-scale design task, and this includes discussion of design examples. However, most of the time you spend in this unit is in actively working on your particular project. The first part of the semester is mostly group work, designing your given process at an overall, flowsheet level. It includes selecting suitable process technology, simulating the process, conducting safety and environmental studies, choosing a plant location and similar. In the second part of the semester, the work is mostly individual and at the level of equipment items. For example, you might design a particular heat exchanger and a particular column from your group's flowsheet. Most of this work involves chemical engineering design, but operational and mechanical design aspects are also included, along with an important critical self-review of your own design work. In this unit, more than any other in the course, genuine teamwork is essential. The unit is challenging in its requirements and schedule. You'll need to practise clear and frequent communication, and to plan and monitor the group's activities carefully. If you find that you or your group are having trouble then please get help early. Your academic advisor should be the first person you turn to. The Design Project is a great learning experience that brings together many of the skills and much of the knowledge you've learnt in other units. We think that you'll find the unit to be challenging, but ultimately very rewarding.
Workshop
2 x 3 Hours Weekly
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 identify, evaluate and integrate information needed to perform a realistic, open-ended chemical engineering plant design study, GC1, GC3
- 2 conduct a plant design and feasibility study specified in a supplied project brief, GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6
- 3 perform detailed design work for selected equipment systems, including the chemical, operational and mechanical design aspects, GC1, GC2, GC6
- 4 apply problem-solving skills, demonstrate engineering judgement and engage in reflective practice while handling complex process design problems, GC1, GC2, GC6
- 5 demonstrate planning, time management and teamwork in a process engineering project that requires both team and individual contributions, GC4, GC6
- 6 communicate technical information effectively in written and oral forms, and demonstrate academic integrity using appropriate writing and referencing conventions, GC3, GC6
Course Learning Outcomes
- 2 Solve complex chemical engineering problems of industrial and societal significance through the application of discipline-specific and integrated bodies of knowledge, design and sustainability principles
- 5 Select and use current and emerging technologies to develop and communicate effective and innovative engineering solutions to complex problems
- 6 Demonstrate lifelong learning habits, teamwork and leadership abilities, project management skills, and the ability to identify opportunities for career-wide professional growth, necessary for advancing a career in engineering and beyond
Assessment Breakdown
Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback
Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff. Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback. Minor updates to unit materials and assessment items.