Department of Chemical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
XX20196: Process dynamics, modelling and control |
 Credits:
| 12 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Academic Year |
| Assessment:
| CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: The aims are (i) to introduce mathematical modelling techniques, (ii) to introduce numerical techniques for the solution of models arising in chemical engineering, (iii) to provide an introduction to the mathematical description of dynamic processes in chemical engineering, and (iv) to provide the theory and practice of process control. The unit will provide a sound background in developing dynamic process models, the control of dynamic processes and the development of complete control systems for chemical and biochemical processes. Learning Outcomes: After successfully completing this unit students should be able to: * develop and solve realistic mathematical models of unit operations using a numerical package such as MATLAB; * describe and formulate the numerical methods employed in solving the equations of models and choose the most suitable method for a given application; * use Laplace Transform techniques to solve initial value problems; * use simulation tools to obtain parameters of dynamic models and analyse the results from modelling activities; * design experiments to obtain parameters of dynamic models of physical processes; * develop complete control systems for simple unit operations; * analyse dynamic behaviour of first order systems, including interacting and non-interacting series; and * understand the concept of stability and its effects on control problems. Skills: Analysis and problem solving (taught/facilitated and assessed). Content: Mathematical modelling techniques: * introduction to formulation of models; mass, energy and momentum balances; * application to numerical methods for reactor and distillation modelling: - introduction to initial value problems, - numerical linear algebra, - stability, and - boundary value problems. * introduction to mathematical modelling of chemical engineering processes including transient material, energy and momentum balances; * Laplace transforms to solve initial value problems; * first order systems, first order systems in series, time constant, process gain, transfer function; * use of time, Laplace and frequency domains for analysis of dynamic systems; * feed-back, feed-forward, cascade control; overall transfer function; * design and simulation of control systems; and * case studies in control of linear and non-linear chemical engineering processes. |