Mass Transfer Operations (CHE-440)

This course covers a broad range of mass transfer operations essential to chemical engineering. A solid understanding of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics is crucial for comprehending the material. The course focuses on practical problem-solving through the application of Numerical Methods and Excel-based solutions. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills to model and design units for various separation processes.

Course Description

This course covers a broad range of mass transfer operations essential to chemical engineering. A solid understanding of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics is crucial for comprehending the material. The course focuses on practical problem-solving through the application of Numerical Methods and Excel-based solutions. The ultimate goal is to equip students with the skills to model and design units for various separation processes.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of various mass transfer operations, including distillation, absorption, extraction, and others.
• Apply numerical methods and spreadsheet-based tools to solve complex mass transfer problems.
• Model and design separation units commonly used in the chemical industry.

Required Textbook

• Transport Processes & Separation Process Principles, 5th edition, by C. Geankopolis, A. Hersel, and D. Lepek.

Course Topics

The course covers the following major separation processes:

• Distillation
• Absorption/Stripping
• Liquid-Liquid Extraction
• Leaching
• Adsorption
• Membrane Separation Processes

Grading Breakdown

• Homework Assignments: 5%
• In-class Quizzes: 12.5%
• Design Project + Oral Presentation: 12.5%
• Midterm Exams: 30%
• Final Exam: 40%

Exams in this course consist of both written and computer-based components, where certain questions require the use of spreadsheets for calculations. The course also includes a significant design project that requires students to design one or more separation units, write a formal report, and present their findings orally.