EGB160 Process Principles


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:EGB160
Credit points:12
Equivalent:CVB220 or EGB262
Coordinator:Zhanying Zhang | jan.zhang@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces students to the basic knowledge and fundamental approaches involved when taking a chemical reaction from the laboratory to full-scale industrial implementation. Basics and fundamentals in material handling, reactors and operations, mass and energy balances, process design, waste management, and materials of construction will be taught and discussed. Examples of how professionals integrate this knowledge into practice will be provided. You will gain an understanding of how to interact in a team environment to obtain satisfactory technical solutions to an industry relevant problem. This introductory unit prepares you for more advanced study in mass/energy balances and process design.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Assess process equipment associated with process design documenting them at an introduced level.
  2. Interpret engineering diagrams relating to process design, such as PFDs at an introduced level.
  3. Solve problems in process design for simple engineering challenges at an introduced level.
  4. Communicate outcomes of practical exercises in process design, in written form at an introduced level.

Content

The content of this unit relates to the basics and fundamentals of process principles and their relationship to actual industrial practice. The unit will cover the following topics:

  1. Opportunities for Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineers
  2. Introduction to professional chemical engineering communication including problem-based learning, data analysis and writing
  3. Material Transport and Storage
  4. Material Size Control
  5. Mixers, Reactors and Modes of Operation
  6. Basics for Mass Balances
  7. Basics for Energy Balances
  8. Types and Sources of Data
  9. Process Flow Diagrams
  10. Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
  11. Waste Management
  12. Materials of Construction

Learning Approaches

In this unit you can expect to experience the following timetabled activities:

  • Formal lectures from experienced lecturers that will activate your understanding of basic theories and principles.
  • Formal tutorials to demonstrate the approaches to answer the basic questions related to process principles, and solve the real-world problems.
  • Facts, Ideas, Learning, and Action (FILA) table which you will use to analyse general process problems.
  • Case Study which incorporates typical industry means of data analysis and written communication.

You are expected to:

  • Engage with timetabled activities on campus and ask questions.
  • Manage your time to engage with online resources outside of timetabled activities. These will be available on the unit Canvas site. You will receive regular email announcements regarding release of these resources.
  • Engage with your peers in a learning community to practise problem solving and then work independently to complete your assessment tasks.
  • Prepare for timetabled classes and activities and follow up on any work not completed.
  • Complete assessment tasks by working consistently across the semester and meeting the due dates that are published via the unit Canvas site.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback throughout the semester which includes:

  1. Assessment submission will be graded against criteria and standards which will be shared with you at the beginning of semester through Assessment Task Descriptions and Marking Rubrics.
  2. Marked assessment will include feedback from markers against the criteria.
  3. Feedback by participation in tutorials.
  4. Generic comments provided via QUT Canvas and in class.

Assessment

Overview

As you progress through this unit you will move between learning underpinning scientific theory and concepts in chemical and sustainable process engineering and use that theory in practical applications. You will be developing your capability to solve problems by looking at examples of process fundamentals and how to combine these concepts in an overall process design.  You will evaluate the appropriate theory and methods in order to create appropriate technical, environmental, social and economic solutions, which is a key capability for professional engineering practice. The assessment for the unit is designed to assess your learning against the unit learning outcomes and includes a FILA table, case study, and a final exam, which will test your capability to diagnose and solve problems in engineering science.  

Peer and expert (tutor) review of teamwork, case study and FILA table may be used by the unit coordinator to moderate individual assessment results.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Problem Based Learning - FILA

Creation of a FILA (Facts: Ideas: Learnings: Actions) chart as part of a problem based learning approach to developing practical solutions in industry.  This assessment relates to authentic situations wherein problem based learning strategies are developed by taking initial information about the real world issue and developing logical engineering and chemical solutions.  This is a core skill required of professional engineers.  

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4

Assessment: Case Study

You will be a member of a group which will create a Case Study related to a problem in the area of sustainable chemical engineering processes.  As in authentic real world situations a range of knowledge needs to be assimilated, interpreted and communicated to peers. This assessment is focused on replication of real world scenarios encountered by graduates in professional practice.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 11
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4

Assessment: Examination (written)

You will complete a written exam to assess your knowledge and understanding of overall unit content (summative) including short answers and responses to a range of authentic problem based scenarios.

If campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period/due date, an alternative, which may be a timed online assessment, will be offered. Individual students whose circumstances prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 3:10 - Including 10 minute perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

You are required to use the following:

  • The unit website on QUT's Canvas (learning materials that support timetabled activities and assessment tasks)
  • QUT Library Databases
  • QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Chemical Engineering Design (6th Edition), R. Sinnott and G. Towler, Elsevier, 2020

Risk Assessment Statement

You will be informed of any requirements pertaining to a safe workplace. In lectures, tutorials and such, the information will include location of fire exits and meeting points in case of fire. If you do not follow legitimate instructions or endanger the safety of others or do not act in accordance with the requirements of the Workplace Health and Safety Act, you will be required to leave the session.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

EN01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

  1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
    Relates to: ULO4, Problem Based Learning - FILA, Case Study
  2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Problem Based Learning - FILA, Case Study
  3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Examination (written)
  4. Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, Examination (written)
  5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: ULO2, Examination (written)

EV01 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

  1. Engage stakeholders professionally and communicate the outcomes of your work effectively to expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes.
    Relates to: Problem Based Learning - FILA, Case Study
  2. Display leadership, creativity, and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts of professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: Problem Based Learning - FILA, Case Study
  3. Deploy appropriate approaches to engineering design and quality.
    Relates to: Examination (written)
  4. Engage with and apply regulatory requirements relating to safety, risk management, and sustainability in professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: Examination (written)
  5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of one engineering discipline, its research directions, and its application in contemporary professional engineering practice.
    Relates to: Examination (written)