Chemical Reaction Engineering: Principles and Applications

The course “Chemical Reaction Engineering: Principles and Applications” is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles, theories, and practical applications of chemical reactions in engineering systems. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, case studies, and hands-on exercises, students will develop the necessary skills to design, analyze, and optimize chemical reactors and reaction processes.

The course begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemical kinetics, including reaction rates, rate laws, and reaction mechanisms. Students will learn how to analyze and interpret experimental data to determine the kinetics of chemical reactions, enabling them to understand the underlying mechanisms and factors influencing reaction rates.

Building upon this foundation, the course explores the design and analysis of chemical reactors. Students will study different types of reactors, such as batch, continuous stirred-tank, and plug-flow reactors. They will learn how to evaluate reactor performance, consider reactor design parameters, and optimize reaction conditions to achieve desired outcomes.

The course delves into the topics of reactor design, including the determination of reactor size, residence time, and reactant feeding strategies. Students will examine the effects of temperature, pressure, and catalysts on reaction kinetics and reactor performance, considering the thermodynamics and mass transfer aspects.

Furthermore, the course addresses reactor modeling and simulation, where students will learn how to develop mathematical models to describe the behavior of chemical reactors. They will explore various modeling techniques and simulation tools to predict reactor performance under different operating conditions.

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to real-world applications and case studies that illustrate the practical relevance of chemical reaction engineering. They will also engage in laboratory experiments and computer simulations to gain hands-on experience in analyzing reaction kinetics and designing reactors.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid understanding of the principles of chemical reaction engineering and their applications in industrial processes. They will be equipped with the skills to design and optimize chemical reactors, evaluate reaction kinetics, and troubleshoot reaction processes. This knowledge will prepare them for careers in industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and materials synthesis, where chemical reactions play a vital role.