Module manager: Andrew Ross
Email: A.B.Ross@Leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module considers the transformation of the modern oil refinery for the production of transport fuels (marine, road and aviation) to the emerging bio-refinery for the production of sustainable fuels (biofuels, SAF) and future fuels. It includes conventional refinery processes, 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels, emerging technologies for production of future fuels and development of emerging bio-refinery concepts. The module includes process description, numerical approaches, health and safety considerations and environmental impacts. The module is delivered in the form of lectures and tutorials and assessed via coursework and in person exam.
By the end of this module students should have a sound knowledge of the underlying principles of:
- Hydrocarbon streams from different sources
- Refinery processes for the production of transport fuels
- The production of 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels
- Alternative catalytic approaches for the production of synfuels
- Thermochemical and catalytic fuel processes
- Auxiliary processes, sustainable hydrogen production
- The development of emerging biorefinery concepts
- Numerical approaches for predicting yields and material flows
- The development of future bio-refinery scenarios.
- Associated hazards and process safety and environmental protection principles
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes :
(1) have a broad knowledge of the composition of hydrocarbon streams from different sources
(2) acquire a working knowledge of the principles and operation of the different processes in a modern oil refinery/biorefinery.
(3) develop an understanding of alternative fuel processes and future bio-refining approaches.
(4) have a broad knowledge of the options for decarbonisation of the transport sector and the development of future fuels
(5) know the potential environmental emissions and how they are controlled.
(6) know the hazards associated with the various processes and protection systems that can be employed.
(7) have the ability to perform technology-specific calculations for different conversion processes.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
Many of the skills developed and practiced in this module are transferable (e.g. to the research project).
A) Work ready skills: 1 critical thinking, creativity, research skills, time management, problem solving and analytical skills, IT skills, decision making, active learning, reflection.
B) Sustainability skills: integrated problem solving
C) Academic skills: presentation skills, time management
D) Digital skills: information, data and media literacies, digital creation problem solving and innovation, digital learning
.- Introduction to refinery processes,
- Development of future biorefineries,
- Composition of feedstocks, final fuels and fuel properties,
- Conventional refinery operations: Fractionation, upgrading, conversion blending, hydrogen production, auxiliary units,
- Biofuel technologies, First, second and third generation biofuels, composition of bio-oils,
- Synthetic fuels (Fischer Tropsch), upgrading of bio-oils, sustainable hydrogen production, integration of bio-oils into conventional refinery operations,
- Health, Safety and Environment in refinery processes,
- Environmental issues in refining, air, water and soil,
- Hazards and Risks - fires and explosions,
- Numerical calculations of yields, performance and prediction of conversion of processes.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Independent online learning hours | 36 | ||
| Private study hours | 80 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Formative feedback is provided by module leader and teaching staff during the tutorials, frequency every week, work builds up from week 2 to week 11 in semester 1.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Class Test | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 24/01/2025
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