Module manager: Xiaoan Mao
Email: x.mao@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will cover the theory and performance of different types of separation process units. This theoretical knowledge will be applied to design mass transfer equipment to meet process specification.
The module aims to develop good understanding of the fundamental theories related to separation processes. On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Explain the role of separation operations in the chemical industries.
- Calculate component material balances around separation units, and integrate with energy balances.
- Calculate rates of mass transfer across fluid–fluid interfaces using two-film theory
- Calculate bubble-point, dew-point, and equilibrium-flash conditions.
- Use T–y–x and y–x diagrams of binary mixtures, in conjunction with a q-line, to determine equilibrium compositions.
- Understand the difference between minimum- and maximum-boiling azeotropes.
- Calculate batch-still temperature, residue composition, and instantaneous and average distillate compositions as a function of time for binary batch distillation.
- Explain how multiple equilibrium stages arranged in a cascade with counter-current flow can achieve a significantly better separation than a single equilibrium stage.
- Apply the McCabe–Thiele method for determining minimum reflux ratio, minimum equilibrium stages, number of stages for a specified reflux ratio greater than minimum, and optimal feed-stage location, given the required split between the two feed components.
- Understand the concept of sequencing of separation operations, particularly distillation.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Have a knowledge and understanding of scientific principles in the relevant aspects of physics and chemistry to enable the understanding of chemical engineering principles.
2. Understand the principles of momentum, heat and mass transfer and their inter-relationship, and application to problems involving fluids and multiple phases.
3. Understand the principles of equilibrium and chemical thermodynamics, and application to phase behaviour.
4. Understand the thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids and multiphase systems.
5. Apply the principles of material and energy balances to relevant separation process problems.
6. Understand the principles of batch and continuous operation and criteria for process selection.
7. Understand the principles on which processing equipment operates, to determine equipment size and performance of absorption/ desorption and distillation columns.
8. Be able to use basic chemical principles to model the characteristics and performance of a range of typical separation for fluids.
9. Understand and be able to quantify the effect of processing steps on the state of the material being processed, and its transformation to the end-product in terms of its composition.
10. Be able to deploy chemical engineering knowledge using rigorous calculation and results analysis to develop a design and with appropriate checks on feasibility and practicality.
11. Understand the importance of identifying the objectives and context of the design in terms of the technical requirements.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
A- Technical and analytical skills
B- Problem solving skills
C- Critical thinking
Separating homogeneous fluid mixtures (unit operations).
Absorption: Principles of diffusion and mass transfer coefficients; Interphase mass transfer; Dynamic simulation: Absorption; Gas absorption operation, performance and design (low solute conc.).
Distillation: Single-stage operation; Continuous distillation with reflux (equimolar and non-equimolar overflow): graphical methods; Distillation operation, performance envelope and design; Short-cut methods: binary – Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland; Introduction to multicomponent separation and distillation sequencing.
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 16 | 2 | 32 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Practical | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Tutorial | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Tutorials scheduled at intervals to cover topics discussed in lectures. In-class quizzes to be completed in scheduled sessions, following individual topics, for opportunities of formative feedback on topics.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team