Module manager: Dr M Ravi
Email: m.ravi@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will describe different types of chemical reactors and explain the concepts of their operation to achieve desired process requirements.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- summarise first and second order reactions, stoichiometry, reaction rates, and chemical equilibrium;
- derive reaction rate expression and analyse experimental data to determine rate of reaction;
- describe the distinctive features of batch and continuous reactors and fed-batch fermenters;
- describe the system dynamics of batch reactors;
- evaluate complex process information to solve chemical and biochemical reaction engineering problems including systems with multiple reactions;
- establish dynamic energy balance in different reactor systems to analyse heat effect for solving reactor problems;
- evaluate, select and create reactor equipment designs and to communicate the rationale underpinning reaction engineering solutions.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Have a knowledge of scientific principles, namely the relevant aspects of physics and chemistry for the understanding of chemical and biochemical reaction engineering.
2. Understand the principles of chemical reaction and reactor engineering.
3. Understand the principles of equilibrium and chemical thermodynamics, and its application to systems with chemical reaction.
4. Understand the principles of batch and continuous operation and criteria for process selection.
5. Understand the principles of materials and energy balances in the context of reaction engineering.
6. Understand the principles on which reactors operate and interpret process information to determine the type and equipment size appropriate for reaction systems.
7. Apply digital techniques for solving chemical engineering problems.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
A Technical and analytical skills
B Critical thinking
C Problem solving skills
- Ideal reactors: Batch, Fed-batch, CSTR, PFR and reactors in series;
- Reactor design for single, series, parallel and reversible reactions and reaction systems with changing density;
- Heat effects in reactor design and operation: adiabatic batch and continuous reactors.
- Types of bioreactors, cell growth and models of growth kinetics. Bioreactor design and scale-up.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 22 | 4 | 44 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 144 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 56 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Weekly problem-solving sessions will be conducted with formative feedback provided orally during these sessions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Class Test | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
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 | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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