Module manager: Dr BH Xu
Email: b.h.xu@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module provides training in process instrumentation, control systems and strategies to optimise the performance of unit operations and processes.
1. Describe the objectives and theory of process control along with control system components.
2. Develop control strategies for a given process and for different unit operations.
3. Interpret and draw P&ID diagrams and being able to analyse system dynamics.
4. Apply pinch analysis and process integration methods to complex chemical engineering problems.
5. Formulate and solve both linear and non-linear basic optimisation problems using deterministic optimisation algorithms.
6. Undertake lab practical on process control and critically interpret the experimental data.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Be competent in the use of numerical and computer methods for solving chemical engineering problems.
2. Understand system dynamics, being able to determine the dynamic response to changes in a process, design measurement and control functions, and determine its performance.
3. Be familiar with the application and limitations of a range of modelling approaches including first-principles models, simple empirical correlations, and artificial intelligence approaches.
4. Be able to apply digital techniques to solving chemical engineering problems.
5. Be able to take a systems approach to design appreciating: complexity and process integration.
6. Have a knowledge and understanding of mathematics necessary for the analysis of, key chemical engineering principles related to control and optimisation.
7. Have a knowledge and understanding of laboratory practice, and ability to operate bench scale process control equipment.
8. Be able to design, plan and undertake experimental work and critically interpret, analyse and report on experimental data.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Problem solving & analytical skills.
b. Technical skills.
Process dynamics and control strategy; Signal and Block diagrams; Transfer functions; Controllers - Feedback, PID; P&I diagrams; Control systems, components and instrumentation; Pinch analysis & process integration; Optimisation theory & methods: classic theory for unconstrained extremum, Lagrange multiplier methods, linear programming and its applications, the Simplex algorithm, Integer programming, dynamic programming.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class tests, exams and assessment | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Lecture | 22 | 2 | 44 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Practical | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Seminar | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| Tutorial | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 90 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 235 | ||
Formative feedback will be embedded as part of in-person lectures and seminars. Immediate feedback will also be provided during the course of the lab practical, which will help students working towards the summative coursework on the lab practical.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Control Lab | 20 |
| Assignment | Process Integration | 20 |
| Assignment | Optimisation: Pinch Analysis & Process Integration | 20 |
| Assignment | Enhanced Process Understanding: Data analysis and principal component analysis | 25 |
| Assignment | Process Data Modelling: Application of linear modelling techniques to industrial data | 25 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 110 | |
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) | 1.0 Hrs Mins | 30 |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 90 | |
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
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team