2026/27 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

CAPE3340 Multi-phase Separations and Solids Processing

20 Credits Class Size: 200

Module manager: Dr A Osatiashtiani
Email: a.osatiashtiani@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

Module summary

The module covers topics of advanced chemical processing including multi-component separations, unit operations for heterogeneous mixtures, and the handling and processing of solids and particulates in biological and chemical processes.

Objectives

Understand and apply appropriate calculations related to the design of multicomponent distillation columns.
Demonstrate problem solving skills related to the separation of azeotropic mixtures and reactive distillation.
Understand and apply appropriate calculations related to the design of concentrated and reactive absorption systems.
Describe the most widely used downstream unit operations of particle technology including particulate milling, mixing and granulation.
Calculate sizing and operational performance of particulate processing equipment such as mills, mixers, and granulators.
Describe the operating principles of separation processes used in water treatment and biochemical processes.
Analyse the performance of separation unit operations in water treatment and biochemical processing using appropriate mathematical expressions.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. 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, morphology and functionality.
2. Understand and be able to use basic chemical principles to model the characteristics and performance of a range of typical mixing, separation and similar processing steps for fluids, particulates and multiphase systems.
3. Understand the most widely used unit operations of separation and mixing; particle technology; equipment sizing and performance.
4. Be able to account for system complexity, for example chemical reactions in separation process.

Skills outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Problem solving & analytical skills.
b. Technical skills.

Syllabus

Separations: Multi-component distillation; Azeotropic and extractive distillation; Concentrated and reactive absorption.
Separating heterogeneous mixtures (unit operations); Separations in water treatment and biochemical processes (filtration, RO, membranes and adsorption, electrophoresis/electrodialysis).
Solids Processing: Particle size sizing and reduction; Fluidisation; Hydrocyclone; Mixing and segregation; Granulation; Powder flow; Storage and transport.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 15 2 30
Seminar 15 1 15
Private study hours 155
Total Contact hours 45
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided during lectures and weekly tutorial sessions, with additional general feedback given after the computer cluster examination in the winter semester.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment Test 1 - Multi-phase separation 10
In-course Assessment Test 2 - Solids processing 10
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 20

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 1.0 Hrs Mins 10
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 2.0 Hrs Mins 70
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 80

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

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