Phase Equilibria and Separations

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The principles of phase and chemical equilibria are defined and used in the solution of chemical engineering problems. Example problems are drawn from the grand challenges that require input from chemical engineers to be addressed: developing sustainable chemical manufacturing and energy generation processes, engineering better medicines, lowering pharmaceutical manufacturing costs, and designing sustainable materials. This course demonstrates the application of the principles of phase equilibria to the design and characterization of stagewise separation processes. Both graphical and rigorous numerical techniques are used, and the general procedures applicable to many specific processes are emphasized. Example separation problems are drawn from the need to manage emissions into the environment, to meet society's demand for clean drinking water, and to produce low cost therapeutics, among several other relevant challenges.