Particle Mechanics and Processing (CHEN90018)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
AIMS
This subject covers many of the aspects related to powder and suspension processing. Initially, the student learns how to describe particles and systems of particles in terms of size, shape and distribution, followed by understanding the basic mechanics of fluid flow around particles. This knowledge is used as the basis for designing unit operations associated with powders and suspensions, including particle classification, particle breakage (comminution) and agglomeration, solid-liquid separation through filtration, centrifugation and thickening, packed beds and fluidisation, flotation and powder storage in hoppers.
The combination and variety of topics in this subject provides students with an appreciation of particulate processing. This knowledge is vital for numerous industries including (but not limited to) mineral processing, potable water treatment, wastewater treatment, food and pharmaceuticals.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Particle size and measurement of particle size, shape factors, differential and cumulative distributions, mean size, median size and surface area
- Generalised description of separation and classification efficiency based on particle size, density and composition. Hydrocyclones, screens and data reconciliation for particulate separators, including the two product formula
- Comminution, Bond work index, matrix description of size reduction and milling circuit simulation, comminution circuits and liberation of particles from composite particles
- Flow properties of solids, design of bins and hoppers, mass and channel flow
- Solid-liquid separation including flocculation processes, gravity sedimentation, clarification, thickening and pressure filtration
- Motion of particles in fluids, fluidisation, minimum fluidisation velocity and bed expansion, flow of fluids through granular beds.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student is expected to:
- Be able to describe particles and systems of particles and appreciate the flow behaviour of particulate materials
- Design unit operations associated with particulate powders and slurries common to the materials, food, water, pharmaceuticals and minerals processing industries
- Appraise different proposals for unit operations in comminution and particle liberation, particle separation, hopper flow, solid-liquid separation
- Be able to design unit operations involving fluidisation and flow through packed beds
Generic skills
- Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution through application of knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
- Capacity for independent thought
- Awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline
- Ability and self confidence to comprehend complex concepts, to express them lucidly and to confront unfamiliar problems.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Either ENGR30001 Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (Prior to 2013) or
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGR30002 | Fluid Mechanics |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
and ONE OF the following subjects (or an equivalent approved by the subject coordinator):
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
OR:
Admission into Master of Engineering 200 point program (Chemical or Biochemical)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 10 x weekly online quizzes worth 10 marks each (10% total). Each quiz reinforces the week’s lectures and address Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 4. Assessed within weeks 2 to 11
- One written experimental report not exceeding 1000 words (10%), requiring approximately 13-15 hours of work, based on the 3 hour practical experiment. Due in week 12. ILOs 1, 2 and 4 are addressed in the practical.
- One written assignment not exceeding 1000 words (10%) due during Week 9, requiring approximately 13 - 15 hours of work. ILOs 3 and 4 are addressed in the assignment
- One written closed book end-of-semester examination (70%). ILOs 1 to 4 are addressed in the exam.
Hurdle requirement: A mark of 40% or more in the end of semester examination is required to pass the subject
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Anthony Stickland Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 2 hour lecture and 2 x 1 hour lectures + 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week + 1 x 3 hour practical Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019 Last self-enrol date 15 March 2019 Census date 31 March 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 10 May 2019 Assessment period ends 28 June 2019 Semester 1 contact information
Dr Anthony Stickland
Email: stad@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
Estimated 200 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS
The subject is delivered through a combination of lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, online quizzes and a practical experiment. The tutorials include aspects of student-centred learning. Regular online quizzes are used to assist student progress and understanding. Students also complete an assignment which reinforces the material covered in lectures.
INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES
Students have online access to lecture slides and lecture recordings through the subject LMS site. The site also contains tutorials and worked solutions.
The key texts for the subject are:
- Rhodes, M.J., 1998, Introduction to Particle Technology, Wiley, Chichester
- Coulson, J.M. and Richardson, J.F., 1991,Chemical Engineering, vol 2, 4th Ed, Particle Technology and Separation Processes, Pergamon Press, Oxford
- Kelly, E.G. and Spottiswood, D.J., 1989, Introduction to Mineral Processing, John Wiley and Sons
CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS
The knowledge gained through this subject is crucial to the career of a process engineer, since 75% of chemical manufacturing processes involve small particles at some point in the process. This subject is vital for students wishing to progress to jobs in engineering design offices and in operational roles within a wide range of industries including minerals processing, water and wastewater treatment, paints and coatings, food processing and ceramics to name just a few.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Ph.D.- Engineering Course Master of Philosophy - Engineering Course Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering Specialisation (formal) Chemical Specialisation (formal) Chemical with Business Specialisation (formal) Biochemical - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022