Thermal and Separation Design (CHEN90042)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject aims to extend the fundamental concepts of mass transfer to cover unsteady state diffusion and mass transfer with reaction. These concepts are then applied to the design of membrane devices, distillation, gas absorption, solvent extraction and cooling tower systems. The fundamental concepts of heat transfer are also expanded to include natural convection and two-phase systems. These concepts are then applied to the design of heat exchangers and evaporator systems. Experience in the use of appropriate simulation packages such as HYSYS for distillation column and heat exchanger design are included.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

  • Describe the concepts of equilibrium stage and continuous contactor analysis and apply these concepts to distillation, gas absorption and solvent extraction problems
  • Apply the principles of mass transfer to solve advanced mass transfer problems, including those where mass transfer occurs simultaneously with reaction and in membrane separations
  • Assess quantitatively the performance of conventional distillation, gas absorption, membrane, solvent extraction and cooling tower equipment
  • Apply the principles of heat transfer to solve advanced heat transfer problems, particularly those involving two phase systems
  • Assess quantitatively the performance of heat exchanger and evaporation equipment
  • Design heat exchangers, cooling towers and separation equipment, using simulation software where relevant

Generic skills

  • Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
  • Understand the principles of sustainable design and development.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Required

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
CHEN30016 Momentum, Mass and Heat Transfer
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
No longer available

Recommended background knowledge

An undergraduate degree in science or engineering.

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.
 
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
 
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: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Written Assignment based on a laboratory class. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 3 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 6 - 8 hours
Week 65%

Written Assignment based on a laboratory class. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1,2, 3 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 6 - 8 hours
Week 95%

Written Assignment based on a laboratory class. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 3 and 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 6 - 8 hours
Week 125%

One written 90-minute test. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 2 and 3 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 90 minutes
From Week 5 to Week 715%

One written 3-hour closed-book end-of-semester exam. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 6 are addressed in this assessment.

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: The final exam must be passed to pass the subject.		During the examination period70%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorSandra Kentish
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours3× 1-hour lectures per week, 1 × 1-hour tutorial per week, 1 × 1- hour workshop per week, and 9 hours of laboratory work in one semester
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Professor Sandra Kentish

    Email: sandraek@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • 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.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025