Page 59 - Separation process engineering

Solving Skills,” Engineering Education, 66 (3), 238 (Dec. 1975).

Homework

A. Discussion Problems
A1. Return to your successful solution of a fairly difficult problem in one of your previous technical
courses (preferably chemical engineering). Look at this solution but from the point of view of the

process used to solve the problem instead of the technical details. Did you follow a structured
method? Most people don’t at first. Did you eventually do most of the steps listed? Usually, the
define, explore, plan, and do it steps are done sometime during the solution. Rearrange your
solution so that these steps are in order. Did you check your solution? If not, do that now. Finally,
try generalizing your solution.
A2. Without returning to the book, answer the following:

a. Define a unit operation. Give a few examples.
b. What is the equilibrium stage concept?

c. What are the steps in the systematic problem solving approach? Explain each step in your own
words.
A3. The equilibrium stage concept

a. is a hypothetical construct.

b. assumes that phases leaving the stage are in equilibrium.
c. is useful even when phases are not in equilibrium.
d. all of the above.

A4. If you have studied heat transfer, relate Eq. (1-4) to the similar basic definition of heat transfer by
conduction and convection.

A5. Do you satisfy the prerequisites? If not, how can you remedy this situation?
A6. Develop a key relations chart (one page or less) for this chapter. A key relations chart is a
summary of everything you need to solve problems or answer questions from the chapter. In
general, it will include equations, sketches, and key words. Organize it in your own way. The
purpose of developing a key relations chart is to force your brain to actively organize the material.
This will greatly aid you in remembering the material.

B. Generation of Alternatives
B1. List as many products and how they are purified or separated as you can. Go to a large
supermarket and look at some of the household products. How many of these could you separate?
At the end of this course you will know how to purify most of the liquid products.

B2. Some separation methods are common in homes in the United States. Most of these are concerned
with water treatment. List the separations that you are familiar with and briefly describe how you
think they work.

B3. The body uses several membrane separation methods. List as many of these as you can and
describe how you think they work.
B4. Separation operations are very common in chemistry laboratories. List the separations that you
employed in various chemistry labs.

C. Derivations