F/QAP/021/001

College of Engineering
Name of the programme BEng Process Operations and Maintenance
Name of Module with Code Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics and Reaction
Kinetics, M3H824741
Level/Semester & AY Level 3, Semester B, 2021 - 2022
Course coordinator Dr Saravanan A M
Coursework Type Assignment
Assessment weightage 30%
Type and date of submission Online submission on 2nd May 2022

Aim To provide an understanding of the underlying principles of

Thermodynamics and reaction kinetics required for a
process engineer.
Learning Outcomes 1. Explain and analyse isothermal, isobaric, isochoric,
isentropic and cyclic processes for an ideal gas.
2. Analyse steam power and refrigeration cycles.
3. Analyse the reaction kinetics and behaviour of
reactors under various operating conditions to find
the rate expression.
4. Explain suitable applications of chemical reactors
relevant to process industries and analyse the
appropriate criteria for reactor selection.

Task

Answer all the Questions

Note : Each student will be given different data to perform the CW individually.

1. Consider an ideal gas undergoing a series of three operations as given below:

a) The gas is heated at constant volume from 300 K and 1 bar to a pressure
of 2 bar.
b) It is expanded in a reversible adiabatic process to a pressure of 1 bar.
c) It is cooled at constant pressure of 1 bar to 300 K.

Determine the heat and work effects for each step. Assume Cp = 29.3 kJ/ kmol K.

[25 marks]

Solution:

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2. Thermodynamics is the study of the relations between heat, work, temperature, and
energy. The laws of thermodynamics describe how the energy in a system change and
whether the system can perform useful work on its surroundings. Choose any
equipment or unit in the process plant which undergoes the thermodynamics changes.
Highlight the (1) importance, (2) thermodynamically features of the unit and (3) define a
numerical problem along with appropriate solution with suitable assumption. (1500
words).
[25 marks]

3. Plug flow reactors, mixed flow reactors and Batch reactors are widely used in chemical
and process industries. Select any one among these reactors and derive the design
equation with appropriate assumptions and a neat diagram. Also discuss the pros and
cons of these reactors and suggest a suitable one for the production of ethanol.
[1500 words]

[25 marks]

4. a) A reversible process is never attained in practice. It can only be approached. What

are the factors that make this statement true ? [250 words] [5
marks]

b) Mixtures of n-heptane (A) and n-Octane (B) are expected to behave ideally. The total
pressure over the system is 101.3 kPa. Using the vapour pressure data given below (a)
construct the boiling point diagram and (b) equilibrium diagram.

Temperature 371.4 378 383 388 393 398.6

(K)
PA, kPa 101.3 125.3 140.0 160.0 179.9 205.3
PB, kPa 44.4 55.6 64.5 74.8 86.6 101.3

[20 marks]

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Instructions

1. Please note that suggestions for further readings related to the theory part are contained
within the module handbook. These reading lists are not exhaustive and candidates are
encouraged to read further to expand their understanding and knowledge of operating
parameters involved in the lab exercises.
2. Plagiarism is a serious offence. In case of any plagiarism detected, penalty will be
imposed leading to zero mark. Policy and guidelines for dealing with plagiarism and
malpractice in examination can be viewed by clicking:
http://coeportal.nu.edu.om/member/contentdetails.aspx?id=490
3. The course work shall be subject to plagiarism software check before uploading in
Blackboard.
4. Course work should be submitted in time. Late submission is subjected to the college
guidelines on late submission of coursework and can be viewed by clicking:
http://coeportal.nu.edu.om/member/contentdetails.aspx?id=565
5. Name, student identification to be written clearly and legibly on the cover page to be
uploaded by online in the Blackboard.

SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK
The coursework should be submitted online through the Blackboard. For online
submission and evaluation, word document file with appropriate cover page mentioning
the name of the students, student number and title of the course work should be
uploaded using the submission link created and made available by the Course Leader.
The Safe assign report should be attached to the submitted work. Marks will be awarded
to each student individually.

Marking scheme

Question Description Weightage Total weightage

No (%) (%)

1 Understanding of the problem with suitable 10% 25

steps
Detailed solution with final answer 15%
2 Importance and Thermodynamical features 15%
Problem interpretation, identification of data 10% 25
and solution
3 Understanding of ideal reactor and 15%
performing design equations 25
Comparison of ideal reactors and suggestion 10%
with rationale
4(a) Understanding of the problem with suitable 10% 5
steps
Detailed solution with final answer 10%
4(b) Justification with examples 5% 20

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Total 100% 100 marks

Referencing

Harvard Referencing (CCE Style) First Edition 2013 should be followed for both in-text and
listing references. This downloadable document can be found in our CCE portal at:
http://coeportal.nu.edu.om/member/contentdetails.aspx?id=693

Name and Signature of Module leader

Dr Saravanan Date: 16th February 2022

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