CHAPTER 1: MOLE BALANCE
Mole balance? It may sound easy but it is really a complicated and huge theory I'd say. In this chapter I came across different chemical species and various types of reactors. Those reactors are batch, PFR, CSTR, PBR. I’ve learned that PFR and CSTR solely depends on volume whereas CSTR depends on the weight of catalyst. Also, higher conversion needs higher residence time. Besides, in CSTR there is a term called concentration changes “magically” but in PFR concentration varies gradually. Furthermore, we were asked to write those relevant key points on sticky notes and paste on the white board to make up a simple mind map. I really enjoyed this activity as it refreshed my mind on what I’ve learned in previous classes. Adding to that, the best part of all was coming out with a application based on a specific reactor. My groupmates and I chose PBR on ammonia removal in wastewater. Lastly, I had the chance to derive design equation and explained to my friend and vice versa. It helped me a lot in recalling since I have bad memory.
CHAPTER 2: CONVERSION & REACTOR SIZING
This is my favourite chapter so far. It discusses about the reactor design meaning the the best arrangement of reactors to be used in industries, reducing the volume and cost friendly. In most of the cases, I realised the CSTR followed by PFR could be the best combo to achieve the above objective. Similar to chapter 1 we did the mind map thingy again to recall whatever we have learned. This could be one of best methods of revising. The most challenging part was all were given the past final year questions on chapter 2, dividing us into few expert groups. In that group, I had opportunity to brainstorm my ideas and solution with other peers efficiently. We were instructed to present our solutions in the next class. And not forgetting the online quiz. I got to admit that my teammates and I had a tough time answering them as the internet connection was not stable enough. Overall it was a good lecture day with some awesome activities.
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CHAPTER 3: RATE LAW & STOICHIOMETRY
From this chapter 3, I’ve learned on how to define rate law, reaction order and stoichiometry as well as sset up stoichiometric table. I’m also capable of applying the concept of stoichiometry, reaction order and rate law to solve reaction engineering related problems like designing a reactor system. Furthermore, I’m pretty aware on how specifically differentiate and set up stoichiometric table for both batch and flow reactor. During the learning process, I’ve faced hardship on setting up the stoichiometric table itself. Therefore, I was left behind and couldn’t catch up on the lecture. Later on, I decided to seek my friend’s guidance. Praise the lord, I have gotten better understanding from her teaching. Also, I watched YouTube videos pertaining this chapter as well as more exercises. At the end, I mastered this topic pretty well. Practice makes perfect, I’d say.
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CHAPTER 4: ISOTHERMAL REACTOR DESIGN
This chapter 4, I learned about how to describe the CRE algorithm that allows the reader to solve chemical reaction engineering problems through logic rather than memorization as well as the size batch reactors, semi batch reactors, CSTRs, PFRs and PBRs for isothermal operation given the rate law and feed conditions. Initially I found this chapter quite hard to understand, but slowly I managed to understand the concept as well as its theory. Moreover, I had to search for more exercise to adequate myself with the sufficient knowledge pertaining this chapter. In future, I must consult the lecturer if I have any doubts regarding the topic as they can provide better exposure and also clarification.
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CHAPTER 5: COLLECTION & ANALAYSIS OF RATE DATA
In this chapter, I was taught on how to determine the reaction order and specific reaction rate from experimental data and how to decide the most suitable type of analysis technique for a particular problem. There are few methods to rectify any problems which integral method of analysis and differential method of analysis. To enhance our knowledge on this topic we were give a set of questions and we were allowed to exchange ideas and solution with other groups. This really helped me because I’ve gained pretty much knowledge from my peers which I was lacking of. Lastly, in order to boost my level of understanding I have to do more practice like past year and tutorial questions.
PBL CYCLE 1
PBL 1 was really an interesting activity as were asked to design our own question based on certain problem and criteria. We were supposed to design to highly standardised questions together with the solution as well. Thank god, we were guided step by step so that we wouldn’t feel stressed up. All the sufficient and required material were provided to ease our burden. Furthermore, it was still hard for us we go to follow the Bloom Taxonomy (Level 4-6) to produce questions which have Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). It was really mind cracking challenge I’d say. We even had peer teaching session to clarify our doubts. We had to change from few questions to new ones as we couldn’t figure the relevant data and solution. We never give up, kept trying over and over. Eventually, we made it, like seriously 2 questions with full solutions created by US.
CHAPTER 6: MULTIPLE REACTIONS
In chapter 6, I was able to iidentify, and explain the four different types of multiple reactions as wells as explain the difference between selectivity and yield. I also capable of applying the concept of selectivity in choosing the best reactor system that minimizes the unwanted side reactions for parallel reactions for one reactant, parallel reactions for two reactants and series reaction. Apart from using provided source of materials, I also utilized online kits like videos, tutorial and many more to further strengthen my knowledge. It helped me throughout my learning process as I find it’s one of the effective ways to learn about something in depth. I felt really satisfied and happy upon completing and mastering this chapter. In coming days, I will do better in terms of gaining the knowledge.
CHAPTER 8: STEADY STATE NON ISOTHERMAL REACTOR DESIGN
In chapter 8, I learned about explaining the importance of energy balance in designing reactors and also applying the concept of energy balance to reactor design for both adiabatic reaction and reaction involving heat exchange. I can also evaluate the optimum conversion in reactors where chemical equilibrium is the limitations. This is a quite challenging chapter I’d say. I was quite worried as I didn’t understand a single thing about this chapter. I had seek to my friend’s guidance to rectify mu problems and clarification. Apart from that, it gave me the courage not to give up easily and do whatever it takes. Then, I had to improvise my studying method I decided to have a quick glance before the class itself. Trust me, it did helped me every way. I was able to answer the quiz given on my own although all weren’t correct. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t give up and strive for excellence in future.