REACTION ENGINEERING REFLECTIONS
Chapter 1: Mole Balance
Chapter 1 deals with mole balances equations for different types of reactor, which are the batch reactor, CSTR, PFR and PBR. Prior to the class, we are given two lecture videos to be watched before entering the class. I was amazed with this new type of learning, which is the flipped classroom. During the class, we were asked to write down the keywords in Chapter 1 in sticky notes. Then, a mind map was created by pasting our keywords on the whiteboard. This activity allowed me to refresh my mind and recall whatever I had learnt in the chapter. Later on, we did a presentation on the application of reactor in daily life. For my group, we had chosen PBR as the reactor and removal of ammonia from wastewater as the application. At the end of the chapter, I was able to differentiate all 4 types of reactor. In conclusion, I find that this new teaching and learning method, not only encourages interaction of me with my classmates, but also helps me to grasp the knowledge of the subject better. To improve myself in my studies, I will always search for extra information from the web. I will also do a recap and revision to strengthen my understanding.
Chapter 2: Conversion and Reactor Sizing
Chapter 3: Rate Law and Stoichiometry
In Chapter 3, I had learnt about how to construct a stoichiometric table for a batch system and flow system. I also learnt how to write rate law expression after determining whether the reaction is elementary or non-elementary. For me, I found this chapter quite challenging compared to the first two chapters. Although the concept of the stoichiometric table looks simple, but sometimes I tends to mess up and make mistakes. Even for the test, I also did not have lot of confidence in my answers. But after much explanation in the lecture and gone through practice problems, I started to grab the concept and knowledge of the chapter. Again, we applied jigsaw method when solving exam questions about Chapter 3. I felt lucky that I have a bunch of friends who are willing to teach me. They did enlighten my difficulties in understanding the chapter. There was also a session whereby we were asked to construct a mindmap on the chapter and did a gallery work to evaluate and comment on other team's mindmap. I felt happy that I did point out some of the information lacking in other group's mindmap. This proved that I did make improvement compared to initially. To conclude, I realise that we should not be shy in asking people question to solve our doubts. To improve myself in my studies, I will do more research on the chapter and prepare my own notes for my understanding. I also learn not to be shy in voicing out our doubts to my peers or even the lecturer.
Chapter 4: Isothermal Reactor Design and PBL Cycle 1
In Chapter 4, I had learnt how to combine the knowledge on mole balance, rate law and stoichiometry to design equations. I had learnt how to make use of Damkohler number in the design of CSTR. I also learnt how to get the rate constant and relate it to the design of PFR. At first, I was quite confused when I had a look at the derivation and mathematical calculations. However, after several practices with my friends, I was able to grasp the concepts and calculations. I feel really happy when I was able to solve one question individually.
In the PBL Cycle 1, we were asked to design two high order final exam style questions related to Chapter 4. One question was related to design of PFR and another question was related design of CSTR in series. I was really nervous as I was still not familiarized with the topics in Chapter 4. It took me some time to fully understand the chapter before moving on to design the questions. In the process of designing questions, much conflicts had been happened in reaching the final decision. All people in the team had different opinions. There were times when I felt frustrated when we discover some mistakes or imperfection in the question and answer created. This made us recheck and redo the particular question again. After the finalized question and answer was created, I really felt happy as my group had finally made it after nights of working. Even though there might be some imperfection in our work, but we had tried our best. Throughout PBL Cycle 1, I understood the important factors that lead to successful creation of the finalized question and answer. I understood that patience and determination are the main things we need in the process of doing this PBL. Overall, this first experience in PBL is good as I really learnt to think critically in study and it also enhances the relationship among the group mates. For the next PBL, I think I will make early preparations on understanding the topics before I start the project.
Chapter 5: Collection and Analysis of Rate Data
In Chapter 5, I had learnt two different methods to analyze rate data namely the differential and integral methods. The differential method can be divided into 3 different methods which are the graphical, finite difference and polynomial approach. The integral method is a trial and error method to determine the reaction order and rate constant of the reaction. Apart from that, I had also learnt how to convert a reactor into a differential reactor. For this chapter, Dr Tazli had organized a fishbowl discussion in the class. Each of the group had to send a representative or fish to the middle of the forum to discuss about the question assigned. During the discussion, I volunteered myself as the fish representing my group to discuss with other fishes. I felt really happy because I was given such a chance to present my ideas and get knowledge from my friends from othe group. I also felt comfortable to share out my ideas among a group of my friends. We evaluated and assessed all the solutions given by each of the fish and decided the best solution. The good experience I got from this fishbowl discussion was that I was able to realize the mistakes I made from my own attempt on the question. I also found out that this fishbowl discussion allowed me to get more points to strengthen my explanation part in my answers for the questions. In my opinion, some of the students in the class can't really get full benefits from the activitiy as only the person who did the question and involved in discussion will get the full benefits from the activity. In conclusion, I found out that this fishbowl discussion really can help me to understand the content of Chapter 5 thoroughly. I also think that fishbowl discussion can be done more than once in the semester. In the future or in other course, I will always volunteered myself to participate in a discussion as I find it is the best way to improve my understanding on the topic.
Chapter 6: Multiple Reactions
In Chapter 6, I had learnt how to differentiate a series and parallel reaction. Apart from that, I had also learnt how to maximize the yield and selectivity of a reaction. I found this chapter was quite difficult when compared to the previous chapter and this chapter was the main coverage for the PBL2 this semester. I felt really scared and confused when I read through the lecture notes since there are many cases in maximizing the yield and selectivity of reaction. I also felt nervous because I was told that the duration to finish PBL2 was just three weeks. This means that I had to master the topic as soon as possible. I found out a few ways to master the topic which are through the textbook, online learning and ask for senior guidance. I tried and evaluated each of the ways and I found out that online learning was the best method to master the topic. In the YouTube channel, there were many videos related to multiple reactions and they really help me to understand the topics well. I am truly happy by using this method, it solves a lot of doubts of mine. In conclusion, I realised that in order to understand the topic well, I had to put in more effort. In the future or in other courses during the next semester, I will also apply online learning as part of my study because from there, I really get some extra information for my better understanding.
Chapter 8: Steady State Non-isothermal Reactor Design
In Chapter 8, I had learnt how to apply energy balance in designing a non-isothermal reactor. It also refreshed my mind on how to calculate the heat of reaction which was important for the designing equation. I also learnt to evaluate the design equation for a chemical reactors when temperature varies along the length of a PFR or when the heat is released from a CSTR. For me, I found this chapter was the most difficult chapter so far throughout the syllabus. I felt worried because I could not understand what Dr Tazli was teaching in the class. I felt nervous and scared because I could not grasp the idea behind the chapter and finals are just in two weeks time. However, I really felt grateful and happy as it was indeed a great experience to study deeply into reaction engineering. For me, I found that the main reason I could not grasp the idea of the topic is that I did not prepare before entering the class. I think maybe I have to study before enter the class so that I can at least have an overview of the lecture on that day. During the next class, I felt happy because after I study before entering the class, I was able to solve the questions given in the Socrative quiz and Kahoot competition. In conclusion, I realised that sufficient preparation before class is always important for me or even my coursemates. In the future or in other courses during the next semester, I will studied earlier prior to the lecture so that I can have a better understanding on what will be taught in class.