SEPARATION PROCESS II REFLECTIONS
Chapter 1 Evaporation and Chapter 2 Crystallization
In the first chapter, I had learnt the basic concepts and working principles of evaporation. I had learnt how to compare a single and multiple effect evaporator. I also learnt about the good and bad of both forward and backward feed evaporator. Most importantly, I could master the calculation part in this chapter which involves material and heat balance. In Chapter 2, I had learnt the formation of crystal, crystal theory and also material balance in crystallization. In the class, sometimes during the think share and pair activity, I felt a little nervous because I was not that prepared that time. My pairmate shared a lot to me and as a result everything went on well. This session allowed me to recap on what I had learnt in the previous lecture. I also quite excited for the Jigsaw method during tutorial because it was a new thing for me. It was different from any tutorial I had attended before. Also, I remembered there was a session which we all discussed about how temperature affects the size and yield of crystal. I felt a little disappointed for myself because I found that I was not that clear with the theory part of the separation process discussed. Not to forget the equipment assignment allowed me to acquire the skills of listening actively. After watching the videos, I learnt that when watching video, listening and interpretting the information inside are equally important. In order to improve myself in my studies, I think I should strengthen my knowledge on the theory part of the course. I think I will do more reading and more exercises for these chapters. I will also consult my friends and lecturer for better understanding.
Chapter 3 Drying and Chapter 4 Adsorption
In Chapter 3, I had learnt the basic principles of drying and its application. I had learnt how to make use of the humidity chart in solving problems related to drying. I had also learnt the types of drying region which are the constant drying and falling drying. Calculation of drying time and drying rate for both drying regions was also a knowlege I gained from Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, I had learnt the basic concepts of adsorption and the difference between adsorption and absorption. I also learnt about different adsorption isotherms and how to design both batch and fixed adsorption process. I had also studied on the concept of mass transfer zone. At the end of the chapter, I also learnt how to make use of the concentration profile diagram to determine breakpont time, height of bed and capacity of the bed. In the process of learning these chapters, I felt worried because I sometimes easily got distracted and could not fully paid attention during the lecture. As a result, I could not fully master the two chapters. To allow me to understand the chapters well, I had found out few ways which were online learning, reading from textbook and seeking guidance from friends. After trying and evaluating all the three ideas, I found out that online learning suited me the best. During my free time, I will search through the internet and search for related informations and videos to strengthen my understanding on the chapters. This method of learning really helps me a lot to grasp the idea of the two chapters. I also find it easy to clear my doubts in my studies. In conclusion, I realised that apart of attending the lecture, I had to do extra effort to allow me to have a better understanding. In the future, I will pay full attention during lecture and apply the same method which is online learning to master the topics taught better.
Chapter 5 Membrane Separation and Chapter 6 Mechanical-Physical Separation
In Chapter 5, I had learnt about the basic concepts of membrane separation and its application. I had also learnt how to solve questions related to liquid permeation and gas permeation. At the end of Chapter 5, I was also being taught how to solve problems related to reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration. Mechanical-Physical Separation was the last chapter in the Separation Process II syllabus. In this chapter, I had learnt the basic concept and equipments related to filtration, settling and centrifugation. I also learnt how to distinguish between free settling and hindered settling. Lastly, I was also able to perform calculations to solve problems related to mechanical-physical separation. During the class, we did all the examples together in the class. When I attempted the examples during the lecture, I felt happy because I was able to solve those examples. Although I found these two chapters were easy, I felt a little nervous and worried because finals were in two weeks time and I had to master these two chapters and also other chapters within the period. I searched for pass year questions and attempted some questions related to these two chapters. This method really helps me a lot to master these two chapters and help me to prepare for my coming final examination. I found out that by attempting pass year question, I was also able to familiarise with the style of questions asked in the final examination. In conclusion, I realised that lot of practices and exercises after the lecture will really help me to master the chapters better. In the future, I will for sure try again the same method which is attempting pass year questions to master the chapters better and to prepare for the final examination.