Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering

While various software packages have become quite useful for performing unit operations and other kinds of processes in chemical engineering, the fundamental theory and methods of calculation must also be understood in order to effectively test the validity of these packages and verify the results. Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering presents the most commonly used simulation software, along with the theory involved. It covers chemical engineering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material and energy balances, mass transfer operations, reactor design, and computer applications in chemical engineering.

Through this book, students learn:

• What chemical engineers do
• The functions and theoretical background of basic chemical engineering unit operations
• How to simulate chemical processes using software packages
• How to size chemical process units manually and with software
• How to fit experimental data
• How to solve linear and nonlinear algebraic equations as well as ordinary differential equations

Along with exercises and references, each chapter contains a theoretical description of process units followed by numerous examples that are solved step by step via hand calculations and computer simulation using Hysys/Unisim, PRO/II, Aspen Plus, and SuperPro Designer. Adhering to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria, the book gives students the tools needed to solve real problems involving thermodynamics and fluid-phase equilibria, fluid flow, material and energy balances, heat exchangers, reactor design, distillation, absorption, and liquid–liquid extraction.

Nayef Ghasem is an associate professor of chemical engineering at the United Arab Emirates University. A member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Chemical Society, Dr. Ghasem has published primarily in the areas of modeling and simulation, bifurcation theory, polymer reaction engineering, and advanced control of polyethylene and polystyrene polymerization processes.