CENG 301

Material and Energy Balances

Fall 2003

Design Project

 

Objectives

This design project will help you learn how to:

  • analyze a typical chemical engineering process;
  • solve mass/energy balance problems for a complicated process using appropriate software;
  • evaluate the effectiveness and cost of various options for controlling air pollution; and
  • work with other students as a team.

 

Groups

The group assignments are given here.

 

Assignment

  • Design a scrubber that uses limestone to remove sulfur dioxide from power plant flue gases (Felder and Rousseau, Chapter 14).
  • A schematic diagram of the scrubber is given here.
  • Calculate the cost of fuel and limestone per kWhr of produced electircity.
  • Finally, evaluate the effectiveness and cost of conservation measures for further reducing the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

Data:

  • Each group must use the coal and conservation option specified in the assignment table.
  • The average properties and other data for the two coals, as well as the data for evaluating the conservation measures are given here.
  • Check the Q&A page for answers to frequently asked questions.

Timetable:

  1. First report: Problems 14.1-14.10
    Due date: October 31 , 2003 at 5:00 PM
  2. Second report: Problems 14.11-14.20
    Due date: November 14, 2003 at 5:00 PM
  3. Final report: Parts 14.1-14.20, cost estimation, and results for the electricity conservation
    Due date: December 5, 2003 at 5:00 PM.

    Each group should turn in one joint report.

 

Presentations:

On December 1, 3 and 5, each group will give a 15-minute presentation on your work. The presentation should include (but is not restricted to):

  • Background on electrical power generation (e.g. pros and cons of using coal-fired power-plants).
  • Main components of power plant and scrubber. How important are SO2 scrubbers?
  • Important results from your calculations (e.g. amount of coal and limestone needed, flow rates of key streams, cost of fuel and limestone per kWhr of produced electircity, etc.).
  • The effectiveness and cost of the electricity conservation method you worked on.

 
Life-Saving Tips:

  • Start as early as you can!
  • Divide the work (calculations, search for necessary information, preparation of the reports, presentation etc.) among the group members and cooperate closely with each other.
  • Do your work on the computer (using Excel, Matlab or whatever software you like) so that if you change an input parameter (e.g. the feed rate of air to the furnace), all the calculations will be re-done automatically. This will save you a lot of time!
  • Check out the Q&A page frequently for answers to some of the typical questions on this project. This may help you to avoid the mistakes other students have made.
  • Complete and turn in the parts of the report (one for each group) on time!
     

Grading:

  • Report : 60% of the total score
    Each group must turn in one report in which you should clearly show your steps in solving each problem and mark your answers with rectangles. Clearly identify the sources of all physical or chemical properties (e.g. vapor pressure of water at 53 C) used for your calculations. See the Q&A page for more detailed requirements on the format of the final report.
  • Presentation: 20% of the total score
    Each presentation will be graded by the instructors and the TA's for both content and presentation style.
  • Team Evaluation: 20% of the total score
    This portion of the grade will depend on the score each student receives from the other members of her/his team. This score should reflect the relative contribution of each team member to the common effort. Each student should fill out a Team Evaluation Form and turn it in with the final report of her/his team. The instructor or TA may meet with individuals whose scores vary widely to understand the reasons for the discrepancy and assign the final grade.

 

Teaching Assistants:

 

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