James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

EG1010 - Process Engineering

Subject Description

Introduction to chemistry, systems, sustainability, the chemical process industry and related chemical concepts. Topics covered include: Introduction to the periodic table, atoms, ions, elements, valency. Molecules, chemical bonds and the chemical formulae. The mole, units of mass, volume and concentration. Types and properties of materials: solids, liquids and gases. The ideal gas law. Chemical reactions: stoichiometry, conversion, yield, limiting reactant, oxidation and reduction. Mass balances with and without reaction, degrees of freedom analysis, definition of basis, phase equilibrium, element cycles, and chemical processes with recycle and purge. Examples an applications discussed include: environmental systems (N, P and C cycles), climate change, chemical process unit operations (evaporators, mixers, filters, reactors), tropical and local industries (sugar, ethanol, copper, nickel, aluminium), other chemical process industries such as petrochemical, agricultural, medical and mineral processing applications.

Learning Outcomes

• define key physical and chemical properties or reactions from tables and graphs
• identify a symbolic description of mass flows throughout a chemical or physical process
• calculate conservation of mass equations related to reactive and non-reactive systems
• analyse element cycles, climate change and interactions between environmental and engineered systems

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 2 - (10%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  This subject requires prior knowledge of Senior Mathematics B or MA1020 (or equivalent) OR Senior Mathematics C.

Availabilities