Kemiantekniikka - Chemical Engineering

On this course, the student will learn about the study methods applied in the Biorefineries degree program, modern learning theories, effective on-line learning strategies and tools for personal goal setting. 

Definition of PMT substances; sources and occurrence of PMT chemicals in the environment; human health risk assessment, analytical methods and removal strategies for PMT substances; regulatory measures for controlling PMT substances.

Planning, implementation, and reporting a research project related to the water treatment process. The project includes a planning experimental laboratory work, conducting experimental work in the lab, analyzing the results and reporting (written and oral). Lectures and seminar related to the project work are included. The lectures are planned during weeks 37 to 41 and the laboratory experiments, which will be conducted in Mikkeli will be carried out during week 46 (group work). The info about project work will be given later on the course Moodle page after discussing with companies and research groups.

Biological wastewater treatment methods, professional terminology, built-up ecosystem, desired metabolism and reactor types, selection of microbes and enrichment, influence of temperature and other conditions on above-mentioned factors, basic knowledge on the biological methods used in removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment, process alternatives and technologies, designing and operating modes of processes, controlling and optimization of processes, novel technologies, recovery of valuable products from waste originating (secondary raw materials) raw materials, aerobic and anaerobic technologies in the treatment of sewage sludges and organic wastes.

Learning the various kinds and properties of conventional and advanced water treatment technologies, including, but not limited to, membrane technology, advanced oxidation processes, nanotechnology, electro-chemical processes, adsorption, ion exchange, etc. Knowing the pros and cons, and R&D prospects for each advanced technology. Reinforcing the acquired knowledge with “catchy” case studies from the biorefining and water treatment industries, targeting efficient municipal/industrial water/wastewater treatment and resources recovery. Including the economic factor and the environmental footprint of those advanced technologies, to their pollution removal efficiency. Providing the necessary tools to effectively deal with various environmental issues and industrial challenges using advanced water treatment technologies, in single or integrated approaches.

The course covers recent topics in chemical engineering related to energy transformation, including generation of renewable hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, E-fuels, Power-to-X processes, and carbon neutral products and processes.

Circular economy and resource efficiency are important aspect in sustainable development within the industry. The course aim is that students gain the skills needed to ensure that circular economy concepts become adopted into the design, development and operation of mainly metal production processes, during its application, end-of-life stage and recycling.Students carry out project works in groups. The topics are from industry, for example side stream processing in metal and steel producing industry, circular economy, eco-design. Different aspects are emphasized in different projects, depending on the topic.

Membrane processes (micro-, ultra- and nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, pervaporation, gas separation, etc.). Manufacturing membranes, membrane materials and structures, phenomena in membrane processes (fouling, concentration polarisation, etc.). Modules. Separation mechanisms. Characterisation of membranes. Applications.

Statistical data-analysis tool for critical process parameters identification using (MODDE-PRO) software: theory&practice, trouble-shooting cases, experimental plan. Week 36-37 Statistical analysis basic principles and terms related to analysis. Exercises related to subject Data regression and model evaluation, trouble-shooting example. Exercises related to subject Design of Experiments. Exercises related to subject Optimization and Model robustness. Exercises related to subject Applying statistical analysis model to explaining physico-chemical phenomena. Exercises related to subject Integration of Process simulation software (ASPEN+) and statistical analysis based correlations (MODDE). The case of water purification plant simulation. Exercises related to subject.

The projects are carried out in groups of five students. The topics are mainly from industry and the design work is done under supervision of industrial partners. The main focus is on energy transition related processes, i.e. carbon capture and utilization, hydrogen economy, and Power-to-X processes, but topics from chemical industry in general, waste treatment and processing, bioprocesses, metal processing, and circular economy, are also possible. A typical topic starts with product analysis covering a brief market survey, comparison of process alternatives, preliminary process design (process flow diagram, mass and energy balances, sizing of main equipment, lay-out, cost and profitability estimation). Different aspects are emphasized in different projects, depending on the topic.

– Chemical and physical properties, determination of chemical components in process simulation- Property estimation methods – Chemical process material and energy balances, sizing, costing and economical evaluation – Process performance analysis, process evaluation and optimization– Chemical process synthesis, Biorefinery process synthesis: objectives and steps – Simulation strategies for Power-to-X chemicals syntheses, transitions from CO2 and H2 – Synthesis of separation sequences – Energy integration in process design.

Course will be divided in two parts: Part I: Solution Chemistry (2 cr): Ideal, ideally dilute, and real solutions. The Debye-Hückel theory for electrolyte solutions. Pitzer equations for real electrolyte solutions. Equilibrium in electrolyte solutions. (1. period) Part II: Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (3 cr): Conductivity and capacitance. Electrolysis cells and galvanic cells. Potential differences across Liquid junctions. Basics of electrochemical analysis. Electrochemical energy storage: Batteries and fuel cells. Electrodes and electrode reactions. Electrode kinetics: Current-voltage characteristics of charge-transfer reactions. Reaction order. Two laboratory works included (can be conducted remotely with help of videos) (2. period) Student can conduct only Part I or both parts.

This course includes the use of scientific databases to find research results and knowledge including critical source assessment. The students will make individual or group workshops on selected research topics where they find knowledge of what is known today. They will learn to search the knowledge gap to propose research objectives, to identify promising scientific methods, and to plan for research. Students will learn to process the results to check the reliability of their results and their research hypothesis. Finally, the course will help to present the research results in presentation, thesis, or peer reviewed scientific journals. 

In the course it is told how to work safely in laboratory and which risks you should notice. In addition the chemical handling chain is explained and material safety data sheets are read. Different personal protection equipment are shown and how to choose them. The action in emergency and exceptional situations are handled as well as the roles and responsibilities of personnel in organization are discussed.

During the course the student will learn about the relevant instructions affecting his/her studies and how to generate a personal study plan. The student will familiarize him/herself with the relevant staff of his/her degree programme and with the services provided by e.g. the Library, Study Services and Career Services.

The thesis is a research or design project. Students must demonstrate the ability to complete the project independently and following a plan. A report is prepared following the LUT instructions for the Master's thesis.

Kurssilla käydään läpi: Biojalostamoiden merkitys yhteiskunnalle ja elinkeinoelämälle, sekä esimerkkejä erillaisita biojalostaloista Suomessa ja ulkomailla -Yleisimmät raaka-aineet Suomessa ja ulkomailla, sisältäen myös yleiset sivutuotteet mm. metsäteollisuudesta -Eri kuitutuotteiden valmistusprosessit, mm. perinteinen sellu sekä tekstiilikuidut - Hemisellullosa ligniini ja hiilutuoteiden valmistusprosessit - Biopolttoaineiden valmistusprosessit ja muutamien kemikaakaalien valmistusprosessit  

Suunnittelun lähtötiedot. Prosessisuunnittelun perusteet, metodiikka, vaiheet ja sisältö. Prosessisynteesi ja –analyysi. Prosessikaaviot. Laitesuunnittelu. Materiaalivalinnan perusteet. Sijoitussuunnittelu. Kustannus- ja kannattavuusarviointi. Projektitoiminta.

Kurssi antaa perustiedot tyypillisimmistä kemiantekniikan yksikköoperaatioista ja niiden mitoituksesta. Yksikköoperaatioista käsitellään askelprosessit yleisesti, absorptio, strippaus, tislaus, uutto, liuotus, ja haihdutus, sekä näihin prossesseihin liittyvät tasapainotilat.

Neljä pareittain tehtävää laboratoriotyötä: kaksi mekaanisiin ja kaksi termisiin yksikköprosesseihin liittyvää työtä.