Facts and figures
The programme at a glancePart of School
Programme information
What to expectAbout the programme
This programme focuses on two themes:
Green raw materials
Within the area of green raw materials, applied research is being conducted into the conversion of residual streams with a biological origin into high-quality products with the aim of making (existing) processes (more) sustainable. Main focus in this research is the design of the industrial production processes. In such a design you need to study on the required raw materials and products, the characteristic dimensions of required equipment and the economic feasibility of the process. In this programme the utilisation of second or higher generation technologies for the innovation has priority. This second generation technology uses lignocellulose-containing raw materials (for example residual flows from the food supply, such as wheat scrap, rapeseed scrap or soy scrap) to make products such as ethanol, ethylene, lactic acid or succinic acid.
Energy
The energy theme primarily focuses on the analysis of existing processes with the aim of reducing industrial energy consumption. The (petro)chemical industry is one of the largest energy consumers within the industrial complex of the Rotterdam port. Studying energy efficiency often leads to optimization and intensification of chemical processes and so-called "smart industry". On the basis of mass and energy balances, possible key points in the process are identified that have potential for energy savings. An optimisation proposal is made and energy saving techniques are proposed; this includes techniques such as insulation, leakage reduction, pinch technology, residual heat use, organic Rankine cycles and co-generation. In addition to technical feasibility, economic viability will also be taken into account within the research questions.
Method
The way we work at this programme:
The programme consists of four courses and two research projects. In the second phase of the programme, Mechanical Engineering students will join the courses. The courses are given in parallel with the execution of the research project that covers the entire semester. The research project is carried out in teams.
Type of assessment
Written exams (courses) and a final written report/assignment (research projects).
Learning outcomes
If you have successfully completed this exchange programme then you are able to:
- To develop process improvements that meets specifications and requirements.
- To make choices for process alternatives based on technical, economic and ethical considerations.
- To work in a customer-oriented manner in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Make improvement proposals for scaling up, designing and implementing innovative process installations.
Calendar
Study load / course selection
The research projects are mandatory (8 ECTS + 10 ECTS) for all students. The other courses and electives are optional.
Awarding
After completing your exchange programme at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, you will receive a:
- Transcript of records
Subjects
An indication of the subjects you can expectBlock 1
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Materials Science and Process Design (3 ECTS)
Materials Science and Process Design (3 ECTS)
Topics
- Process design
- Mechanical engineering
- Cost estimate
- Materials choice
- Equipment choice
- Process dimensions
Learning materials
Chemical Engineering Design, Fifth Edition, Coulson & Richardson (Ray Sinnott & Gavin Towler) 2009.
Learning outcomes
- Develop a global process design based on a given case, where various mechanical engineering design principles are extracted.
- Have knowledge of various mechanical engineering principles for process design and apply this in a practical design.
- Based on a thorough analysis, able to provide mechanical advice, both in writing and orally.
- Based on the developed design, able to make a global cost estimate for the mechanical engineering aspects.
Type of assessment
Report and pitch
-
Separation techniques (3 ECTS)
Separation techniques (3 ECTS)
Topics
- Distillation
- Absorption - Desorption
- Extraction
- Membrane Filtration
- Column sizing
Learning materials
Haan, de, A., & Bosch, H. (2013). Industrial Separation Processess (fundamentals). Eindhoven: De Gruyter.
Learning outcomes
- Able to make calculations for distillation binary mixtures. McCabe Thiele diagram, determination of minimum reflux and minimum number of stages and apply the Antoine equation.
- Able to make calculations for an absorption and desorption column. Apply Kremser equation. Determine the minimum gas and liquid flow.
- Able to make calculations for an extraction using ternary phase diagrams
- Able to calculate the volumetric distribution coefficient and overall mass transfer coefficient, number of overall transfer units, Murphree efficiency and the overall efficiency of a tray column and column design.
- Introduction of membrane filtration. Able to calculate retention, selectivity, permeability and osmotic pressure.
Type of assessment
Written exam
-
Research project phase 1 (8 ECTS)
Research project phase 1 (8 ECTS)
Topics
Conducting a proper research project on a specific topic.
Learning materials
To be announced.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a clear problem definition and work plan
- Conduct practical research aimed at solving the issue
- Distinguish main and side issues
- Apply knowledge and insight in the solution of a problem
- Approach a problem formulation from different angles
- Critically determine whether the experimental approach is relevant for the solution of the problem, based on the knowledge of expoerts and the scientific literature
- Take responsibility for the project and consult experts
- Support conclusions drawn from experimental results / simulations with documented experiments and literature sources
Type of assessment
Written report, interview, presentation
Block 2
-
Energy Analysis, Modelling and Optimisation Methods (3 ECTS)
Energy Analysis, Modelling and Optimisation Methods (3 ECTS)
Topics
- Energy and mass balance
- Reduction CO2 output
- Pinch analysis
- Thermal efficiency
- Process improvement
- Rankin cycle
- Conventional steam cycle
Learning materials
- Own device, CycleTempo installed, MS Excel or Python, Coolcrop or refprop/fluidprop
- I.C. Kemp 2007: Pinch Analysis and process integration. Available via one of our online platforms.
- Coulson & Richardson’s Chemical Engineering, Volume 6, Chemical Engineering Design, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd, Oxford. Available via one of our online platforms.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the system of trias energetica
- Apply energy efficiency improvements based on an exergy analysis
- Apply the pinch method to a process for improving heat integration
- Make a mass and energy balance for energy systems and processes
- Apply exergy analysis to energy systems and use the results to achieve process improvements
- Apply optimisation techniques for better thermal efficiency
- Apply pinch analysis, exergy analysis and mathematical optimisation integrally to energy systems and use the results to achieve process improvements
Type of assessment
Assignment and report
-
Thermodynamics for Energy and Process Engineers (3 ECTS)
Thermodynamics for Energy and Process Engineers (3 ECTS)
Topics
- Brayton cycle
- Rankine cycle
- Advanced cooling system
- Air conditioning
Learning materials
Boles, M. A., Cengel, Y. A., & Kanoglu, M. (2019). Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Learning outcomes
Able to calculate and optimise:
- Any closed system, involving 100% isentropic returns
- Any cooling system, involving 100% isentropic efficiencies
- A Rankine process, involving 100% isentropic returns
- A climate control process
Type of assessment
Interview
-
Reserach project phase 2 (10 ECTS)
Reserach project phase 2 (10 ECTS)
Topics
Conducting a proper research project on a specific topic.
Learning materials
/
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a clear problem definition and work plan
- Conduct practical research aimed at solving the issue
- Distinguish main and side issues
- Apply knowledge and insight in the solution of a problem
- Approach a problem formulation from different angles
- Critically determine whether the experimental approach is relevant for the solution of the problem, based on the knowledge of expoerts and the scientific literature
- Take responsibility for the project and consult experts
- Support conclusions drawn from experimental results / simulations with documented experiments and literature sources
Type of assessment
Written report, interview and presentation
-
Introduction to Matlab and Simulink (2 ECTS) - Elective
Introduction to Matlab and Simulink (2 ECTS) - Elective
Topics
- Standard function for linear and nonlinear equations solver
- Nonlinear curve fitting
- Solving differential equations
- Statistics
Learning materials
None (help function Matlab is sufficient).
Learning outcomes
- Have insight into the possiblities of Matlab
Type of assessment
Every week the student is given an assignment.
-
Biochemical Product Design (2 ECTS) - Elective
Biochemical Product Design (2 ECTS) - Elective
Topics
- Introducing a structured approach to developing a biochemical product (e.g. whitening toothpaste, eco-friendly marker pointers, reusable paper glue, non-sticky sunscreen, cholesterol lowering margarine).
- In a variety of workshops, a selected product is improved according to customer requirements (market pull approach) using a design methodology.
Learning materials
J.A. Wesselingh, Søren Kiil & Martin E. Vigild (2007) Design and Development of Biological, Chemical, Food and Pharmaceutical Products. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning outcomes
- Apply a methodological approach to a design problem
- Distribute tasks and roles for teamwork
- Develop innovative ideas for a technological problem
- Prepare product specifications according to customer requirements
- Substantiate the choice between design concepts
- Report the results of a design project
Type of assessment
Report and presentation of a preliminary product design
Practical matters
What you need to knowLocation
Where to find us
Lloydstraat
Location
Where you can find us
