Chemical Engineering, MSc

Swansea University

This module builds up from EG-203 (Biochemical Engineering I) and describes more advanced topics in the production and optimisation of biological materials and processes. Optimisation methods of bioprocesses are described, and how these are exploited in the commercial situation. Topics such as mixed cultures, allosteric enzymes, genetically modified micro-organisms, biofouling and biocorrosion, specialised biological separation processes (e.g. chromatography), biosafety, quality control, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) are discussed in detail. The principal products of such processes are investigated to illustrate the current and future technology of these systems with an emphasis on modern biotechnology methods. The impact of the use of such techniques on quality management, safety assessment and regulatory environment are reviewed.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the properties of colloids and their importance in industry.

This module considers the rheology of complex fluids. Course content provides an introduction to rheology from basic classifications of non-Newtonian materials to how the material properties affect processing operations. Consideration is given to the influence of product rheology and the manufacturing process, quality control and how this influences performance and end-user perception. Rheological methods for the characterisation of non-Newtonian materials are reviewed and means by which the results of such tests can be used to describe and predict advanced aspects of transport processes involving non-Newtonian fluids are considered. Materials of interest range from simple inelastic time-independent fluids to more complex viscoelastic systems. Measurement techniques considered range from simple shear viscometers to advanced rheometrical techniques for the characterisation of evolving systems (those which are changing with time due to chemical or physical transformation).

This module presents the principles of life cycle analysis and Circular Economy. It covers the assessment of resource conservation by optimal use of resources, including consideration of primary extraction processes, design/manufacturing/fabrication, improving product life and end of life usage. It also reviews the current and planned European legislation that is of relevance to materials and energy and considers its implementation in the UK.

This module aims to take MSc students, who arrive with a variety of backgrounds, and carry out an advanced, in-depth design of a novel manufacturing process. The course will be composed of lectures and independent project work, and will start in Semester 1 by developing the necessary background skills for process design and process synthesis, to then focus on more specific topics that deal with the use programming tools to support decision-making. Taught topics include: mass and energy balances, ASPEN simulations (both static and dynamic), costing, life cycle analysis, market analysis etc. In parallel with the taught aspects, students will be expected to start researching into an appropriate compound for manufacture. The project itself requires the students to develop an innovative design for a plant to make a molecule for which no large scale production facility exists. The molecules to be produced need to be selected on the following characteristics: they should not be manufactured on a large capacity production facility (there may however be small scale production) and an outline of a manufacturing process including basic chemistry exists somewhere. The project will require the students to make choices and judgments on: the production capacity, time of operation, raw materials to use, production process, and benefit of the molecule to the company (i.e. economic, extending the knowledge base etc). As design is essentially a team exercise working well as a team is critical to successfully completing this project.

The dissertation study will generally be carried out on a research topic associated with, and supervised by, a member of staff in the Chemical Engineering Teaching Portfolio. Study for the dissertation, which may be based on practical, industrial, or literature work, or any combination of these, is carried out over a period of about 12 weeks, with the dissertation submitted at the end of September.

A Masters level course to deliver knowledge and skills on how to write and submit scientific papers and reports. The course requires that the students prepare multiple reports focused on specific aspects involved in preparing a draft publication of journal quality. Research data is gathered and, subject to suitable data analysis, is used to write a draft publication. In addition to this, a graphical abstract for a highly cited paper in a relevant chosen field needs to be prepared, as does a letter to an editor. For the paper writing, data is gathered from laboratory-based work and the students must analyse the data and write up the results as a suitable manuscript. They must make a reasoned choice of journal; then follow the format required by that specified journal and its instructions. They must present results appropriately and of the correct quality and then describe and discuss these. The students must also prepare a substantial literature survey (up to 5000 words) on a topic in chemical or biochemical engineering. The course is designed as such so there are multiple smaller assignments prior to the substantial literature review so students can learn and improve through the duration of the course.

A Masters Level course to deliver a working knowledge of liquid phase membrane separation processes. This will include a detailed understanding of current membrane fabrication techniques to produce polymeric hollow fibres and flat sheet membranes and the subsequent production of tubular and spiral wound modules along with a review of current Ceramic membrane production. The design, construction and optimisation of membrane plants will be considered with specific emphasis placed on configuration. An appreciation of membrane characterisation techniques will be developed, including SEM, AFM, particle sizing, zeta potential measurement, rejection and flux experimentation. The specific operations of membrane microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis will be investigated and mathematical descriptions will be developed. The course will conclude with a series of practical case studies detailing current applications of membrane processes and scope for future development.

This module aims to deliver a working knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes. The module will cover various physical, chemical and biological unit operations used in the treatment of water and wastewater. This module will particularly emphasise the design and operational issues related to these unit operations. Moreover, the module will cover regulatory aspects related to water quality and requirements for treatments of drinking water to be fit for human consumption and of wastewater to be disposed of safely in the aquatic environment.