VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

529-0459-01L 3 Credits MSC D-CHAB
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Case Studies in Process Design

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Gonzalo Guillén Gosálbez
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:50

Abstract

The learning objective is to design, simulate and optimize a real (bio-)chemical process from a process systems perspective. Specifically, a commercial process simulation software (Aspen) will be used for the process simulation and optimization. Students have to integrate knowledge and develop engineering thinking and skills acquired in the other courses of the curriculum.

Objective

Simulate and optimize a chemical production process using commercial process simulation software.

Content

Create a model describing the production process - Students will apply a commercial process simulator systematically for process creation and analysis. - Students will create a process simulation flowsheet for steady-state simulation. Evaluate the performance of the production process - Students will analyse and understand the degrees of freedom in modelling process units and flowsheets. - Students will understand the role of process simulators in process creation. - Students will make design specifications and follow the iterations implemented to satisfy them. - Students will judge the role of process simulators in equipment sizing and costing and profitability analysis. - Students will assess the economic performance of the process, including operating costs (OPEX), and capital investment (CAPEX), based on the outcome of the simulation model. - Students will assess the environmental impact of the production process following the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Optimize the design and operating conditions of the production process - Students will carry out sensitivity analyses and optimizations considering technical and economic criteria. - Students will generate process integration alternatives to improve the initial design. - Students will optimize the production process considering economic and environmental criteria.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
The performance assessment is based on one report of the project and a presentation of the main results. The mark is either pass or fail.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
independent project Case Studies in Process Design
This course does not take place on a weekly basis. Instead, a case study is carried out by the students in a specific "case study week" from Monday 10.11.2025 to Friday 14.11.2025.
No time listed 42 h semesterly

Offered In