Degrees of freedom analysis, the nature of Sorel's equations and sparsity patterns, equation-tearing strategies, simple and complex separation operations, and the complete tearing method are among the topic areas addressed in this discussion of equilibrium-stage operations, with and without computer applications. (JN)

Describes the advantages and features of computer-assisted laboratory stations for use in a chemical engineering program. Also describes a typical experiment at such a station: determining the response times of a solid state humidity sensor at various humidity conditions and developing an empirical model for the sensor. (JN)

The determination of closed-loop response of processes containing dead-time is typically not covered in undergraduate process control, possibly because the solution by Laplace transforms requires the use of Pade approximation for dead-time, which makes the procedure lengthy and tedious. A computer-aided method is described which simplifies the…

A laboratory course design to teach the principles of process data acquisition and control using digital computers was developed at Washington University. The structure of the laboratory and course are described. The course outline and list of experiments are included. (JN)

Examines the extent to which a process control computer system is assisting departmental research (by providing a comprehensive and flexible data logging and plant control system) and providing a teaching facility for the department by live demonstrations of plant monitoring and control applications, simulation, and student implementation of…

Discusses a video simulator microcomputer system used to provide real-time demonstrations to strengthen students' understanding of process dynamics and control. Also discusses hardware/software and simulations developed using the system. The four simulations model various configurations of a process liquid level tank system. (JN)

Presents results of a survey of chemical engineering departments regarding computer usage in senior design courses. Results are categorized according to: computer usage (use of process simulators, student-written programs, faculty-written or "canned" programs; costs (hard and soft money); and available software. Programs offered are…

Describes an experiment in which a microcomputer was programed to function as a transfer function analyzer to investigate the dynamics of stirred vessels. The main objective of the experiment is to illustrate the theory and application of the pulse test (a method of determining the transfer function of a process). (JN)

Examines current uses and future possibilities of computer graphics in chemical engineering, discussing equipment needs, maintenance/manpower costs, and plan to implement computer graphics into existing programs. The plan involves matching fund equipment grants, grants for development of computer assisted instructional (CAI) software, chemical…

Describes an experiment to give students exposure to digital control widely used in industry but not given much attention in most undergraduate process control curricula. Students write their own control programs and experimentally determine the transfer functions for all system components. Also describes experimental apparatus used in the…

Hardware, software, and operation of a computer package for tutoring chemical engineers is discussed. TUTCHE controls/records use of various student programs, organizing data/results in files on exit so they may be reliably retrieved on re-entry. TUTOR is a separate program allowing a tutor to examine/modify student records held in TUTCHE.…

Describes a project in which computer programs and textbooks explaining the theoretical basis and practical application of the programs have been developed. Also describes the computer programs and textbooks available and the role of these materials in chemical engineering education. (JN)

Provides an overview of the Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations (CAMEO) model and its use in the classroom as a training tool in the "Hazardous Chemical Spills" course. Presents six problems illustrating classroom use of CAMEO. Lists 16 references. (YP)

Describes a two-quarter sequence of graduate courses in numerical methods and modeling for chemical engineers. Rationale, course content, methodology, topic development, and such course requirements as homework and design projects are considered. Emphasis is placed on the treatment of numerical methods implemented in commercial software. (JM)

Describes the conversion of a laboratory and change in course content in a chemical engineering curriculum. Lists laboratory experiments and computer programs used in the course. Discusses difficulties during the laboratory conversion and future plans for the course. (YP)