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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title Separation Processes I
Module Code BE321
School School of Biotechnology

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Greg FoleyOffice NumberX203
Level 3 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
  • To introduce the student to the unit operation concept in downstream processing.
  • To develop the theory underlying a range of solid-liquid and heat transfer operations, especially those studied in module BE322. To apply theory to the design, analysis and optimisation of these operations. To further develop problem solving skills acquired in modules BE221, BE222 and BE223.


Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to:

  • Describe in qualitative terms the principles and mode of operation of a range of solid- liquid and heat transfer processing equipment
  • Derive simple design equations for solid-liquid and heat transfer operations
  • Use simple theory as a guide for improving the performance of industrial equipment
  • Give an account of recent developments in the theory and practice of solid-liquid and heat transfer operations.


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 36
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 39

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Introduction: role of downstream processing in biotechnology *

  • Dead-end Filtration: constant pressure operation, factors affecting the specific cake resistance, filter clogging, filtration equipment
  • Crossflow Membrane Filtration: factors affecting the flux in batch and continuous systems, simple mathematical models * Ultrafiltration: flux theories, batch and continuous system design, diafiltration
  • Fluid Mechanics of particle-fluid systems: settling velocities, particle Reynolds number, drag coefficients, concentration effects Centrifugal Separations: Centrifuges, Cyclones and Hydrocyclones
  • Evaporation: single and multiple effects
  • Convection Drying
  • Spray Drying and Freeze Drying
Assessment
Continuous Assessment20% Examination Weight80%
Indicative Reading List
Essential: None Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 6th Edition, W.L McCabe, J.C. Smith and P. Hariott. (McGraw-Hill 2001)Bioseparations: Donnstream Processing for Biotechnology. P.A. Belter, E.L. Cussler and W.-S. Hu (Wiley, 1988)Biochemical Engineering. H.W. Blanch and D.S. Clark (Marcel Dekker, 1997)
Programme or List of Programmes
BSSAStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
BTBSc in Biotechnology
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
SHSAStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAOStudy Abroad (Science & Health)
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