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Module Code - Title:

CG4008 - PROCESS TROUBLESHOOTING

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

3

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

4

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

CH4405
CH4415

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

To introduce the concept of structured problem solving as it applies to the processing environment To provide the student with skills and knowledge in process modelling for troubleshooting chemical and biochemical processes. To provide the students with a working knowledge of a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics code via practical computer laboratory sessions and introduce them to application of CFD for troubleshooting.

Syllabus:

Characteristics of trouble shooting problems and the methodologies used to solve them. Approaches to the analysis and formulation of solutions to process issues. Data gathering and critical thinking techniques. The use of interpersonal communication skills in handling management issues associated with industrial process problems. Practical methodologies: recognising patterns, cause-effect, reasoning, and selection of valid diagnostic actions; process trouble shooting rules of thumb; formulation of realistic solutions to process problems. Selected process trouble shooting case studies in the chemical and biochemical industries. Process modelling for trouble shooting CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for process engineering applications - introduction The application of the Bow-Tie technique to process hazard analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: • Develop critical thinking skills systematically identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues encountered in diverse technical scenarios, employing logical problem-solving methodologies and effective communication strategies in troubleshooting processes. • Develop skills in the solution of complex, open-ended problems. • Demonstrate familiarity with methodologies utilized in analyzing practical processing problems. • Apply troubleshooting methodologies and techniques in practical processing scenarios. • Develop ability to use process modelling and computational fluid dynamics for addressing process trouble shooting issues. • Assess risks and hazards associated with processes using BowTie XP.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

On successful completion of this module students should be able to: • Develop interpersonal communication skills in the assessment and resolution of management issues associated with industrial process problems. • Acquire and demonstrate skills required for developing solutions to complex, open-ended problems, showcasing the ability to analyze, synthesize information, and implement effective problem-solving strategies.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

The module will be taught via formal lectures, tutorial classes and group projects. The students will experience individual and group learning on several areas of importance to industrially relevant process troubleshooting techniques and methods. Applied trouble shooting techniques will be taught via a series of industry-relevant examples and case studies. Group assignments will use of interactive learning methods such as structured role-play. Students obtain hands-on experience on using process modelling for diagnosis and resolving process problems. Group assignments will be used for imparting following skills: formulation of mathematical model, numerical solution of model equations, interpretation and application of results for process troubleshooting. Students obtain hands-on experience of a commercial CFD code. Group assignment will be used for imparting following skills: geometry modelling, mesh generation, selection of solver settings, solution of flow equations, post-processing of simulated results and applying the results for process diagnosis. Bow-Tie technique workshop and related assignment.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Donald R. Woods (2006) Successful Trouble Shooting for Process Engineers: A Complete Course in Case Studies , Wiley
Donald R. Woods (2007) Rules of Thumb in Engineering Practice , Wiley
Dale A. Anderson (2013) Computational fluid mechanics and heat transfer , CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group
Center for Chemical Process Safety (2018) Bow Ties in Risk Management: A Concept Book for Process Safety , Wiley

Other Relevant Texts:

Anthony Sofronas (2006) Analytical Troubleshooting of Process Machinery and Pressure Vessels: Including Real-World Case Studies , Wiley

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BECBENUFA - CHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
BSPICHUFA - PHARMACEUTICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Spring

Module Leader:

Gavin.Walker@ul.ie