Module Code - Title:
ER4606
-
CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The rationale and purpose of this module is firstly to provide an introduction to the concept of clean technology and sustainability. Thereafter, the module surveys the methods of recycling, reducing or removing gaseous or aqueous waste from industrial processes using a clean technology approach, and investigates a range of renewable energy technologies. The learning outcomes are aligned with UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) 6 (clean water), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 13 (climate action).
Syllabus:
Introduction to clean technology. Examples of Clean Technology and sustainability in the agricultural industry, agrochemical, fine chemical, and pharmaceutical industry and energy sectors. Role of catalysts, reactor configuration and design, Elimination of emissions from material handling and storage, Control of fugitive emissions, Use of biotechnology. Affordable and clean energy.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Define Clean Technology and recognise the importance for the protection of the environment.
2. Describe various examples of Clean Technology in, for example, the agrochemical, fine chemical, and biotechnology sector and energy sectors.
3. Calculate fugitive emissions, secondary emissions and emissions from storage facilities and identify emission reduction strategies.
4. Calculate emissions using mass balancing strategies.
5. Evaluate a given clean technology for the control of emissions.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the role of pollution prevention for sustainable production of chemicals and energy.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught during the semester via a formal interactive lecturing and tutorial mode and will be assessed via in-term assignment(s) and an end-of-semester exam. In the context of graduate attributes, the students will have a good knowledge of clean technologies and have the ability to use current literature to innovate solutions for processes with minimum waste. They will be able to articulate and present up-to-date research and collaborate to present a common task. They will develop their personal, social and professional responsibly in sustainable practices, towards the goal of continuous process/product development in tandem with reducing the process'/product's effects on the environment.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Environmental Protection Agency (2017)
Good Practice for Solvent Mass Balance and Fugitive Emission Assessments for EPA Licensed Sites
, EPS publications
Cheremisinoff, Nicholas P. (2003)
Handbook of Solid Waste Management and Waste Minimization Technologies
, Elsevier
D.T.Allen, K. Sinclair Rosselot, (1997)
Pollution prevention for Chemical Processes
, Wiley
Other Relevant Texts:
A. Johansson (1992)
Clean Technology
, Lewis publishers
R.C. Kirkwood and A.J. Longley (1995)
Clean Technology and the Environment
, Blackie academic and professional
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSENSCUFA - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Teresa.Curtin@ul.ie