All Courses
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10.492B Integrated Chem Eng Topics I
Process intensification invokes new reaction techniques and equipment to improve chemical processes by miniaturizing, combining, controlling, and/or enhancing the underlying chemical and physical transport processes. The ultimate goal of process intensification is achieving higher efficiency, reduced energy consumption, less waste, safer operation, and long-term sustainability. This class explores the principles of process intensification through lectures, demonstrations, homework, and projects based on concepts introduced in transport phenomena (10.301/2), thermodynamics (10.213), kinetics, and reaction engineering (10.37). The current transition in pharmaceutical manufacturing from batch to continuous flow serves one of several examples of process intensification. Microwave, electrochemical, and photochemical reaction processes illustrate alternative, intensified approaches to drive chemical reactions instead of by conventional heating. Membrane reactors exemplify combined reaction and separation unit operations. 3D printing and other modern fabrication techniques serve to realize new, efficient processing equipment. Integration, automation, control and optimization form important elements in achieving further process intensification.
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1.085: Air Pollution and Atmospheric Chemistry
Provides a working knowledge of basic air quality issues, with emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to investigating the sources and effects of pollution. Topics include emission sources; atmospheric chemistry and removal processes; meteorological phenomena and their impact on pollution transport at local to global scales; air pollution control technologies; health effects; and regulatory standards. Discusses regional and global issues, such as acid rain, ozone depletion and air quality connections to climate change.