Semester-wise syllabus for an M.Tech in Chemical Process Engineering

 

Semester 1:

Core Foundations 

1. Advanced Transport Phenomena 

   - Momentum, heat, and mass transfer in chemical systems. 

   - Boundary layer theory, non-Newtonian fluids, dimensionless analysis. 

2. Chemical Reaction Engineering 

   - Kinetics of homogeneous/heterogeneous reactions, reactor design (CSTR, PFR, fluidized beds). 

3. Process Modeling and Simulation 

   - Steady-state/dynamic modeling using tools like Aspen Plus, MATLAB, or COMSOL. 

4. Thermodynamics for Process Engineering 

   - Phase equilibria, fugacity, activity coefficients, thermodynamic cycles. 

5. Lab Work 

   - Reactor experiments, distillation column operation, CFD simulations. 

 

Semester 2:

Process Design & Optimization 

1. Process Design and Economics 

   - PFDs, P&IDs, equipment sizing, cost estimation, profitability analysis. 

2. Process Optimization and Control 

   - Linear/nonlinear optimization, PID control, MPC (Model Predictive Control). 

3. Safety and Risk Management 

   - HAZOP, LOPA, inherently safer design, CFD-based hazard analysis. 

4. Elective 1 

   - Options: Petrochemical Engineering, Biochemical Processes, Environmental Engineering. 

5. Lab Work 

   - Aspen HYSYS simulations, safety audits, optimization case studies. 

 

Semester 3:

Advanced Topics & Research 

1. Advanced Separation Processes 

   - Membrane separations, adsorption, crystallization, hybrid separation systems. 

2. Process Intensification 

   - Microreactors, modular plants, heat integration (Pinch Analysis). 

3. Elective 2 

   - Options: Nanotechnology in Chemical Engineering, Renewable Energy Systems, Polymer Process Engineering. 

4. Elective 3 

   - Options: Carbon Capture and Storage, Smart Manufacturing (Industry 4.0), Food Process Engineering. 

5. Research Project (Phase 1) 

   - Literature review, problem identification, simulation/experimental design. 

6. Lab Work 

   - Membrane fabrication/testing, process intensification experiments, renewable energy projects (e.g., biofuel synthesis). 

 

Semester 4:

Dissertation & Industry Integration 

1. Dissertation/Thesis 

   - Focus areas: Process optimization, sustainable design, novel reactor systems, or waste-to-energy technologies. 

2. Industry Internship (Optional) 

   - Collaboration with chemical plants, refineries, or R&D firms. 

3. Seminar & Viva Voce 

   - Presentation of research findings, defense, and industry feedback. 

 

Electives (Across Semesters 2–3) 

- Petrochemical Engineering: Catalytic cracking, refinery operations, olefin production. 

- Biochemical Processes: Fermentation, enzyme kinetics, bioreactor design. 

- Environmental Engineering: Wastewater treatment, air pollution control, lifecycle assessment (LCA). 

- Smart Manufacturing: IoT in chemical plants, digital twins, AI-driven process control. 

- Polymer Process Engineering: Polymerization techniques, rheology, extrusion/molding. 

 

Tools & Software 

- Simulation: Aspen Plus/HYSYS, COMSOL, MATLAB, ANSYS Fluent. 

- Data Analysis: Python, R, Excel (for cost modeling). 

- Process Safety: DNV PHAST, ALOHA. 

- Sustainability Tools: SimaPro (LCA), GaBi. 

Industry Applications 

- Oil & Gas: Refinery optimization, catalytic processes. 

- Pharmaceuticals: API synthesis, batch process optimization. 

- Sustainable Energy: Biofuel production, hydrogen economy, carbon capture. 

- Food & Beverage: Process hygiene, thermal processing, packaging.