Aims

To illustrate via well-chosen processes in the important inorganic sector the major constituents in the fabrication process, integrating knowledge from different other courses (kinetics, reactors, thermodynamics, transfer).

Main themes

A detailed analysis of the basic processes of the chemical industry (production of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium carbonate, hydrogen, ammonia).

Content and teaching methods

- Industrial synthesis of sulfuric acid: production of SO2, conversion of SO2 to SO3, absorption of SO3, fabrication and environmental aspects, flow-sheets.
- Study of the catalytic conversion of SO2 to SO3: thermodynamics, kinetics, convertor calculations.
- Industrial synthesis of phosphoric acid: dry route, wet route, construction materials, phosphates.
- Industrial fabrication of sodium carbonate: process via ammonia, process via caustic brine, bicarbonatation column, environmental aspects, handling, transport and storage.
- Production of hydrogen and ammonia: steam reforming, partial oxidation, shift-reaction, ammonia synthesis (catalyst, convertor, construction material).

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation based on an oral exam.

Other credits in programs