Software Tools for Chemical Engineering

Code:

L.EQ030

Acronym:

AIEQ

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Technological Sciences

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L.EQ	67	Syllabus	3	-	1,5	19,5	40,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

In this curricular unit it is aimed that students acquire skills in computer applications relevant to the solution of chemical engineering problems, namely: skills in process simulators, fluid dynamics and computational design.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students that successfully complete this course should be able to:

1) Simulate industrial processes of small complexity, properly choosing the applicable thermodynamic and unit operations models, and analyze the influence of design variables and operating conditions;

2) Develop simple applications using computational fluid dynamics;

3) Apply the basic principles of technical drawing and computer-aided design.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Students must have basic knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, separation and reaction processes.

Program

Module I - Process Simulators

Introduction to process simulation and process simulators. Selection of thermodynamic models and models for simulation of unit operations, with particular emphasis on separation and reaction units. Simulation of industrial processes. Analysis of the influence of operational and design variables in the simulation results.

Module II - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Introduction to CFD: identification and application of modeling and simulation methodologies in CFD. Problem solving using CFD: 1) Pre-processing – definition of domains and meshes in ANSYS software; 2) Simulation in ANSYS Fluent®; 3) Post-processing – different types of representation of results and their interpretation.

Module III - Technical Drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Introduction to technical drawing: Orthographic representation. Axonometric representation. Nominal quotation. Introduction to computer-aided design (CAD): Use of 3D CAD systems in the three-dimensional modeling of component parts and assembly in sets. Use of standardized elements available in libraries and integrated components. Automatic retrieval of assembly drawings and assembly component definition drawings.

Mandatory literature

Adams II, T.A. ; Learn Aspen Plus in 24 Hours, 2nd edition, McGraw Hill, 2022. ISBN: 9781264266654
Morais, J.M.S. ; Desenho Técnico Básico, Porto Editora, 2006. ISBN: 972-96525-2-X

Complementary Bibliography

Aspen Technology; Aspen Plus User Guide, Aspen Technology, Inc.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Use of active learning methodologies based on lecturing basic concepts and solving problems using computational techniques.

Software

ANSYS Workbench
Aspen Plus
SolidWorks

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	90,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	16,50
Frequência das aulas	19,50
Trabalho laboratorial	4,50
Total:	40,50

Eligibility for exams

To take the evaluation tests for modules I and II, turn in the assignment of module III, and not give more than one not justified absence in each of the modules.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final grade has four components:

1) Participation in classes (PP)

2) Module I - Evaluation Test (P1)

3) Module II - Evaluation Test (P2)

4) Module III – Project (P3)

The final classification (CF) will be calculated by the following formula:

 CF = 0.1*PP+0.3*P1+0.3*P2+0.3*P3

To be approved at this Curricular Unit, the student must have a classification of at least 7.5 in each of the modules (that is, P1, P2 and P3 ≥ 7.5), and a final classification equal to or greater than 9.5 (i.e. CF ≥ 9.5).

The assessment of module III will consist of doing a project and submitting the respective report.

There will be a supplementary period in which students will be able to take evaluation tests for modules I and/or II, at their choice. This supplementary period is intended for students who did not obtain a minimum classification of 7.5, or who did not pass the UC, or who want to improve their classification to these two modules.

Students who do not obtain the minimum classification in module III, or wish to improve their classification in this module, will only be able to do so in the following academic year.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable.

Classification improvement

Take the evaluation tests for modules I and/or II during the supplementary period or, in the following academic year, attend the curricular unit or take the evaluation tests for the module(s) that wants to improve. The improvement of classification to module III can only be carried out in the following academic year.