Physico/Chemical Processes of Environmental Engineering

CE 55000

Credit Hours:

3

Instructor:

Ernest R. Blatchley III

Learning Objective:

Students will learn fundamental principles of physico/chemical processes that are commonly used by Environmental Engineers.  Examples will be given from many applications, but the emphasis will be on water treatment.  The principles that are taught in this class have broad application in Environmental Engineering, and in other disciplines.  As such, the focus will be on fundamental concepts, so as to prompt their application in a wide range of settings, encourage questions and discussion, and to promote creativity.

Description:

The class is divided into three modules.  Module 1 addresses foundational issues of process engineering and reactor theory, as related to environmental engineering.  Module 2 addresses physical separation processes.  Module 3 addresses (chemical and photochemical) transformation processes.

Topics Covered:

Mass balances, fundamental transport phenomena, interphase transport, reaction kinetics, reactor theory, and reactor simulation methods, gravity-based separations (sedimentation, flotation), centrifugation, coagulation/flocculation, filtration, adsorption, ion exchange, chemical disinfection, UV disinfection, and gas:liquid transfer.

Prerequisites:

Calculus and differential equations, fluid mechanics.

Applied / Theory:

30 / 70

Web Address:

https://purdue.brightspace.com/d2l/home/51161

Web Content:

Syllabus, grades, lecture notes, recorded lectures and accompanying presentation files, homework assignments, quizzes, exams and their corresponding solutions.

Homework:

Assignments will be given on roughly a weekly basis and will comprise 20% of the semester grade.  Homework problems often require supporting calculations, which are included as part of a homework submission.

Quizzes:

Quizzes are given in a weekly basis; topics of quizzes will be pre-announced.

Exams:

An exam will be given after each course module and will focus on the topics that are included in the module for which the exam was developed.

Textbooks:

Official textbook information is now listed in the Schedule of Classes. NOTE: Textbook information is subject to be changed at any time at the discretion of the faculty member. If you have questions or concerns please contact the academic department.

Tentative textbook listing:

Required Text - Montgomery/Watson/Harza (MWH) (2012) Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Recommended Text - Stumm, W. and Morgan, J.J. (1996) Aquatic Chemistry: Chemical Equilibria and Rates in Natural Waters, John Wiley & Sons, New York.

Computer Requirements:

Access to common software (e.g., MS Office) is expected.