A Nonlinear, Multi-Input, Multi-Output Process Control Laboratory Experiment

Authors

  • Brent R. Young University of Calgary
  • James H. van der Lee University of Calgary
  • William Y. Svrcek University of Calgary

Abstract

Experience in using a user-friendly software, Mathcad, in the undergraduate chemical reaction engineering course is discussed. Example problems considered for illustration deal with simultaneous solution of linear algebraic equations (kinetic parameter estimation), nonlinear algebraic equations (equilibrium calculations for multiple reactions and steady state behavior of isothermal/nonisothermal CSTR with single/multiple reactions), integral equations (design of steady-state plug flow reactor, PFR), integral-algebraic equations, and nonlinear ordinary differential equations (solution of conservation equations for steady-state PFR and unsteady state CSTR). The capabilities of Mathcad are of significant benefit in accelerating learning and strengthening the fundamental knowledge base.

Author Biographies

Brent R. Young, University of Calgary

Brent Young is a senior lecturer of chemical and materials engineering at the University of Auckland. New Zealand. and an adjunct associate professor at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He received his B.E. (1986) and Ph. D. (1993) degrees in chemical and process engineering from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Dr. Young's teaching and research interests center on process control and design. He is a registered professional engineer and is actively involved in applied research.

James H. van der Lee, University of Calgary

James van der Lee is a software engineer with Vinual Materials Group, Inc., Calgary, Albena, Canada. He received his B. Sc. degree in chemical and petroleum engineering from the University of Calgary in 1999 and successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis in 2004. He was instrumental in the design of the new laboratory while a graduate student.

William Y. Svrcek, University of Calgary

William Svrcek is a full professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He received his B.Sc. (1962) and Ph.D. (1967) degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Dr. Svrcek's teaching and research interests center on process control and design. He is a registered professional engineer in Alberta and Ontario and is actively involved in applied research.

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Published

2006-01-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2006): Winter 2006

Section

Manuscripts