Bridging the Gap Between Hand Calculations and Chemical Process Simulators Using Spreadsheets

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-126475

Abstract

The benefits of using Microsoft Excel built-in functions in an undergraduate Multistage Separations course are analyzed based on 15 years of experience teaching mass transfer in Chemical Engineering programs at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Eight reasons for using spreadsheets in a Mass Transfer virtual course are given. Through the process of entering inputs into particular cells and plotting the computed outputs, students gain an understanding of how commercial process simulators work.

Author Biographies

Claudia Roman, Universidad de Huelva

Claudia Roman received her MEng (2009) and PhD (2012) degrees in Chemical Engineering from the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Romania. She is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Huelva, Spain. Her educational research interests are mainly related to the use of audience response systems for enhancing the teaching-learning process in Science and Engineering disciplines.

Miguel A. Delgado, Universidad de Huelva

Miguel A. Delgado received his MEng (2000) and PhD (2005) degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Huelva, Spain. He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering at the same institution. His educational research interests mainly include the integration of computational tools into both heat transfer-based unit operations and chemical process optimization.

Moises Garcia-Morales, Universidad de Huelva

Moises Garcia-Morales received his MEng (2001) and PhD (2005) degrees in Chemical Engineering from the University of Huelva, Spain. He is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering at the same institution. His educational research interests focus on the integration of computer software into mass transfer separation courses.

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Published

2021-08-06

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 4 (2021): Fall 2021

Section

Class and Home Problems