Process Simulation and McCabe-Thiele Modeling: Specific Roles in the Learning Process

Abstract

Integration of process simulation with traditional graphical models is becoming standard practice in teaching separations. This paper shows how research on cognition can guide the instructor in creating effective, complementary roles for each modeling technique. The structure for a course in equilibrium-staged separations is described in detail, using column distillation as an example, with emphasis on the roles of laboratory demonstrations, process simulation, and McCabe-Thiele modeling in the learning process.