Course title: CHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS IN IDEAL SYSTEMS
Teacher: ELISABETTA ARATO
Course code: 72478
Discipline: PRINCIPLES OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Credits: 6
Bachelor degree course: Chemical Engineering
Formative aims: To study the thermodynamics of open or variable-composition systems with reference to
the specifics of ideal systems. In particular, the course will furnish the means of determining
thermodynamic properties, beginning with volumetric data, and calculating the chemical equilibrium
among phases and in reacting systems to be utilised in the study of process engineering systems.
Main contents: First and second laws of thermodynamics (summary). Thermodynamic functions and
chemical potential. Gibbs Duhem equation. Molar, partial molar and mixing properties.
Phase and reaction equilibrium criteria in terms of extensive and intensive properties. The phase rule. Ideal
solutions. Phase equilibrium for a pure component and for ideal binary systems. Subcritical and
supercritical components: Raoult and Henry laws. Some numerical examples. Phase equilibrium diagrams
for ideal binary systems and their deviations. Ternary equilibrium diagrams (outline). Equilibrium in reacting
systems. Thermodynamic properties for ideal systems. Some numerical examples. Isothermal and adiabatic
flash for binary and multicomponent systems. Continuous distillation for binary systems. MacCabe Thiele
method. Stage and column efficiency.
Technical skill : Formulation of phase equilibrium problems for ideal binary or multicomponent systems.
Determination of the thermodynamic properties of ideal pure or mixed components. Calculation of the
equilibrium of ideal reactions.
Didactic works: The course consists of about 35 hours of lessons and 25 hours of practical work conducted
in the classroom.
Examination procedure: A written and an oral exam.
Prerequisites: It is anticipated that students will have a solid grounding in mathematical analysis, physics
and chemistry to be able to deal with the subject matter, but no formal prerequisite is required.
References
1. DENBIGH K., I principi dell’equilibrio chimico, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano, 1977.
2. POLING B. E., PRAUSNITZ J. M., O’ CONNELL J. P., The properties of gases and liquids, Mc Graw Hill,
New York, 2000.
3. PERRY R. H., GREEN D. W., “Perry’s chemical engineers’ handbook” VIII ed., Mc Graw Hill 2008.