Unit Operations Lab Web Page
Short Descriptions
JAK 10’02
Batch Filtration
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Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR)
In this experiment, the kinetics of the phenolphthalein fading reaction are studied
via a batch and a CSTR reactor scheme. The optimum concentrations of the
reactants (phenolphthalein, NaOH, and NaCl) are identified and the experimental
and theoretical conversions are determined and compared.
Cooling Tower
The performance of an induced draft cooling tower is evaluated. Among the
performance criteria determined are, the approach temperature, heat loading and
the “tower characteristic”.
Flow Measurement
The principles of operation of five common flow sensors are studied. For each case,
flow measurements are determined from corresponding sensed quantities (e.g.,
pressure drop, electric field strength).
Fluidization
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Friction Loss for Water Flow through Piping
The pressure drop due to frictional losses for water flow is measured as a function
of flow rate and line size. Measured values are compared with model predictions/
handbook values to validate results.
Heat Transfer- Double Pipe Heat Exchanger
The heat transfer characteristics of a double pipe heat exchanger are evaluated.
The heat transfer rate and coefficients are determined from measured temperature
differences, flow rates, physical properties, and the exchanger design.
Heat Transfer- Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
The heat transfer characteristics of a shell and tube heat exchanger are evaluated.
The heat transfer rate and coefficients are determined from measured temperature
differences, flow rates, physical properties, and the exchanger design.
Liquid- Liquid Extraction Column
In this countercurrent immiscible liquid-liquid extraction column, acetic acid is
removed from a kerosene feed stream using water as the solvent. The processing
conditions are varied (flow rates, concentrations, temperature of streams), and the
total number of equilibrium stages are determined.
Membrane Separation
This membrane separation equipment was donated by Praxair, Inc. (check spelling
of company) to Michigan Technological University in when, 2001 (Dave- fill in the
correct date please). This unit separates air into a nitrogen rich and an oxygen rich
stream using a membrane that contains hollow tubes. The oxygen rich stream
preferentially penetrates through the hollow tube and the nitrogen rich stream
preferentially remains outside the hollow tube. Pressures are flow rates are varied
to determine the optimum operating conditions.
Non-Newtonian Flow (Capillary Viscometer)
In this experiment a Newtonian, incompressible fluid (typically glycerol of known
viscosity) passes through a capillary viscometer (small diameter tube approximately
0.04” in diameter) and the flow rates are measured at various pressure drops. From
this data, one can determine the equivalent diameter of this capillary tube. Then an
incompressible, non-Newtonian fluid passes through this same capillary tube and
flow rates are measured at various pressure drops. From this information, the
apparent viscosity, flow consistency index, and flow behavior index are determined
for this non-Newtonian fluid.
PDMS Bench Scale Reactor
In this experiment, polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) are produced via a
polymerization reaction using a bench scale batch reactor.
Polymer Extrusion
In this experiment, a 27 mm co-rotating intermeshing Leistritz twin screw extruder
is used to compound resins containing 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt% calcium carbonate in
polypropylene. Then the melt flow index of these resins are determined and
compared to that of the pure polypropylene matrix.
Pumping A
In this experiment, the pump curves, NPSHA, hydraulic hp, brake hp, and
efficiencies are determined for a variable speed centrifugal pump. In addition, the
pump affinity laws are verified.
Pumping B
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Vacuum Drying
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