Problem solving laboratory instruction

We have seen already that chemical equations are always written in terms of the numbers of particles involved. Whether we interpret them in terms of individual molecules or moles of molecules, the stoichiometric coefficients that balance a chemical equation refer to numbers of particles and not to masses. Usually, we can t measure the number of particles directly in the laboratory masses and volume of liquids are the quantities that are more likely to be measurable. Thus if we want to make quantitative calculations for a chemical reaction, fi-equently we need to convert between the measured value of a mass or volume and the desired value of a number of moles. Because such calculations are common and important, chemists have developed a standard approach to overcome this variable mismatch. Although you might think of this approach as an algorithm for solving a particular class of chemistry problems, it is instructive to understand its conceptual... 

Process Technology 3—Operations—combines process systems into operational processes with emphasis on operations under various conditions. Topics include typical duties of an operator. Instruction focuses on the principles of modem manufacturing technology and process equipment. Emphasizes scale-up from laboratory bench to pilot unit. Describe unit operation concepts solve elementary chemical mass/energy balance problems interpret analytical data and apply distillation and fluid flow principles. The purpose of this class is to provide adult learners with the opportunity to work in a self-directed work team, operate a complex operational system, collect and analyze data, start and stop process equipment, follow and write operational procedures. The course is advanced and requires the learner to apply classroom skills to real-life operational activities. Students are required to qualify and operate a process unit. 

Process Troubleshooting—instruction in the different types of troubleshooting techniques, methods, and models used to solve process problems. Topics include application of data collection and analysis, cause-effect relationships, and reasoning. Emphasizes application of troubleshooting methods to scale-up from laboratory bench to pilot unit. Describe unit operation concepts solve elementary chemical mass/energy balance problems interpret analytical data and apply distillation and fluid flow principles. 

Dedicated code developed to solve specific problems Such programs have been typically developed at academic institutions (e.g.. Refs. [31,44]) or national laboratories." A very broad range of such models have been described in the literature and comprehensively reviewed by Dukovic. The major limitation of this class of numerical solutions is that they are typically not publicly available, often cannot be generalized, lack robustness, are not user-friendly, and typically lack instructions. Therefore, while providing insight into the specific analyzed problem, they usually do not lend themselves to more generalized or broader applications. 

---