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Bioprocess Design and Simulation


Course Description

Design and modeling of chemical/bioprocess systems, including unit operations and reactor design principles. Process simulation and process economics applied to chemical/bioprocessing systems. Plant layout and process safety of bio/chemical plants will be included.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students are required to carry out a term project report on select research topics. The project report will be similar to that of a research manuscript. Graduate students are required to demonstrate rigorous synthesis of previous research on the selected topic, identify existing research knowledge gaps, and potentially suggest or develop strategic solutions to address those knowledge gaps.


Athena Title

Bioprocess Des and Simulation


Undergraduate Prerequisite

BCHE 3145 and BCHE 3420 and BCHE 4510/6510


Graduate Prerequisite

Permission of department


Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite

BCHE 4910


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to: (1) Acquire the principles and methodologies of process design of various unit operations (e.g., reactors, separation units, material handling) in the context of bio/chemical manufacturing plants (2) Develop skills and learn modern computational techniques to model and simulate unit operations for equipment sizing and process optimization (3) Analyze and assess process efficiency, plant safety (HAZOP analysis), and mitigation measures (4) Conduct equipment costing and plant economics and interpret production cost, product selling price, and return on investments (5) Develop plant design reports and recommend suggestions on the feasibilities of selected bio/chemical manufacturing plants. Upon completion of this course, the graduate students should be able to: (1) Integrate and synthesize previous research activities, critique previous researches, and recognize the knowledge gaps in the area of bioprocess plant design and simulation (2) Demonstrate effective scientific writing skills and recognize challenges associated with plagiarism and quality of research publications.


Topical Outline

- General design considerations - Process design principles - Process flow, synthesis, and development - Equipment design, simulation, and cost of: a) Material handling equipment b) Heat transfer equipment c) Chemical/bioreactors d) Separation equipment - Computation tools in process design and plant simulation - Analysis of equipment sizing and costing - Material selection and fabrication - Plant economics, ROI, and profitability - Bio/chemical process safety - Hazard evaluation (HAZOP analysis) and risk analysis (LOPA) - Design reports and interpretations


Syllabus