An integrated approach to process design instruction

Four key components of a chemical engineering curriculum prepare undergradu ates to be effective process designers in industry: (a) a structured approa ch relying on fundamentals; (b) a balance between heuristic and algorithmic approaches; (c) achievement of competency in the use of process simulators ; and (d) instruction in the integration of design and control. It is argue d that the components should be included in an integrated fashion, with muc h of the material appearing gradually during the delivery of core courses. In this paper, each of the features is discussed in detail and demonstrated for the design of a typical process. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.