Software tools are a great aid to process engineers, but too much dependence on such tools can often lead to inappropriate and suboptimal designs. Reliance on software is also a hindrance without a firm understanding of the principles underlying its operation, since users are still responsible for devising the design.
In Process Engineering and Design Using Visual Basic, Arun K. Datta provides a unique and versatile suite of programs along with simultaneous development of the underlying concepts, principles, and mathematics. Each chapter details the theory and techniques that provide the basis for design and engineering software and then showcases the development and utility of programs developed using the material outlined in the chapter. This all-inclusive guide works systematically from basic mathematics to fluid mechanics, separators, overpressure protection, and glycol dehydration, providing basic design guidelines based on international codes. Worked examples demonstrate the utility of each program, while the author also explains problems and limitations associated with the simulations.
After reading this book you will be able to immediately put these programs into action and have total confidence in the result, regardless of your level of experience. Companion Visual Basic and Excel files are available for download on under the "Downloads/Updates" tab on this web page.
Basic Mathematics
Introduction
Physical constants
Mensuration
Algebra
Trigonometry
Analytical geometry
Calculus
Differential equations
Partial differential equations
Numerical analysis
Unit conversions
Programming
References
Thermodynamics
Introduction
Heat, work, and energy
First law of thermodynamics
Phase rule
Reversible process
Heat content or enthalpy
Heat capacity at constant volume and constant pressure
Isothermal process
Adiabatic process
Equation of state
Second law of thermodynamics
Thermodynamic properties
Flash calculation
Programming
Nomenclature
Greek characters
References
Fluid Mechanics
Introduction
Bernoulli’s theorem
Flow measurements
Frictional pressure drop
Two-K method
Hydraulics: General guidelines
Hydraulics: Compressible fluids
Heat loss
Hydraulics: Two-phase flow
Programming
Nomenclature
Greek characters
References
Heat Transfer
Introduction
Conductive heat transfer
Heat conduction through a composite wall
Heat conduction through multiple cylindrical walls
Heat conduction through the wall of a sphere
Multidimensions steady-state heat conduction
One-dimensional unsteady heat conduction
Thermal conductivity of various materials/components
Thermal conductivities of hydrocarbon liquids
Convective heat transfer
Estimation of pressure drop
Log mean temperature difference
Overall heat-transfer coefficient
Radiation heat transfer
Double-pipe heat exchanger
Heat exchanger specification
Batch heating and cooling
Heat transfer in agitated vessels
Minimum metal temperature during depressuring operation
Programming
Nomenclature
Subscripts
Greek
References
Distillation
Introduction
Relative volatility
Vapor–liquid equilibrium
Raoult's law: Ideal solutions
Material balance for two-component systems
McCabe–Thiele method
Smoker equations
Approximate column sizing
Tray efficiency
Column hydraulics and design
Tray pressure drop
Height equivalent to theoretical plate
Entrainment
Weeping and dumping
Programming
References
Separators
Introduction
General principles of separation
Vertical vs. horizontal separators
Design of a gas–liquid separator
Design of liquid–liquid separators
Mist eliminator
General dimensions and setting of levels
Separator internals
Separator control
High-performance separator
Design parameters
Separator program
Nomenclature
Greek characters
References
Overpressure Protection
Introduction
Definition
Types of pressure relief valves
Selection of pressure relief valves
PRV installation and line sizing
Contingency quantification
Sizing procedure
SIL analysis
Programming
Nomenclature
Greek characters
References
Glycol Dehydration
Introduction
Basic scheme
Physical properties
Design aspects
Programming
References
Index
Biography
Arun Datta
"Many books for chemical engineers have been written from an academic point of view and are intensely theoretical. Process Engineering and Design Using Visual Basic®, Second Edition by Arun Datta demonstrates that it has been written by someone who not only has a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the chemical engineering principles which are important for guiding the design engineer, but also has the authority of a practicing professional who is current in the field of process engineering. It has the bonus of ... a number of programs which can be used to check other programs that may be available for design and rating."
––Anthony Buckley, Chemical Engineer, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia