Quick Recap

The meeting covered various aspects of chemical engineering education and problem-solving techniques. MSubbu discussed the course structure, introduced methods for solving chemical process problems, and explained concepts such as stoichiometry, combustion, and extent of reaction. He emphasized the importance of regular practice, encouraged students to ask questions, and provided resources for further learning and progress tracking.

Next Steps

  • Students to review the meeting content and video before the next class on Friday.
  • Students to attempt the practice problems and tests posted.
  • Students to mark completed videos and problems in the course portal.
  • Professor Subbu to post the list of problems to be discussed in the next class by 11 AM the previous day.
  • Professor Subbu to process and upload the video of today's class with timestamps.
  • Students to upload their problem solutions for review by Professor Subbu's team.
  • Professor Subbu to consider extending some classes to 5 hours instead of 4 hours.
  • Students to join the next class on Friday at 6:55 PM.

SUMMARY

Pre-Assessment Test and Upcoming Classes: In the meeting, MSubbu and Srinidhi discussed the pre-assessment test and the upcoming classes. MSubbu emphasized the importance of practice and clarified that the classes would be conducted in English. They also discussed the course content, which includes a new problem and some new explanations. MSubbu encouraged students to be in mute and not turn on their video during the meeting. The conversation ended with a silent prayer before starting the class.

Atomic Balance Method in Chemical Processes: In the meeting, MSubbu discussed the plan for the upcoming classes, which will alternate between Wednesday and Friday. He also introduced two methods for solving problems related to chemical processes: the atomic balance method and the extent of reaction method. These methods are particularly useful when dealing with multiple reactions. MSubbu also mentioned that he would be taking questions from Bhatt & Vora and other sources. He then proceeded to discuss three problems, one from the recent GATE exam and two from Bhatt & Vora and Himmelblau. He emphasized the importance of regular practice and encouraged the students to ask questions during the class.

Fuel Gas Mixture Calculation Process: Subbu discussed the process of calculating the fuel gas mixture and reporting combustion in terms of wet basis, dry basis, and finding the air requirement. He explained the concept of excess air and how it affects the combustion process. Subbu also discussed the importance of converting the fuel gas mixture from weight to mole basis for accurate calculations. He explained the difference between wet and dry gas and how to calculate the moles of water per mole of dry gas. Subbu also discussed the importance of knowing the molecular formula and atomic weight of various components in the fuel gas mixture. He explained how to calculate the theoretical air requirement for complete combustion of the fuel gas mixture.

Stoichiometric Oxygen Requirement and Process Calculations: MSubbu discussed the stoichiometric oxygen requirement for a reaction, explaining how to calculate it based on the reaction's stoichiometry and excess air percentage. He also mentioned the importance of considering the composition of the air and the role of nitrogen in the reaction. MSubbu then introduced two new methods for process calculations: atomic balance and extent of reaction. He emphasized the usefulness of these methods in providing a clear starting point for problem-solving and encouraged the team to learn them.

Calculating Moles in Chemical Reactions: MSubbu explains the concept of extent of reaction, which can be applied to both reversible and irreversible reactions. He describes how to calculate the moles of a component after a reaction using initial moles, stoichiometric coefficients, and extent of reaction. MSubbu then introduces a problem from a chemical engineering exam involving the production of formaldehyde from methane oxidation, where they need to determine the molar flow rate of oxygen entering the reactor given certain input and output conditions.

Solving for Unknowns in Chemical Equations: In the meeting, MSubbu discussed the problem of finding the amount of oxygen entering. He noted that there are 7 variables involved, with 4 of them being specified. This leaves 3 unknowns, they need to form 3 equations. He went on to discuss the balance equations for carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, and how these can be used to solve for the unknowns. By the end of the meeting, MSubbu had logically solved the problem and found the value of unknown.

Extent of Reaction Method Explained: MSubbu explained the extent of reaction method, which is more convenient for multiple reactions. He demonstrated how to write equations for the method, using the stoichiometric coefficients of each reaction. He also discussed how to solve for the extent of reactions using the given product content. MSubbu emphasized that this method is better when there are many reactions and only a few atoms are involved. He concluded that the extent of reaction method is simpler and more efficient than the atomic balance method.

Solving Chemical Reaction Problems: MSubbu discussed two methods for solving chemical reaction problems. The first method involves understanding stoichiometry and connecting it to the reaction. The second method is more complex and involves multiple reactions, requiring the use of atom balances. MSubbu emphasized the importance of starting the problem-solving process correctly and understanding the stoichiometry. He also mentioned that the methods are well explained in the Felder's book.

Regular Practice and Problem Solving: MSubbu discussed the process of solving problems and encouraged students to practice regularly. He mentioned that he would post a list of problems to be discussed the day before each class. MSubbu also mentioned that he would provide a video transcript and a processed video for each problem. He emphasized the importance of students spending time on the content and taking tests regularly. Aniket, a former student, was asked to clarify some points, and MSubbu encouraged all students to ask questions.

Class Progress and Course Recommendations: MSubbu discussed the progress of the class, emphasizing the importance of completing and marking problems as a way to track progress. He also mentioned the availability of tests and suggested that students could take them to enrich their learning. MSubbu encouraged students to go through the course contents and recommend them to their classmates.  Srinidhi asked about the approach to solving problems in detail for the GATE exam, to which MSubbu explained that the lengthy problems are given to learn the concepts and connect the information.

Last modified: Monday, 2 June 2025, 9:42 AM