CHBE 345 Syllabus 2023W

COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title Course Code Number Credit Value
Unit Operations II CHBE 345 4

PREREQUISITES
CHBE 346, 352

CONTACTS
Office
Course Instructor(s) Office Hours
Location
Dr. Trajano (she/her/hers) CHBE 203 By appointment; please email to set up
a time to meet.
chbe345@chbe.ubc.ca

Include the problem set in the subject line of your email. If you wish to make an
appointment, please suggest that 3 times that you are available (e.g. Monday at 4PM PST,
Tuesday at 2PM PST, Thursday at 2PM PST). Please also specify the time zone.

I will check and answer course emails once per day from Monday to Friday. I dedicate my
weekends to mindfully enjoying time with my family.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Mariana Frias de Albuquerque (she/her/hers)
Ali Khodaei Tehrani (he/him/his)

The TAs are responsible for leading tutorials and grading homework assignments. They will
meet with you by appointment via Zoom or in person. They are happy to assist you on
assignment questions and can review assignment grading with you. They will grade the
midterm. If you have a question about your midterm grade, submit it directly to Dr. Trajano.

Please contact the TAs via the Canvas Inbox function. Include the problem set in the subject
line of your email. If making an appointment, include 3 times that you are available.

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WELCOME TO CHBE 345

Welcome to CHBE 345: Unit Operations II. We are gathering and learning on the traditional,
ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The land that UBC is
situated on has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam people, who for millennia
have passed on their culture, history, and traditions from one generation to the next on this site.

I recognize that you are bringing your own goals, perspectives, experiences, and challenges to
this course. My goal is to provide a learning environment in which all students can master the
Learning Outcomes. Your success is important. Reach out and ask for help if you need it.

I invite you to help me and the T.A.s cultivate an environment and culture where everyone feels
a sense of belonging. In this class, a sense of belonging means:
• everyone feels connected, supported, and respected
• everyone is confident that they are seen as a person of value

I have prepared a separate page identifying on-campus resources to support your well-being
and academic performance. It is provided in the “Course Documents” module on Canvas.

The course uses a combination of lectures and tutorials. Therefore, consistent attendance to
both is strongly recommended for success in this course. Material presented in lecture (esp. in
guest lectures) may not be found in the textbook. Students are responsible for knowing
material covered in class as well as the material found in the assigned readings. Lecture notes
will be be posted on Canvas.

During tutorial sessions, we will work on two or three questions as well as open-ended design
questions. This will help you sharpen your problem-solving skills, solve your assignment
problems, and your ability to make informed decisions to devise creative solutions.

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COURSE STRUCTURE
Course Website: www.canvas.ubc.ca
Check the course website regularly and frequently for lecture notes, assignments,
announcements, and other relevant course materials. Read my emails.
Lecture
Monday 13:00-14:00 Pacific Standard Time (PST). IRC-5
Tuesday, Thursday 11:00-12:20 PST IRC-4
No classes on February 19-23 (Mid-Term Break), March 29, April 1.
Tutorial
Alternate Mondays (January 22, February 5, March 4, March 18) 14:00-16:00 PST IRC-5
TAs will lead the tutorial as I am scheduled to teach CHBE 402 14:00-14:50 PST. I will
return after my CHBE 402 lecture is completed.

IMPORTANCE
Separations constitute 40 to 70% of the cost (capital and operating) of chemical plants.
Emerging, demanding separation applications include the removal of trace compounds for
biotechnology and nanotechnology as well as the recovery and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Separations are one of the key fields which delineate chemical and biological engineering from
the other engineering disciplines.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the semester, the successful CHBE 345 student should be able to:
• Determine operating conditions (drum temperature, flow rates of inlet and/or outlet
streams, composition of inlet/outlet streams) for binary flash drums using mass and
energy balances and equilbrium data.
• Explain how counter-current distillation columns work by describing the physical
elements of the column, such as trays and reboiler, and the composition, temperature,
and flow profiles.
• For binary distillation, absorption, stripping, and liquid-liquid extraction (immiscible and
partially miscible):
o Select and justify simplifying assumptions by gathering data, using available
information, and inference.
o Select a convenient and suitable method of hand calculation (e.g. McCabe-Thiele
plot, Kremser equation). Justify this selection.
o Design an equilibrium-staged separation system using mass balances and
equilibrium data.
o Predict changes in the system performance when variables such as feed
composition are changed.
• Propose a combination of processes (distillation, absorption/stripping, LLE, membranes,
crystallization, adsorption) to achieve a desired separation based on needs and
constraints.

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
Engineers Canada completes regular, systematic review of all Canadian engineering programs
to ensure that graduates are academically qualified to be licensed as professional engineers.
One aspect of accreditation is assessment of graduate attributes. These are skills or attributes
that engineers should possess. In CHBE 345, I will assess the following indicators of graduate
attributes:
Graduate Attribute Indicator
Engineering Science Comprehend the areas of engineering science that support the broad
Knowledge Base field of engineering.
Process Creation Create process for solving problem, including forming justified
approximations and assumptions.
Solution Evaluation Evaluate validity of results and model for error and uncertainty.
Problem Identify and specify design requirements based on stakeholders’ needs
Specification and constraints.

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TEXTBOOK
REQUIRED in ANY format: Wankat PC. “Separation Process Engineering- Includes Mass Transfer
Analysis”. 4th Ed. Pearson Education, Inc. (2017).

Format Location Cost

Hard copy UBC Bookstore (or other) $226.70 (UBC Bookstore,
currently not in stock)
$212.50 (Pearson Canada
website)
Hard copy 2 reserve copies in UBC Woodward Library Reserve Collection
Can be borrowed for 2 hours (Loan Policy)

Ebook- permanent access UBC Bookstore (or other) $174.00

Ebook- 12 month access Pearson website $54.95

• My notes and assignments are based on this text. I will also highlight additional
example problems from this text for your review.

Other Suggested Reading: Lane AM. “Separation Process Essentials”. 1st Ed. CRC Press. (2019)

• Full text is available online through the UBC Library.

• I will not reference this text but it is freely available to you and provides an alternative
perspective and additional example problems that you may find helpful.

EVALUATION
Assignments (top X-1 of X) 16%

Quizzes (6) 6%

Design Diary 4%

Midterm (1) 30%

Final Exam 44%

To pass the course, the average of the midterm and final exam grades must be at least 50%,
otherwise a maximum grade of 45% will be granted as the final grade for the course,
regardless of what the calculated grade would be. This is not meant to be punitive. This policy is
to ensure that everyone is well versed in the course material and equipped to succeed in future
courses (esp. capstone design). This also avoids the problems with "pass the final to pass the
course" policies, so a single bad day won't prevent you from passing.

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USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS

• Students are permitted to use artificial intelligence tools, including generative AI, to gather
information, brainstorm, review concepts or to help produce assignments. However,
students are ultimately accountable for the work they submit, and any content generated
or supported by an artificial intelligence tool must be cited appropriately. Use of AI tools is
not permitted during the midterm or final in this course.
• If students are unclear about the use of AI tools or applications for coursework, please
speak with the instructor.

ASSIGNMENTS
• Eight to nine assignments will be given during the term. The lowest scoring assignment will
be omitted from the course grade.
• If you receive 0 (zero) on one or more assignments due to academic misconduct, these
assignments will be counted towards your scored assignments.
• You may work on your assignment independently or in a group of 2-3 students. You may
work with a different partner for different sets of assignment. All partners are responsible
for knowing material on exams.
• Assignment files (preferably a single file) should be submitted online (Canvas) by all
partners in PDF format.
• Your solution presentation should follow the general guidelines (see page 10 of syllabus).
• Your submission should be clear, legible, and reasonably organized (e.g. include page
numbers).
• Phone photos are not acceptable. You may use regular scanners or apps such as iScanner,
Tiny Scanner, or Office Lens.
• Your assignment must have a cover page, clearly showing your names, student numbers,
course number, assignment number, and due date. The cover page template is provided on
Canvas. Make sure you include your name on the cover page.
• Grades will only be given to students whose names are on the cover page.
• I will use a student submission as the posted assignment solution.
• I will request the individual’s permission prior to posting. I will remove all identifying
information from the file prior to posting.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS AND EXTENSION/LATE POLICY FOR ASSIGNMENTS

• Assignments will be posted on a weekly basis (Saturday at 12PM PST at the latest) and will
be due the following Friday at 23:59 PST.
• You may make up to 3 submissions per assignment. T.A.s will only review and grade the last
submission once the assignment deadline is passed.
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• A submission is considered late if submitted after the deadline by Tuesday at 23:59

PST, unless an academic concession has been granted by Dr. Trajano (see below). No
submissions will be accepted after Tuesday at 23:59 PST.
• The first two late assignments will not be penalized. All subsequent late submissions will
have 25% deducted.
• Penalties will be applied at the end of the semester during course grade compilation.
• If you feel that your circumstances merit an academic concession (e.g. extension without
penalty), submit a request via Engineering Academic Services. A copy of your request is
automatically forwarded to me. Extensions will be granted only for exceptional
circumstances.
QUIZZES
• Quizzes will be administered through Canvas. Mark is granted for completion.
• Will consist of single question worth 1 mark:
• “Write one question and accompanying solution based on a concept/topic that was
covered in the past two weeks. The question can be multiple choice, true/false, fill in
the blank or short answer. The question does not need to include a calculation. If a
calculation is needed, then it should be short and simple.”
• Best questions will be used on midterm and final. A database of questions, without
solutions, will be shared with you to support your exam preparation.
• My intent is for you to enter the exam room knowing that there will be X questions that
you confidently know the answers. My intent is that these questions provide a
“cushion” or “base” for a good exam score. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you
review these questions prior to the exam.

EXTENSION/LATE POLICY FOR QUIZZES

• Available from Sunday 23:59 PST until Tuesday 23:59 PST.
• Quizzes will not be accepted after Tuesday at 23:59 PST.
• If you feel that your circumstances merit an academic concession (e.g. extension without
penalty), submit a request via Engineering Academic Services. A copy of your request is
automatically forwarded to me. Extensions will be granted only for exceptional
circumstances.

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DESIGN DIARY
• Design Diary will be submitted through Canvas.
• You will work in groups of 2-3 students. You may select your own group and you will work
with the same group for the full semester.
• If you require assistance to find a partner(s), please email me.
• Periodically during lecture or tutorial, I will pose a design question such as “What are the
requirements of producing fuel-grade ethanol?” You will have a recommended time
(typically 20-60 minutes) to discuss, debate and decide with your partner(s). You will submit
a written response summarizing your group’s discussion.
• Questions will typically build from previous discussions.
• My intent is for you to complete your Design Diary submission during classtime. It is not
meant to be an additional take-home assignment.
• I recognize that you or your partner(s) might be absent from a lecture/tutorial therefore
there will be a 72 hour submission period. If you complete the Design Diary discussion
outside of classtime, I encourage you to observe the recommended time.
• e.g. If I provide 20 minutes of lecture time for the Design Diary, you should only
spend 20 minutes at home. If I provide 60 minutes of tutorial time for the Design
Diary, you should only spend 60 minutes at home.
• Each submission will be graded out of 4:
4 3 1-2

Exceeding Meeting Below

Expectations Expectations Expectations

EXTENSION/LATE POLICY FOR DESIGN DIARY

• Available for 72 hours after design question is posed in class/tutorial.
• Submissions will not be accepted after the 72 hours period passes.
• If you feel that your circumstances merit an academic concession (e.g. extension without
penalty), submit a request via Engineering Academic Services. A copy of your request is
automatically forwarded to me. Extensions will be granted only for exceptional
circumstances.

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EXAMS
• Midterm will be on Monday, March 4 at 14:00-16:00 PST (i.e. tutorial period).
• Additional information regarding exam content and format will be provided at least one
week in advance via Canvas.
• A sample midterm and final will be provided in advance approximately one week before the
midterm/end of class.
• We will devote a lecture to discussing midterm expectations and reviewing sample
midterm. This discussion will be repeated on the last day of class in preparation for the
final.

PERMITTED MATERIALS DURING EXAMS

• A non-programmable or programmable calculator is needed. A ruler is needed for reading
and drawing figures. Cell phones, iPads, laptops, Apple watches, and similar are not
acceptable substitutes for a calculator. These items may not be on your desk. Smart
watches should be removed and stored in your bag.
• Sharing a calculator with another student is not permitted.

• The mid-term and final are closed-book, closed-notes.

• Course formula books will be provided with the exam.
• Formula book is posted on Canvas.
• The first 3 people to email the professor about an error will receive 2 bonus marks on
the final exam. The maximum mark on the final exam is 100%.
• The formula book is to be returned with the completed exam. No work or notes should
be written in the formula book.

• Any data tables/figures required will be provided.

MISSED EXAMS
• Email Dr. Trajano to discuss your absence from the midterm or final exam as soon as
possible. Grounds for an excused absence from the midterm and final are described in the
UBC Academic Calendar.
• If you are unable to take the midterm and know in advance, contact Dr. Trajano prior to the
examination.
• The weight of a missed midterm will be transferred to the final exam. No make-up exams will
be given.
• If you are absent from the midterm or final exam, you must submit your request for an
academic concession through Engineering Academic Services within 72 hours.
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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

• Your solution presentation should include: (This is your recipe for success in this course!)
 Start with a sketch of the problem statement outlining:
– The given situation
– What needs to be determined
– Variables clearly labeled
– Assumptions made to reach the solution
 A logical step-by-step solution analysis should then follow demonstrating:
– Equations used and the calculations performed
– Answers should have three significant digits.
– Final answers should contain appropriate units and be clearly identified by a box
e.g. qcond=5.00 W
– Partial credit will be awarded if the solution approach is correct, but an incorrect
answer is given because of a simple mathematical error.

• Your submission should be clear, legible, and reasonably organized (e.g. include page
numbers). Remember, if it can't be read, it can't be graded!

UNIVERSITY POLICIES
UBC provides resources to support student learning and to maintain healthy lifestyles but
recognizes that sometimes crises arise and so there are additional resources to access
including those for survivors of sexual violence.

UBC values respect for the person and ideas of all members of the academic community.
Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated nor is suppression of academic freedom.
Review the UBC Respectful Environment Statement and UBC Student Code of Conduct.

UBC provides appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities and for religious,
spiritual and cultural observances.

UBC values academic honesty and students are expected to acknowledge the ideas
generated by others and to uphold the highest academic standards in all of their actions.

Details of the policies and how to access support are available on the UBC Senate website.

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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
1. The academic enterprise is founded on honesty, civility, and integrity. As members of this
enterprise, all students are expected to know, understand, and follow the codes of conduct
regarding academic integrity. At the most basic level, this means submitting only original
work done by you and acknowledging all sources of information or ideas and attributing
them to others as required. This also means you should not cheat, copy, or mislead others
about what is your work. Violations of academic integrity (i.e., misconduct) lead to the
breakdown of the academic enterprise, and therefore serious consequences arise and harsh
sanctions are imposed. For example, incidences of plagiarism or cheating may result in a
mark of zero on the assignment or report and more serious consequences may apply if the
matter is referred to the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline. Careful
records are kept in order to monitor and prevent recurrences. See:
http://www.calendar.ubc.ca/vancouver/index.cfm?tree=3,286,0,0.
Academic misconduct that is subject to disciplinary measures includes, but is not limited to,
engaging in, attempting to engage in, or assisting others to engage, in any of the actions
described below:
a. Cheating: This includes but is not limited to dishonest or attempted dishonest conduct
at tests or examinations.
b. Plagiarism: This includes but is not limited to the presentation or submission of the
work of another person, without citation or credits, as the student’s own work.

2. Many of you are Iron Pin Supporters. You will one day become a Professional Engineer
therefore you should also consider EGBC’s Code of Ethics.

Registrants must act at all times with fairness, courtesy and good faith toward all
persons with whom the registrant has professional dealings, and in accordance with the
public interest. Registrants must uphold the values of truth, honesty, and
trustworthiness and safeguard human life and welfare and the environment. In keeping
with these basic tenets, registrants must:

11. “clearly identify each registrant who has contributed professional work, including
recommendations, reports, statements, or opinions;

I expect everyone to conduct themselves in a manner befitting a future E.I.T. and P.Eng. I
have these high expectations because I know that you can reach them. I am confident
that you will uphold the UBC Engineering Code of Ethics.

3. Incidences of plagiarism or cheating will be reported to the Dean’s office. Incidences of

plagiarism or cheating will result in a mark of zero on the assignment or exam and more
serious consequences may apply.

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COURSE OUTLINE
Topics Subject to Final Confirmation

Subjects Relevant Textbook Chapter(s)

Introduction Chapter 1

Flash Distillation and Vapour-Liquid Equilibrium Chapter 2

Column Distillation
 Introduction Chapter 3
 Binary Column Distillation Chapter 4
 Staged and Packed Column Design Covered qualitatively, Guest lecture
by Sergio Berretta, P.Eng.
 Multicomponent Distillation Chapter 5, 7

Gas-Liquid Mass Transfer Operations

 Adsorption and Stripping Chapter 12

Liquid-Liquid Extraction Chapter 13

Membrane Separation Chapter 18, tentatively includes

guest lecture by Dr. Jongho Lee,
Ph.D. (UBC Civil Engineering)

Adsorption and Ion Exchange Chapter 19

COPYRIGHT
All materials of this course (course handouts, lecture slides, assessments, course readings, etc.)
are the intellectual property of the Course Instructor or licensed to be used in this course by the
copyright owner. Redistribution of these materials by any means without permission of the
copyright holder(s) constitutes a breach of copyright and may lead to academic discipline.

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