Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2023
Relevant Policies and rules: In addition to the rules outlined in this leaner guide, the rules and
policies presented in the DUT and Department of Chemical Engineering Handbook will apply.
1. Welcome
This study guide offers an extensive collection of information on the principles and practices of Process
Fluid Flow in chemical engineering processes. It is specifically created for students looking to expand
their knowledge in this field. The study guide presents the basics and advanced concepts of Process
Fluid Flow in a clear and straightforward format, with supporting illustrations, examples, and interactive
exercises to aid your learning. Upon completing this module, you will have a strong understanding of
fluid flow and its impact on chemical engineering processes. The objective is to provide you with a
solid foundation in Process Fluid Flow and the necessary skills to excel in your chemical engineering
career. This study guide is designed to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible introduction to
fluid mechanics principles and their application in chemical engineering processes.
Process Fluid Flow: This module typically covers topics such as fluid properties, fluid statics, fluid
dynamics, and the design and analysis of fluid systems. A Process Fluid Flow module in chemical
engineering aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid
mechanics and their application to chemical engineering processes. The primary goals of a process
fluid flow module in chemical engineering are to:
▪ Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the behaviour of fluids in various
process systems.
▪ Teach students how to apply fluid mechanics principles to the design and analysis of fluid
systems in chemical engineering processes.
▪ Develop students' ability to model and analyse fluid flow systems and interpret and use the
results to optimise system performance.
▪ Help students understand the importance of fluid flow in transferring mass, energy, and
momentum in chemical processes.
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▪ Prepare students for advanced coursework in chemical engineering, where a strong foundation
in fluid flow is essential for successfully applying advanced principles and techniques.
Overall, a process fluid flow module in chemical engineering aims to provide students with the
knowledge and skills they need to design and analyse fluid flow systems in chemical engineering
processes and to optimise system performance for maximum efficiency and product quality. However,
it remains the student's responsibility to master the detail accordingly.
4. Learning outcomes
Upon completing this module, it is expected that you will have achieved the following outcomes:
▪ Understand the fundamentals of fluid mechanics.
▪ Understand the application of fluid Flow to chemical engineering operations.
Introduction/Overview
This learning outcome will define fluid flow, and the various fluid properties and their effects will be
discussed. Additionally, solve simple static problems by investigating pressure and its variation
throughout the fluid and the effect of pressure on submerged surfaces. The application of conservation
equations to flow measurements will be demonstrated.
Learning outcome Assessment criteria
▪ Derive and apply conservation ▪ Clearly express/ differentiate and derive the bulk
equations to flow measurements. modulus for a compressible and incompressible
▪ Express/ differentiate and derive fluid.
the bulk modulus for a ▪ Explain and demonstrate the phenomenon of
compressible and incompressible surface tension illustrated.
fluid. ▪ Apply the continuity equation in flowing fluid
▪ Derive the continuity equation in problems.
flowing fluid problems. ▪ Calculate pressure, force, flowrate and pressure
▪ Derive the Bernoulli equation and drop using the Bernoulli equation in flowing fluid
apply the Bernoulli equation to problems.
flowing fluid problems. ▪ Calculate momentum/ force / resultant force on a
▪ Perform momentum/ force balance plane /jet.
on a plane /jet. ▪ Application of Bernoulli equation to flow meters
▪ Explain the continuum Hypothesis shown.
and the velocity profile of fluid ▪ Clearly explain the continuum Hypothesis and
inside a pipe. fluid velocity profile inside a pipe.
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Learning outcome 2: Incompressible Flow in pipes and channels
Introduction/Overview
This learning outcome will explain and discuss the use of mechanical energy balance equations to
solve compressible, incompressible, and multiple-phase fluid flow problems with and without
friction.
Learning outcome Assessment criteria
At the end of this Learning outcome, you You will be assessed as competent if you are able to:
should be able to: ▪ Demonstrate understanding of key concepts
▪ Differentiate between fully related to energy and the first law of
developed laminar and turbulent thermodynamics, including internal, kinetic,
flow. and potential energy, work and power, heat
▪ Perform dimensional analysis of transfer.
pipe flow. ▪ Describe Laminar Flow.
▪ Differentiate between the velocity ▪ Perform calculations Laminar Flow.
profile for laminar and turbulent ▪ Describe Turbulent Flow.
Newtonian Flow in pipes and the ▪ Derive the velocity profile of turbulent and
Flow in open channels. laminar Flow.
▪ Determine the frictional losses in a ▪ Demonstrate and use of Moody chart in
pipe using equivalent length and determining the pressure drop in a pipe
loss coefficient methods. ▪ Identify and explain the causes of minor and
▪ Apply and calculate pressure drop major losses in pipe.
for laminar and turbulent Flow. ▪ Determine fluid velocities in a given nominal-
▪ Use a moody chart to solve size pipe.
incompressible fluids problems. ▪ Describe the different types of fluid.
▪ Discuss and illustrate and identify ▪ Write down and interpret the Reynolds
the flow regimes of the fluid inside number.
a pipe. ▪ Use Darcy-Weisbach and Hagen poiseuille to
▪ Classification of open channel flow calculate pressure drop in a pipe.
using the Froude number equation ▪ Calculate Reynolds number and Pressure
▪ Apply conservation of mass, drop as a function of shear stress at the wall,
conservation of energy, and friction factor and pressure drop in pipes and
conservation of momentum to fittings.
solve open channel flow problems. ▪ Identify and perform calculations on sudden
▪ Apply the Chezy and manning contractions and enlargements in a pipe
equations to open channel system ▪ Identify Flow regimes and Flow patterns
problems. ▪ Determine an open channel system's flow
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rate, slope, depth and hydraulic radius.
Learning outcome 3: Pumps and valves
Introduction/Overview
This learning outcome will describe centrifugal pumps and perform pumping calculations.
Learning outcome Assessment criteria
At the end of this learning outcome, you You will be assessed as competent if you are able to:
should be able to: ▪ Describe various types of pumps
▪ Describe the difference between ▪ Describe the principle of operation of
pumps and valves and their centrifugal pumps
application, ▪ Describe and discuss different
▪ Calculate the system heads configurations of centrifugal pumps
▪ Develop pump curves for ▪ Draw the performance curves
centrifugal pump, ▪ Explain the concept of pump priming and
▪ Determine the operating point cavitation
▪ Differentiate between Pumps in ▪ Evaluate the performance characteristics of a
series and parallel pump by application of scale-up laws.
▪ Apply affinity/scaling-up laws to solve ▪ Derive the expression for NPSH and describe
centrifugal pump relations the meaning of the symbols
problems ▪ Demonstrate an understanding of NPSH
▪ Perform simple calculations of ▪ Explain the functions of a pump
pumping networks ▪ Determine the power of the pump and its
▪ Derive the expression for NPSH efficiency
and describe the meaning of the ▪ Describe the functions of a valve
symbols ▪ Discuss the criteria used to select a valve
▪ Perform calculations involving for a process
NPSH ▪ Discuss the operating mechanisms of valves
▪ Select a valve for a process ▪ Discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of different types of valve
▪ Identify and list different types of valves
Learning outcome 4: Mixing of Newtonian liquids in tanks
Introduction/Overview
In this learning outcome, mixing will be defined, and the properties of mixing Newtonian liquids
will be explained and discussed.
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At the end of this learning outcome, you You will be assessed as competent if you are able to:
should be able to: Describe and illustrate the difference between mixing
▪ Distinguish between mixing and and agitation
agitation. ▪ Clearly state the purpose of mixing and
▪ Purpose of mixing and agitation agitation in Chemical Engineering
▪ Understand the ▪ Correctly solve problems involving calculating
mechanism/operation of an the power and volume of a given mixing
agitation vessel system and scale up the different mixing
▪ Classify types of impellers and system.
flows in a mixing system. ▪ Demonstrate and use power curves in
▪ Select impellers for different mixing determining the Power number.
systems. ▪ Design mixing systems for a variety of process
▪ Define a power number. applications
▪ Explain the different mixing flow
patterns.
▪ Apply power curves and
Dimensionless groups for mixing to
determine the power required
power of the mixer in different
scenarios given
▪ Scale-up liquid mixing systems using
the agitator scale-up procedure.
▪ Determine the mixing time of
miscible fluid.
▪ Understand the relationship
between Reynolds number and
mixing time.
Learning Outcome 5: Flow of compressible Flow in pipes
Introduction/Overview
This learning outcome will introduce and explain the concept of compressible flow, applying energy
equations to compressible Flow, and determining flow rate under compressible conditions.
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At the end of this learning outcome, you You will be assessed as competent if you are able to:
should be able to: ▪ Derive and apply the general compressible
▪ Differentiate between compressible flow equation from Bernoulli’s equation.
and incompressible fluids. ▪ Derive and apply the Isothermal Flow of
▪ Check if a fluid is compressible. an Ideal Gas in a Horizontal Pipe to solve
▪ Perform derivations of compressible the compressible flow problem.
fluid equation. ▪ Derive and apply the Non-isothermal Flow
▪ Solve typical compressible fluid of an Ideal Gas in a Horizontal Pipe.
problems. ▪ Derive and apply the Adiabatic Flow of an
▪ Calculate Re for a compressible fluid. Ideal Gas in a Horizontal Pipe.
▪ Calculate Pressure and Volume for a ▪ Calculate the Length of the pipe.
compressible fluid. ▪ Calculate the mass flux G/A for any given
▪ Calculate the amount of heat to be compressible flow problem.
added to maintain isothermal Flow for ▪ Calculate the pressure drop ΔP for any
compressible fluid. given compressible flow problem.
▪ Identify the integral of dP/v for ▪ Calculate the internal diameter of the pipe
isothermal, non-isothermal and for any given compressible flow problem
adiabatic conditions. ▪ Estimate the heat added or removed in a
pipeline.
▪ Demonstrate and use friction factor
charts to solve relevant compressible flow
problems.
Assessment methods for Learning Tutorials; tests; exams; assignment, quizzes
Outcomes
Media/Resources for Learning Lecture notes, tutorials, textbooks, consultations
Outcomes with Lecturer and/or tutors, internet
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5. Learning, teaching and assessment strategies
a) Learning activities
These educational activities aim to foster a dynamic and interactive learning environment that develops
students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills in process fluid flow. In addition,
the Lecturer will provide an overview of the key concepts, theories, and applications related to process
fluid flow. All lecture materials and notes will be accessible on Moodle, as specified in Section 2.
The following are the learning activities and strategies that will be integrated into this module:
Interactive Lectures: These lectures utilise interactive techniques and multimedia presentations to
clarify complex ideas and keep students engaged.
Online Resources: Students can access multimedia resources, such as videos, articles, and interactive
simulations, to enhance their learning.
Problem-Based Learning: Real-world problems challenge students to develop solutions using their
process fluid flow knowledge.
Online Quizzes: Online quizzes assess students' comprehension of fluid flow's core concepts and
terminology.
Discussion Sessions: Students participate in discussions with the Lecturer and classmates to deepen
their understanding of the concepts and their practical applications in various contexts. Problem-
solving activities promote active learning and critical thinking.
Group Discussions: Students are divided into smaller groups for discussions on various types of fluid
flow, their characteristics, and applications.
Feedback: This will provide opportunities for students to ask questions, clarify concepts, and give
feedback.
The knowledge and understanding outlined above are acquired through lectures and tutorial classes.
One-on-one Consultations: students can receive personalised instructor feedback and guidance on
their fluid flow process projects and assessments.
Professional Development: The program strongly emphasises developing chemical engineering
practitioners, including effective written and graphical presentation skills, time management,
teamwork, and working to deadlines. These skills will be developed through the process of fluid flow
reports.
NB: The content may differ slightly from previous years for students who have taken this course.
b) Graduate attributes
Upon completion of the program, students will have the ability to:
▪ Solve fundamental fluid statics problems.
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▪ Use the equation for mechanical energy balance to address fluid flow issues with and without
friction in compressible and incompressible systems as well as systems with multiple phases.
▪ Design flow systems that include pipes, valves, fittings, and pumps for Newtonian fluids
▪ Choose the appropriate pump and valve, based on operational constraints and performance
characteristics, for a given application.
▪ Design mixing systems for various process applications.
This program will also help students to attain the Engineering Council of South Africa Graduate
Attributes (GAs), including:
Graduate Attribute 1: Problem-solving, using engineering principles to diagnose and solve broad
engineering problems systematically.
Graduate Attribute 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge, using mathematics,
natural science, and engineering sciences to define and apply engineering methods, processes,
procedures, and systems to solve broad engineering problems.
Furthermore, students will also be able to:
▪ Identify and solve problems with a critical and evaluative approach.
▪ Work effectively as part of a team.
▪ Manage time and activities effectively and responsibly.
▪ Collect, analyse, organise, and critically assess information.
▪ Communicate effectively using language, mathematical, and visual skills in both written and
oral forms.
▪ Use technology effectively and with critical evaluation.
c) Assessment
In this module, the development of the ECSA Graduate Attributes will be monitored and evaluated.
In order to pass the course, attendance at all lectures and tutorials is mandatory, and all written work
must be in English. Therefore, this module will be assessed by tests, tutorial assignments, spreadsheets,
and/or appropriate fluid mechanics software assignments. If any evaluations are missed, a student can
apply for a special evaluation by following the proper procedure.
The student must attend all lectures and tests, complete all assignments and tutorials, and submit them
on the specified due date. Missing a test may negatively impact the class mark. If a student is unable to
attend due to illness, they must inform the Lecturer within three days and provide a medical certificate
from an accredited doctor.
Attendance: All lectures, discussion sessions, and consultations are recommended for the best
student outcome. Therefore, attendance is mandatory and will be recorded at each lecture, with
students required to attend a minimum of 80% of the lectures. If a student misses an assessment, they
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must submit a formal application to the department five working days before the submission date to
receive permission for a late submission, which will receive a maximum grade of 50%.
Assessment in this module takes place continuously throughout the semester and includes tutorials,
assignments, two cumulative class tests, and a final examination at the end of the semester. The class
mark, determined by marks from tests, tutorials, quizzes and other assignments, comprises 40% of the
final mark and requires a minimum score of 45%. The final examination is 60% of the final mark.
Competence in the module outcomes will be evaluated according to Table 2 provided.
Table 2
Assessment Contribution Subminimum Assessment
to Final Mark Date
Missing Assessments: Students who miss any assessment must apply to the department for
permission to submit the work late, using the prescribed form, at least five working days before the
submission date. Late submissions will receive a maximum grade of 50%. The minimum passing grade
is 50%.
Unsubmitted Work: Students will receive a grade of zero for any report or assessment that is not
handed in by the due date.
Attendance: A class register will be taken in each class. If a student's name is not on the ITS list, they
should contact the secretary to resolve the issue. If the omission continues beyond February, the
student will not be allowed in the class, and their submissions and assessments will not be graded.
Moderation: A moderator will be assigned to the module, reviewing the examination papers and
reports and checking the grading.
Group Assignment: The only acceptable groups are those designated by the Lecturer. Any changes
or swapping of groups must have written consent from the Lecturer.
Report and Assignment Submissions: Students are expected to act with honesty and integrity in
all aspects of the learning process, as academic credentials are based on these principles. The
Department of Chemical Engineering uses software to help students avoid copyright infringement
and plagiarism (Section 7).
All reports and assignments must be submitted first through the TURNITIN Software prior to
submitting a hard copy for assessment.
Turnitin Requirements:
The web address is: www.turnitin.com
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▪ The class ID and password for access to TURNITIN will be e-mailed to all registered
students using their dut4life e-mail addresses.
▪ Students are requested to upload their reports onto this system and print a copy for
submission from the TURNITIN site.
▪ The final hard copy with the originality report is to be deposited into the department
submission box.
Please note that:
▪ Students need to upload their reports onto Turnitin at least two days before the due date,
as the system takes a while to check for plagiarism.
▪ A report not submitted on Turnitin by the due date will not be marked. The
allocated mark will be zero.
A sliding scale penalty will be applied to reports with excessive similarity index.
Although the requirement is 7%, an allowable up to 15% will be given, after which the
following will apply:
▪ 16 to 25% - minus 10% of the final mark for the report
▪ 26 to 35% - minus 20% of the final mark for the report
▪ 36 to 45% - minus 30% of the final mark for the report
▪ 46 to 55% - minus 40% of the final mark for the report
▪ 56 to 65% - minus 50% of the final mark for the report
▪ 66 to 75% - minus 60 % of the final mark for the report
▪ 76 to 100% - receives a zero for the report.
Some learning activities to promote learning for students in a process fluid flow subject:
▪ Visual aids: Diagrams, animations, and videos illustrate the concepts and explain fluid flow's
complexities clearly.
▪ Case studies: Real-life case studies and problems are used to help students apply their
knowledge and understand the practical implications of fluid flow.
▪ Interactive simulations: Interactive simulations allow students to experiment with different
scenarios and understand the impact of fluid flow on a system.
▪ Technical Report Writing: Projects are assigned to students where they conduct research
and produce a technical report on a particular fluid flow application.
▪ Online Quizzes: Develop quizzes to evaluate students' knowledge of key concepts and
terminology in fluid flow.
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e) Library Orientation
Mandatory attendance at a library orientation that features a visit to the DUT library is required for
all first-year students and transferred students from other institutions or departments. Confirmation
of participation must be provided by each student through signing a register, which will be kept in the
designated subject folder. The DUT library has a vast repository of resources and also offers a wide
range of supplementary reading materials to aid in a deeper understanding of the course material.
Students are strongly advised to utilise these resources to optimise their learning experience.
Prescribed Literature
▪ Coulson, J.M. (2000). Coulson & Richardson Chemical Engineering, Volume 1. Oxford, UK:
Butterworth-Heinemann.
▪ Munson, B.R., Okiishi, T.H., Huebsch, W.W., & Rothmayer, A.P. (2013). Fluid Mechanics.
Singapore: Wiley.
▪ Gerhart, P.M., Gerhart, A.L., & Hochstein, J.I. (2016). Munson, Young, and Okiishi's Fundamentals
of Fluid Mechanics. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
VIDEO YouTube is an excellent source to find information or short lectures on the topics
covered in class. However, not all the information provided is correct. Therefore,
always compare the information provided on YouTube with your class notes and
prescribed textbook.
WEBSITES It is recommended that the student uses the internet as much as possible, and some
assignments may be given to the students to incorporate the internet.
6. Scheme of Work
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layers, volumetric flow rate and average velocity in a
pipe
▪ Incompressible Flow in pipes and channels 2 2
▪ Reynolds number, the Pressure drop as a function of
shear stress at the wall, Friction factor, use of friction
chart and other correlations, pressure drop in pipes and
fittings, equivalent diameter for non-circular pipes,
velocity profile for laminar and turbulent Newtonian Flow
in pipes, Flow in open channels
▪ The flow of incompressible non-Newtonian Flow in 3 2
pipes
▪ Pumps and valves 4 2
▪ Description and selection of different pumps and valves
and their application, Calculation of system heads, Pump
curves for centrifugal pumps, Determination of
operating point, Pumps in series and parallel, Centrifugal
pump relations, Simple calculation of pumping networks
▪ Mixing of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids in 5 2
tanks
▪ Different types of impellers, Dimensionless groups for
mixing, Power curves, Scale-up of liquid mixing systems
▪ The flow of compressible Flow in pipes 6 2
▪ Energy relationships, Equations of state, Speed of sound
and its impact on maximum flow rate, Isothermal and
non-isothermal Flow in horizontal pipes
Plagiarism, including copying assignments or tutorials from others or directly from library books
without proper citation, is viewed as cheating and will be handled according to Durban University of
Technology (DUT) policies and regulations. Students are expected to maintain honesty and ethical
behaviour throughout their academic journey. Academic integrity is the foundation of the academic
credentials earned. Academic dishonesty involves taking actions that result in, or have the potential to
result in, unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can lead to severe consequences,
such as a zero grade on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript, and potential
suspension or expulsion from the university. Examples of academic dishonesty include:
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▪ Submitting work that is not original or for which credit has already been obtained constitutes
plagiarism.
▪ Copying or using unauthorised materials during tests or exams.
▪ Falsifying documents issued by or received from the university.
▪ Students must cite all sources in their reports and presentations to ensure academic honesty.
In addition, their major project work will be submitted electronically and in hard copy for
verification purposes. If plagiarism is detected, the student will receive a zero mark for that
specific portion.
▪ Any act of academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the rules outlined in the General
Handbook for Students
8. Student support
Lecturers are available during consultation hours to address course-related concerns or assist.
Students can also communicate their general issues through the class representative or bring them up
during the Student-Staff Committee (SSC) meetings, which take place once per term. The SSC is a
platform for class representatives and the Head of the Department to discuss and resolve any
problems faced by chemical engineering students. For assistance in the laboratory, students can contact
the Laboratory Technician responsible for the laboratory. The DUT Student E-mail Portal will also
send communication regarding this subject. The Student Counselling Department offers
comprehensive support for personal issues.
Writing Centre
The Alan Pittendrigh Library on the Steve Biko campus houses a Writing Centre staffed by
knowledgeable tutors ready to offer guidance, advice, and support. Their goal is to enhance your
writing skills and boost your confidence. They will listen and help you organise your ideas but will not
edit your documents. This service is available to all registered students and can be utilised at your
discretion. However, some course Lecturers may require its use for certain students. You can visit in
person or reach out to the Secretary, Ms Shahieda Kraft, at 031 373 6735 or shahiedak@dut.ac.za.
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