CE3104

PROCESS CONTROL

1.
(a) A two-phase feed to the gas-liquid separator, shown in Figure Q1a,
consists of a mixture of two hydrocarbons. Because the vessel pressure P is
lower than the feed pressure, the feed flashes as it enters the separator. The
separator operates isothermally with the two phases in equilibrium. Using the
degrees of freedom analysis:

(i) Determine the degrees of freedom of the separator.

(5 marks)

(ii) Determine the number of control loops that you can add if the feed
flow rate and composition are wild variables.
(2 marks)

(iii) Describe the control loops for the separator with controlled and
manipulated variables, including possible inventory control loops if
the control objective is to maintain a constant composition w G.
Justify your answers.
(6 marks)

FIGURE Q1a

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(b) Answer the following questions based on the P&ID of a fixed-bed catalytic
reactor given in Figure Q1b:

FIGURE Q1b

(i) Identify the function of the instruments PDT-145 and TY344.

(4 marks)

(ii) Identify the meaning of the trapezoidal symbols with two sizes
(e.g. 10"×24").
(2 marks)

(iii) Identity all safety features for the reactor in the P&ID.
(6 marks)

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2.
(a) A truth table for a set of inputs is shown in Table Q2, where A and B
are inputs and Y is output.
TABLE Q2
A B Y
0 0 1
1 0 0
0 1 0
1 1 1

Construct binary operations (AND, OR, NOT) in series or parallel that

yield Y from A and B.
(9 marks)

(b) A two-tank filling system is shown in Figure Q2. Both tanks are used in
a similar way. Tank 1 is considered to be empty when the level is less
than L1 and full when the level is greater than L2. Initially, both tanks
are empty. If push button S is pressed, both tanks are filled by opening
values V1 and V2. When a tank is full (e.g., tank 1), filling stops by
closing valve V1, and its contents start to be used (by opening valve
W1). When tank 1 is empty, valve W1 is closed. Filling may only start
up again when both tanks are empty, and if button S is pressed.

FIGURE Q2

(i) Draw an information flow diagram of the operation.

(8 marks)

(ii) Draw a sequential function diagram for the operation.

(8 marks)

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POLLUTION CONTROL

3.
(a) Describe how industrial-scale production plants can reduce their carbon
emissions.
(5 marks)

(b) The UK set new targets for carbon emissions under what regulations?
(1 mark)

(c) Define the term "net-zero".

(2 marks)

(d) State the UK's current net-zero target.

(2 marks)

(e) What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

(3 marks)

(f) Considering the complete product life cycle, discuss the environmental
impact of a refillable metal water bottle filled from the tap versus a
plastic bottled water. In your opinion, which is better for the
environment? Justify your decision.
(12 marks)

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4. You work for a food manufacturer and recently the costs for energy, water
and waste have increased significantly.

(a) As the site’s process engineer, identify strategies you would apply to
reduce:

(i) Energy usage and cost,

(4 marks)

(ii) Water usage and cost,

(4 marks)

(iii) Waste production.

(4 marks)

(b) The solid waste produced by the process consists of organic material
and has a high moisture content of 60 wt%. Draw a block diagram of
the solid waste treatment scheme that you would recommend for this
process.
(8 marks)

(c) Briefly describe the other options available for the treatment of solid
waste.
(5 marks)

END OF QUESTIONS

END OF PAPER

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