Developed by Susan Montgomery - University of Michigan,
Chemical Engineering Department, Multimedia Education Laboratory
We have developed a set of multimedia
computer modules to help students in the introductory chemical
engineering balances course understand and practice the key concepts of
the course. Modules are divided into two categories, as shown in Table
1, and include modules that allow students to solve material balance
problems in three different applications, and modules that provide
practice using charts and used to solve material and energy balance
problems. These modules are described in more detail below.
Material Balance Problems
- Biological systems
- Car pre-painting system
- Wastewater treatment plant
Chart Tutorials
- Pxy & Txy diagrams
- Psychrometric charts
- Enthalpy-concentration diagrams
Biological Systems
This module helps students in the
introductory chemical engineering course understand and practice the
application of material balances to biological systems of different
dimensions using an algorithm for the solution of material balance
problems. In-depth interactions focus on mass balance problems
involving cell metabolism, an artificial kidney, and a cheese
factory.
Car Pre-Painting System
This multimedia tour can be used as part of an open-ended project
for a material balance course, in which students create a flowsheet for
the phosphate coating system at Ford Motor Companys Wixom, MI plant,
then suggest modifications for waste minimization.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
This module introduces students to the
applications of material balances in wastewater treatment processes.
After reviewing the basics of wastewater treatment, students can take a
tour of the Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant. A quiz includes
material balance questions corresponding to each section of the
plant.
Pxy and Txy Diagrams
This interactive module helps students
understand the use of Pxy and Txy diagrams in describing binary
liquid-vapor systems. The module also includes a review, introduction
to industrial uses, and three quizzes to evaluate their understanding
of the diagrams and their use.
Psychrometric Charts
Using this module, students learn how to
read and use psychrometric charts, and are exposed to industrial
applications in which they are used. Three quizzes help students
evaluate whether they understand the components of the chart, how to
locate a point on the chart, and how to follow a process using the
chart.
Enthalpy-concentration diagrams
This module helps students review how to
read and use enthalpy-concentration diagrams, and explore applications
in which enthalpy concentration diagrams are used. A quiz helps
students determine if they understand the components of the diagram,
how to locate a point on the diagram, and how to follow a process using
the diagram to solve material and energy balance problems.
Price
This CD will contain both Macintosh and
Windows versions of the materials, for only $25. The modules may be
installed on a computer network, for student access.
For more information about these modules,
see the Multimedia Education Laboratory’s web page at http://www.engin.umich.edu/labs/mel