che 3115 and che - 4115 chemical engineering...

Florida Institute of Technology

College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

CHE – 3115 and CHE - 4115

Chemical Engineering Processes

Laboratory - Manual

Fall Semester 2017

by

Maria Pozo de Fernandez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering

ChE Processes Laboratory - Instructor

Florida Institute of Technology College of Engineering Chemical Engineering Department ________________________________________________________________________

CHE - 3115 ChE Processes Laboratory I Fall Semester 2017

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MEMORANDUM

TO: Students registered in CHE-3115, ChE Processes Lab. I

Fall Semester 2017

FROM: Maria Pozo de Fernandez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering Processes Laboratory Coordinator and Instructor

CC: Victoria Cowdrick

ChE Processes Lab I, Graduate Student Assistant, Fall Semester 2017

Subject: Welcome to the ChE Processes Lab. I!

Date: August 29th, 2017

Welcome to the ChE Processes Lab. I! This course will help you develop traits

that will prove to be essential on your development as a professional, such as

communication skills, time management, teamwork, “hands-on” experimental skills, and

technical skills.

The main objectives of this course are: 1. Learn to validate theory with

experiments, 2. Learn how to use different computer software packages, such as

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), DataFit, and LabView, just to

mention a few applications, and be comfortable in the use of the computer, 3. Emphasis

in communication skills. An indirect objective of this course is to teach you about “Time

Management Skills”, since that is a tool that you will use through your professional life.

Guidelines for this course will be given to you in the introductory section and will

be reinforced through the duration of the semester. The ChE Processes Laboratory I

Manual should be used as your primary reference. If there are questions, the Instructor

and GSA are here to help you. Please, before asking for help to personnel not directly

related to this course, please direct your questions and concerns to the ChE Processes

Lab. I personnel for this semester: Victoria Cowdrick, ChE Processes Lab. GSA and Dr.

Maria Pozo de Fernandez, ChE Processes Lab. Instructor.

On behalf of the ChE Processes Lab. I personnel, let me welcome you to the lab.

We hope that your lab experience will be rewarding and useful for your success as a

future professional chemical engineer.

CHE - 3115 ChE Processes Laboratory I Manual Fall Semester 2017 ________________________________________________________________________

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1. Course Guidelines

1.1. Assignments:

A total of six experiments will be performed in this course. The students should

submit six reports, by the end of the semester. The types of reports are: short report (1),

formal report (1), team report (1) for the Filtration Hydraulics experiment, team report (1)

for the Heat Exchanger experiment, memo report (1) for Demo Experiment 1 (1), and

memo report 2 for Demo Experiment 2 (1) Guidelines for each report type are given in a

different section of this manual. The written reports should be submitted as a “hard

copy”. Reports sent via email will not be accepted, unless advised differently.

In each lab section, students are divided in groups of three/four students and a

maximum of six groups are allowed per laboratory section. The idea is to promote

discussion and interaction with the Instructor and the lab assistant, and to facilitate

teamwork. For the first experiment performed a short report will be presented.

Students are advised to read the ChE Processes Lab. I Manual

and any other reference material indicated for the experiment

to be performed, BEFORE the beginning of each experiment.

Each student should have a ChE Processes Lab. I notebook to record all the data

and keep any other information relevant to the experimental work performed during the

semester. The data should be recorded using only the front page of the page. At the end

of the laboratory session, the Instructor/Lab Assistant will sign all the data pages. Copies

of the data will be made and distributed to the group teammates before ending the lab

session.

Each group should prepare a laboratory data sheet prior starting any experiment.

The person assigned as “Data Manager” for that day, should be responsible to present a

coherent lab data-sheet for the experiment to be performed. It is encouraged that the

group tries to prepare a complete and detailed data sheet as possible, since this will help

them to think about the tasks to be performed in the lab. The “data manager” should

record in the lab notebook all the data and any other pertinent information

obtained/observed during the experiment. It is best to have more information to work

with, than to lack information. Omitting relevant information will translate in performing

the experiment all over again! The instructor and lab assistant will not be happy in

providing the means to repeat a lab, if this happens due to your lack of preparation!

The students will take a written quiz before starting the experiments. The quiz

content will be related to the reading material and experimental procedures for the

experiment of the day. The Instructor/Lab. Assistant will also ask oral questions related


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to the experimental procedures, safety guidelines, assigned reading material, to ensure

that the team is prepared to perform the lab.

Students that have not read the ChE Processes Lab. I Manual

before coming to the lab, and have absolutely no idea of the

experimental tasks to be performed that day, will not be

allowed to perform the experiment of the day. This measure is

necessary not only for your own protection, but also, to protect

the equipment and fellow students.

1.2. Attendance:

Students registered in this course are expected to attend ALL

laboratory sessions without exception and to perform ALL the

assigned experiments. Attendance is mandatory.

If for a justified reason you miss a lab session, please refer to

the “make-up lab” section of this manual.

1.3. Dress Code:

The students will be required to wear a lab coat or a lab apron while performing

the experiments. Eye protection will also be required. It is recommended to use socks

and comfortable closed shoes, such as, sneakers. It will be preferable that the students

wear jeans or long pants and a T-shirt. Sandals, open-toed shoes, tube tops, tank tops,

spaghetti straps, short skirts, “low-riding” pants, and short shorts will not be

permitted in the lab. A teaching laboratory is not the place to make a “fashion

statement”.

For safety reasons students will not be accepted in the

laboratory premises wearing sandals or open toed shoes. Tube

tops, tank tops, spaghetti straps, short skirts, short shorts, and

“low-riding” pants, will not be permitted in the lab. Show

professionalism in the laboratory.


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1.4. Individual Learning versus Study Groups:

The students will perform the experiments as a team, but some lab reports

are individual. Each student will be required to submit a separate report for the same

experiment. The Instructor is not opposed to study groups, and that members of the team

help each other in understanding how to perform any given calculation(s) to be

performed for a specific lab. A study group is a good learning tool if that helps the

individual to learn.

It is assumed that all the individuals in a particular study group will participate in

the discussions, calculations, etc., and that the final result (a lab report, in this

particular case) should represent the effort of each individual.

The Instructor is OPPOSED that students share and/or copy

from past and/or present reports spreadsheets with already

performed calculations, diagrams, graphs, discussion of results,

conclusions, P&IDs, or any other information concerning the lab

reports.

Please refer to the explanation of “plagiarism” and Code of

Ethics of the Chemical Engineering Department.

First Offense: If a student is caught for the first time copying

from a past/present report, the student will receive zero in that

particular report.

Second Offense: If a student is caught copying for the

second time from a past/present report, the student

automatically will earn an “F” in this course and will be

reported for disciplinary action. The offense will be recorded in

the student’s permanent records.

In all reports the students will need to use different computer software, such as,

spreadsheets, graphics, word processing, etc., to generate graphs, tables , manipulate data,

etc. The software selection is left at the discretion of the student, although, it is

recommended for this course to be familiar with the Microsoft Office software (Word,

Excel, PowerPoint) and DataFit.

At this point in your career, you should be familiar and comfortable in the usage

of software packages. Use them to your advantage. In the long run, they will make your

job easier. One of the objectives of this course is to get the student acquainted with the

different types of report presentation. Soon you will be working in a professional


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environment and the skills you learn in this course will be very useful for your

professional development.

Do not think for a minute that your report will not be read carefully. Your report

will also be compared to other reports to determine its integrity. Copying or using the

same database for graphs, tables, diagrams, etc. generated by someone else, it is against

the rules of this course. Each student should generate his/her own database, spreadsheets,

graphs, etc. If you use/copy someone else’s database, that is cheating. By copying

someone’s work you are not learning, and in the long run your performance in this course

will not be satisfactory. First, you should learn to be honest with yourself.

If you do not understand the assignment, the Instructor/Lab Assistant are always

willing to help you, to clarify concepts and answer any questions pertinent to the

experiments. Asking for the Instructor/Lab Assistant’s help is expected in this course.

Any question, no matter how simple or obvious, it is always important.

Please, do not wait until the last minute to start working on

your report or to ask questions about calculations,

presentation, etc. Allow yourself time!

The second week of each experiment is called “Calculation

Day”. Students should bring their sample calculations, including

all the calculations needed for the specific experiment, a rough

draft of the graphs, tables, diagrams, etc. It is not mandatory

to attend the lab on the “Calculation Day”, but we encourage

students to take advantage of this opportunity to make sure

your calculations are in the right track.

1.5. Late Reports:

Reports are due at the beginning of the lab period on the assigned day, and

should be handed-in to the Instructor/Lab Assistant. Late reports are accepted but

there is a 5% penalty per day late, including weekends. If a report is submitted after class,

on the same day it was due, it will be accepted with a 5% grade penalty. Reports

submitted the following day will be accepted with a 5% grade penalty. Reports submitted

two days late will be accepted with a 10% grade penalty. Reports submitted three days

late will be accepted with a 15% grade penalty. Late reports beyond three days will

accrue the 5% penalty, including weekends. All reports should be submitted in order to

pass this course. Being absent the day of the Lab will not exempt you from this rule.

In the past, students have asked to have an “Incomplete Grade” in this course,

based on a myriad of reasons. This option will not be accepted in this course, unless

there is a justified reason, such as, a serious illness, hospitalization, or any other similar


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circumstance. Your lack of planning will not be accepted as an excuse. If any other

problem arises during the semester, this will be discussed and resolved on a case-to-case

basis.

Late reports should be handed-in directly to Dr. Pozo de

Fernandez or given to Ms. Liz Kyle at the ChE Department

Office. She will stamp the day the report was submitted and put

it in my mailbox. The Instructor will not accept late Lab reports

left under her office door or at the lab.

The instructor will only count your report as “handed-in” when

given directly to her, unless other prior arrangements were

made ahead of time.

1.6. Make-Up Lab:

If for a justified reason you cannot attend a lab session, please inform the ChE

Processes Lab personnel ASAP! You were given all the numbers we can be reached!

Students in your group will depend on you to perform the experiment. In groups of two

students, your absence can be critical! Please call to the numbers already provided and

leave a message to the Instructor/Lab Assistant in the event you cannot attend a lab

session of the day. Send an email to the instructor, with copy to the lab assistant

explaining your absence. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange a make-up time

of the missed lab period ASAP.

As it has been previously stated, each student has to perform all the lab

experiments in order to pass this course. In an event of a serious illness, accident,

hospitalization, varsity team obligations, or other justified reasons, other alternatives will

be considered. Please, talk to your Instructor to plan ahead.

Even if you have a justified reason to miss a laboratory session,

you are still responsible to submit your report on time! Late

report penalties will accrue!


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2. Instructor’s Personal Policy:

2.1. Extra Credit:

Asking to do “extra credit” to improve the grade in this course will not be granted,

then please, do not ask for it.

2.2. Course Grading:

In the syllabus given for this semester the grading of the course has been

specified. In order to pass this course each student should submit a total of six reports.

The Instructor and Lab Assistant will give feed-back to the student on how to improve

the written report presentation, point out where improvement is needed, and point out any

other areas where there is a need for improvement in order to help the student to perform

at his/her best in this course.

Reports will be shown to the student, once a cycle of experiments has been

finished and ALL the reports for that particular cycle has been handed-in to the

instructor. Students will be able to see their reports once they are graded but they won’t

be handed back to the student. The quizzes taking prior each experiment will not be

handed back to the students, but the students will be able to see their quizzes and discuss

the outcome with the Instructor.

Lab grades will not be discussed during the laboratory session.

If it is necessary, the Instructor will call for a “conference”

between the Instructor and the student. Certain matters will

only be discussed between the student and the Instructor in the

privacy of her office. If there is a matter that needs immediate

attention, or if there is a constructive criticism to be made, or

anything else that needs to be discussed related to the ChE

Processes Lab, please bring it to the Instructor’s attention at

your earliest convenience, but not during the lab session.

The Instructor pride herself to work with her students in a

professional manner, with courtesy and respect. The Instructor

will do her best in trying to find solutions to any given problem

with an open mind in an amicable way. The Instructor is

receptive to the students’ constructive criticism and

suggestions if they are brought to her attention with respect

and courtesy. The Instructor does not make distinction among

her students; she treats them all with respect and

consideration. The Instructor expects to be treated in the same

manner by all the students.


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2.3. Office Hours:

2.3.1. Instructor’s Office Hours:

The Instructor has posted six hours per week for Office Hours as given in the

course syllabus. If the posted Instructor’s Office Hours for this semester are not

convenient for your particular schedule, please make an appointment with her for some

other time. You could also reach her via email. The Instructor will try her best to

respond to your message promptly. If she answers to your question(s) responding to your

email during the night or during the weekend, please realize that this is a very kind

gesture on her part. She is not required to do that. The Chemical Engineering

Department has an “Open Door Policy” for all students. If the Instructor is at her office,

she will gladly welcome you.

Please, realize that the Instructor’s activities during any given semester are not

exclusively related to this course. Sometimes the Instructor will have scheduled meetings

at her office hours, to accommodate other people’s schedule, or due to an emergency.

Please, be understanding and considerate and try to reach her at some other time. Leave a

voice mail or email to schedule an appointment. Apply the “Golden Rule” of living.

Please, do not expect that the Instructor will answer questions

related to a lab report due the next day; if you send her an

email message the night before the report is due. Most likely

you will receive an answer, but not in the timely manner you

would wanted it. Please, plan ahead. You should aim to finish

your reports two days prior the deadline, or at the very least, a

day ahead. Develop “Time Management Skills”. You will use

them during your whole professional life!

2.3.2. Graduate Lab Assistant (GSA) Office Hours:

The GSA Office Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 – 5:00 PM, which

coincides with the time allotted for the lab. If you need help with your report or need to

have questions answered at another time, please schedule an appointment with the GSA

during “normal” day work hours. The GSA should not be available to answer your

questions at night, late night, or during the weekends. If the posted Instructor’s Office

Hours for this semester are not convenient for your particular schedule, please make an

appointment with the GSA for some other time.

Please be considerate. The ChE Processes Lab. GSA is also a

student with obligations outside this course. Do not expect the

GSA to be available 24/7. Please, plan ahead!


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3. Experimental Work: Performance and Organization

In this course, like in any other course preparation is a “must”. Half of the battle

is won well before the students get into the lab to perform an experiment. Organization

skills are some of the traits the students should learn once they finished this course. Each

student and his/her teammates should get organized to perform a particular experiment

BEFORE, AT and AFTER a lab session.

Students are divided in teams of three/four students. Students

will be assigned to “play” a different role in each experiment.

These roles are: Team Leader, Data Manager and Lab. Engineer.

All the students in a team should play a different role each lab.

The roles are explained as follows.

Team Leader: the student in this role should coordinate and oversee every aspect

of the experiment that he/she will be in charge. The Team Leader should distribute

responsibilities among the members of the team. This position shouldn’t be confused

with the attitude of “sit back, give orders to the rest and do nothing”. The Team Leader

will be responsible for the materials, instruments, and equipment to perform the

experiment. He/she has to sign the “Equipment Sign-Up Sheet” given by the

Instructor/GSA at the beginning of the lab session, accepting responsibility for the

materials, instruments, and equipment given. At the end of the lab session, the Team

Leader is responsible to return to the Instructor/GSA all materials, instruments, and

equipment and leave the experimental unit and its surroundings clean.

Lab. Engineer: Students in this role should be the “experts” on how to operate

the equipment to perform all the tasks for the experimental session. The student in this

role should perfectly understand what, when, and how fast the experimental work should

be done. The Lab Engineer in agreement with the team should decide how many

experimental runs to do, how many data points to take. The Lab Engineer should aim to

collect the best set of data possible. The other two members of the team should also help

in accomplishing the tasks.

Data Manager: Students in this role should prepare the experimental data sheet

for the experiment. Also, the Data Manager should find what additional properties,

property values, graphs, fluid property tables, books, manuals, etc., are needed to

evaluate the experimental data. The Data Manager should bring a calculator, utensils,

and the “Experiment Data Sheet” prepared ahead of time (not during the lab!).


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3.1. Experimental Work – Organization:

A week before the lab:

1. Be sure to read and understand the technical aspects and operating procedures

of the experiment to be performed, before the lab session.

2. If in doubt, ask questions to the ChE Processes Lab. I personnel before the lab

session. Make an appointment with the Instructor or GSA at your earliest

convenience. (Please, do not wait to ask questions until the “lunch time

period” before the lab session starts!)

3. The Team Leader, Lab Engineer and Data Manager should understand what to

do in regards the experimental work and how to do it efficiently and on time.

Have an organizational plan in place.

The day of the lab:

1. Make sure that the attire you wear that day is appropriate for the lab.

2. Bring goggles/safety glasses and a lab coat or apron.

3. Make sure to wear proper shoes for the lab session.

No sandals, No open toed shoes, No excuses!

Think SAFETY First

The Instructor reserves the right to deny access to the

Lab premises to any student that doesn’t follow the

Laboratory dress code.

At the start of the lab session:

1. Please, be at the lab on time!

2. Take the Pre-Lab quiz. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.

3. Answer the oral questions that the Instructor/GSA will ask to the team.

4. The Team Leader accepts and signs for the equipment, instruments and

materials to be used.


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During the lab session:

1. Follow the organizational plan previously made.

2. Work at a comfortable, but steady pace.

3. Make sure to write down observations even if they don’t seem as important.

4. If time permits, check the validity of the data as it is obtained. Perform key

calculations. Do not forget to check the units!

5. Make sure that ALL the required data has been properly recorded.

At the end of the lab session:

1. Make sure to turn off the equipment, close all valves, and clean the area.

2. Make sure that there are no leaks! If you find a leak, please report it to the

Instructor or to the lab GSA.

3. Return to the Instructor or lab GSA the equipment, instruments and materials.

Ask the Instructor or GSA to sign the “Equipment Sign-Up Sheet”.

4. Check the lab notebook for completeness, clarity and neatness of the data

collected. Check the data entries.

5. Ask the Instructor or GSA to sign the experiment data sheet(s).

6. Make copies of the experiment data sheet(s) for all the team members and

leave a copy with the Instructor or GSA to be place in the lab file.


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4. Safety Guidelines

The experiments in this course have been designed without using hazardous

chemicals. For your safety, please follow these guidelines:

1. ACT and BE responsible.

2. Do your part by coming prepared to the lab.

3. Do not expect your teammates to do the job for you.

4. Horseplay or jokes or any kind will not be tolerated in the lab. Try to be alert.

5. Accidents can happen to anyone. If you are tired, please step out the lab for few

minutes and take a break.

6. Visitors are NOT permitted in the laboratory. Avoid distractions.

7. NO Smoking, NO drinking, NO eating in the lab premises. NO exceptions!

8. Doing homework or assignments for other courses during the lab session will not

be permitted. Time is precious, then try to work diligently to complete the

experiment during the allocated time. (We will be happy to leave the lab early!)

9. Put your cell phone off during the lab. Texting is not permitted during the lab.

10. Label ALL sample containers with your name, date and most of all its

content, even if it is distilled water!

11. Clean up after the lab session. Do not expect the Instructor or GSA or the next

lab team to do it for you.

12. Be familiar with the exit location, safety equipment, hoods, and First-Aid kit.

13. When in doubt…… ASK!

14. Refer to the Chemical Process Laboratory Golden Rules.

15. ACT and THINK “Safety First”.

16. Practice “Good Housekeeping” procedures

Have a Safe, Productive and Enjoyable Laboratory Experience!


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5. Technical Reports

One of the objectives of this course is to familiarize the student with different

ways to present, communicate, deliver and explain the results and conclusions in a

written and oral format. It is expected from the student to accomplish this task in a

professional manner. Description of the types of reports for this course will be given in

section 5.2.

5.1. Written Reports:

Each report has its own format, but all of them should comply with the following general

rules:

1. All reports must be typed using a word processor, double-spaced, presented in

letter size white paper. Use a font size similar to “Times New Roman” 12-point

minimum as a reference. Reports written using a font smaller than that will not be

accepted.

2. Hand-written reports will not be accepted.

3. All figures, diagrams, and graphs should be generated using a software program.

4. Figures or graphs drawn by hand will not be accepted.

5. For drawing P&IDs use a software package, such as “Paint”, “Visio”, etc.

6. All tables should be neat and clear. Do not cram too much information in just one

table. Do not forget to specify units, parameters, etc. Check for significant figures.

7. If symbols or acronyms are used, please include a nomenclature table explaining

the terms.

8. A complete list of references should be included in the lab report.

9. The report should be stapled at the upper left corner. All pages should be

numbered in order.

10. Show pride in your work. Sign your work with Excellence!

A figure, diagram, and table deemed confused will be ignored.


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5.2. Type of Written Reports:

Specifics for each type of written reports are given as follows:

5.2.1. Short Report:

One short report will be presented, worth 15% of the final grade in the course. All

sections of the report must be typed, with the exception of the appendix (sample

calculations) that could be written neatly in pen or pencil. The graph(s), table(s),

apparatus diagram, etc. has to be generated using a word processor. The software is left

at the student selection.

Short Report Format:

Title Page (see sample section 5.2.2.)

I. Introduction (10 points)

1.1. Purpose of the experiment

1.2. General diagram of the experimental apparatus.

II. Experimental Results (15 points)

2.1. Tables of experimental data

2.2. Tables of experimental results

2.3. Figures (graphs) if applicable

III. Discussion (15 points)

3.1. Accuracy and consistency of data and results

3.2. Applicability of correlations used

(Theoretical validity, internal consistency)

3.3. Agreement or disagreement with expected results

3.4. Problems encountered while performing the experiment

(if any)

IV. Conclusions (15 points)

V. Recommendations (10 points)

VII. References (05 points)

Appendix A: Sample Calculations (25 points)

Appendix B: Experimental data (as taken in the laboratory)

Appendix D, E,… etc: Include any other relevant information

Format (Presentation, neatness, organization, completeness) (05 points)


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5.2.2. Cover page:

Use this cover page format for the Short, Formal, and Computer reports. For the team

report write the name of all the members in the team.

________________________________________________________________________

Florida Institute of Technology College of Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering

CHE – 3115

ChE Processes Laboratory I

Short Report # 1

(or Formal Report, or Team Report, or Computer Report)

Experiment # 1

Pipe Flow Hydraulics

Performed by: I.M. Trying

For: Dr. Maria Pozo de Fernandez

Experiment performed on: August 28th, 2017

(This is the date the experiment was done)

Date: September 2nd, 2017

(This is the “actual” date when the report is handed-in)

Team A Grade:

Partners: I. M. Clueless

I. M. Smart


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5.2.3. Formal Report:

One formal report will be presented, which is worth 25% of the final grade in the course.

All sections of the report must be typed, with the exception of the appendix (sample calculations)

that could be written neatly in pen or pencil. The graph(s), table(s), apparatus diagram, etc., has to

be generated using a computer. The software is left at the student selection.

Formal Report Format:

Title Page (see sample, section 5.2.2.)



1.2. Application of this process (include one current application

in the state of Florida)

II. Equipment and Procedures (Only if different from the handout) (05 points)

2.1. Description of the apparatus


2.3. Procedure:

2.3.1. Start-Up (Equipment preparation, reagents, etc)

2.3.2. Sampling Procedures

2.3.3. Clean-Up procedures (waste disposal, etc.)

III. Experimental Results (15 points)




IV. Discussion (15 points)





4.4. Problems encountered while performing the experiment (if any)

V. Conclusions (15 points)

VI. Recommendations (05 points)




Appendix D, E,……etc: Include any other relevant information



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5.2.4. Memo Report (Demo Experiment 1):

One report of this kind will be presented. The main aspect of a MEMO report is that it

has to be concise, brief and to the point, without omitting any relevant information. A maximum

of two-typed pages for the cover letter and two pages for enclosures will be accepted, for a total

of four pages. Font size similar to “Times New Roman” 12-point.

Maximum of 4 pages total for this report.

Information beyond the fourth page will not be graded.

MEMO Report Format:

I. Cover Letter:

1.1. Summary (10 points)

1.2. Introduction (10 points)

1.3. Discussion (15 points)

1.4. Conclusions (10 points)

1.5. Recommendations (05 points)

II. Enclosures

2.1. Experimental procedure (10 points)

2.2. Sample Calculations (25 points)

2.3. Graph, Figures and Tables (10 points)

III. Format (05 points)

Memo Report Cover Page Sample:

MEMORANDUM

TO: Maria Pozo de Fernandez, Ph.D.

FROM: I. M. Trying

SUBJECT: Mixing Experiment

DATE: August 28th, 2017

Summary

Introduction

Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendations

./imt

enclosures


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5.2.5. Memo Report (Demo Experiment):

One report of this kind will be presented. The main aspect of a MEMO report is that it

has to be concise, brief and to the point, without omitting any relevant information. A maximum

of one- typed page for the cover letter and one page for enclosures will be accepted, for a

maximum of two pages. Font size similar to “Times New Roman” 12-point.

Maximum of 2 pages total for this report.

Information beyond the second page will not be graded.

MEMO Report Format:

I. Cover Letter:

1.1. Summary (10 points)

1.2. Introduction (10 points)

1.6. Discussion (15 points)

1.7. Conclusions (10 points)

1.8. Recommendations (05 points)

II. Enclosures

2.1. Experimental procedure (10 points)

2.2. Sample Calculations (25 points)

2.3. Graph, Figures and Tables (10 points)

III. Format (05 points)

Memo Report Cover Page Sample:

MEMORANDUM

TO: Maria Pozo de Fernandez, Ph.D.

FROM: I. M. Clueless

SUBJECT: Mixing Experiment

DATE: August 28th, 2017

Summary

Introduction

Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendations

./imc

enclosures


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5.2.6. Team Report:

Two team reports will be presented (Filtration Hydraulics and Heat Exchanger). Each is

worth 15% of the final grade in the course. All sections of the report must be typed, with the

exception of the appendix (sample calculations) that could be written neatly in pen or pencil. The

graph(s), table(s), apparatus diagram, etc., has to be generated using the computer. The software

is left at the student selection.

Team Report Format:

Title Page (see sample, section 5.2.2.)



1.2. Application of this process (include one current application

in the state of Florida)

II. Equipment and Procedures (Only if different from the handout) (05 points)

2.1. Description of the apparatus


2.3. Procedure:

2.3.1. Start-Up (Equipment preparation, reagents, etc)

5.2.5. Sampling Procedures

5.2.6. Clean-Up procedures (waste disposal, etc.)

III. Experimental Results (15 points)




IV. Discussion (15 points)





4.4. Problems encountered while performing the experiment (if any)

V. Conclusions (15 points)

VI. Recommendations (05 points)




Appendix D, E,……etc: Include any other relevant information



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5.2.7. Written Report Sections:

The written report consists of different sections: Introduction, Experimental

Results, Discussion of Results, Conclusions, Recommendations and Appendix.

Depending on the type of report, other sub-sections would also be required depending on

the type of report. Please, try to follow the format given below for each section in the

report.

Report Sections:

Introduction:

In this section briefly explain the purpose or objective(s) of the experiment,

whether the data followed the theoretical principles or not, and mention some industrial

applications. Do not refer to tables in the text and do not cite any reference. Also, include

a P&ID of the equipment used. The P&ID has to be generated using computer software,

such as, Windows “Paint”, Power Point, Visio, etc.

Experimental Results:

In this section show tables for the experimental data as collected, tables of

experimental data in the proper units needed for the calculations, tables of the

experimental results, show graphs applicable to the validation of the results with the

theoretical principles. Every table and graph should “stand alone”, meaning that the title

and information given should give enough information about its content. Do not cram

too much information in one table. Do not put too many tables in just one page. Put

one/two graphs per page. Acronyms and abbreviations can be used, but include a

“Nomenclature” page to translate symbols and abbreviations used. Realize that someone

else will be reading the report.

DO NOT FORGET TO SPECIFY THE UNITS USED IN THE

CACULATIONS AND CHECK FOR SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

Discussion of Experimental Results:

Four different aspects of the results obtained should be addressed in the

discussion of experimental results:

Accuracy and/or consistency of data and results.

Applicability of the correlations used (theoretical validity, internal

consistency).

Agreement or disagreement with expected results.

Discussion of problems encountered while performing the experiment.


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There is no need to address all these different aspects separately as sub-sections in

the report. It is recommended to address each of them for a particular set of results

altogether. In the ChE Processes Lab it is expected that all the results obtained will not

be perfect. It is left to the student to find “Why” the experimental data is not following

the theoretical trend, “How” to fix the problem, “Where” is the problem, and if

applicable “When” it happened. Please, be innovative! Try to look for answers and do

not blame the UO Lab equipment/instruments for all the problems in the lab.

Conclusions:

In this section state whether the experimental results followed or not followed the

theoretical predictions and/or expected behavior. State whether the theoretical principles

were validated or not validated during the experiment. Please, do not put as a conclusion

“The experiment was successful”. This statement has no meaning!

Recommendations:

In this section give recommendations on how to improve the experiment,

procedure, data taking, instructions, etc. Again, be innovative and do not blame it all on

the equipment/instrumentation.

If in the suggestions for improvement it is recommended to buy a new

instrument(s), please state the advantages on implementing this and how much this will

cost to be implemented in the future.

Sample Calculations:

For all the reports in this course the sample calculations account for 25% of the

total grade on the report. For every calculation done to generate an experimental result or

an experimental set of results, a sample calculation should be stated. For the sample

calculation state clearly the equation used, the variables, unit conversions, etc. Give as

much information as possible. Do not assume that the ChE Processes Lab personnel

would be able to understand your “logic” in doing the result calculations. For repetitive

calculations just give a sample for a set of data.

Attendance to the “Calculation Day” is not mandatory, it is

highly recommended that you attend this session. You will get

help manipulating the data and getting the graphs.

References:

Enumerate ALL references used. Yes, the ChE Processes Lab Manual is a

reference. If the reference is a person, report it as it is given in the following example:

1. Maria Pozo de Fernandez, Ph.D.; Private Communication (2017)


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5.2.8. Figures and Tables Format

Figures: Labels for the figures goes at the bottom of the figure

Figure 1: Purification Unit Schematics

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

X1, Y1

P (M

Pa)

P-x (RL)

P-y

Figure 4: Raoult's Law values for CO2(1)/n-C4(2)

+ deviation from RL


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Tables: Labels for the tables goes at the bottom of the figure.

Table 1: Equilibrium Values for CO2 and n-butane

CO2(1)/nC4(2) Equilibrium values

T = 19.45 oC

P (MPa) X1 Y1

0.2042 0 0

0.3447 0.019 0.273

0.5171 0.043 0.512

0.6895 0.068 0.615

0.8618 0.093 0.699

1.0342 0.118 0.739

1.2066 0.144 0.782

1.3789 0.172 0.815

1.7237 0.228 0.849

2.0684 0.286 0.877

2.5786 0.381 0.904

3.1371 0.497 0.921

3.7576 0.636 0.936

4.2403 0.749 0.948

4.7229 0.854 0.962

5.1711 0.933 0.978

5.6532 1 1


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5.2.9. Common Mistakes and Suggestions

by Spyros Nomikos, former ChE Processes Lab GSA

General:

"We, I, you" should not be used, anywhere. Write in 3rd person.

Think about what you write and what it means. Read your report a day or two

after you've finished it. (It's important to get started early!!) You will be able

to catch mistakes and misleading remarks.

Neatness is crucial. A clean, well-formatted paper looks better and gets a

better grade.

Introduction:

Give the purpose of the experiment: Why are you doing this? How? What will

you be studying?

Results are not necessary in the introduction. (It is not an abstract)

The apparatus should be drawn using some computer software, not by hand.

Make sure to include valves, pressure gauges, and other miscellaneous

instrumentation/fittings not found in your software.

Experimental Results:

Give all tables titles. (i.e. Table 1. Pressure Drop and Flowrate measurements

for Pipes 1-3)

The table title goes at the top of the table.

Make sure you label the different headers with units and what they represent.

Think about Significant Figures. (1.00 / 9.0 = 0.1111111111 according to my

calculator, but 0.11 is the value that should be reported)

Center values and headers. Do not print spreadsheet “as is”. Get rid of "Sheet

1" headers and incorrect page numbers that Excel usually prints. Also, do not

print the entire page gridlines.

Label all graphs. {i.e. Fig. 1. Pressure Drop vs. Flowrate for Pipe #1 (0.541"

internal diameter)}

Place the graph title below the graph. Plot each graph on a single page.

Look at the scale used by Excel on the axes. Make sure the significant figures

are consistent.


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The graphs should “stand alone”. That is, there should be enough information

on the graph to interpret it without the need to read through the entire lab

report.

Discussion:

Don't say, "The results agreed with theory," without first stating the

experimental results and how close they are with the theoretical calculations.

Do the trends observed from experiment follow the theoretical trends? Use

your graphs and equations to discuss this. If necessary plot the experimental

and theoretical calculations on the same graph to better evaluate the two. You

should be able to see how the experimental and theoretical values behave with

respect to each other and how close they are to each other.

Accuracy is not an abstract quantity that may be concluded without any

calculations and/or concrete data. Saying, "The results were accurate," does

not mean anything without some reference data or values to compare them to.

Saying, "The experimental data is 12% greater than that predicted by theory,"

is sufficient. Then you can go into a discussion on why the two differ by that

much.

Conclusion:

This is where you list your results by making qualitative observations from

your graphs and how they compare to theory. (i.e. "It is observed from Fig. 1

that as flowrate increases, pressure drop increases. This is also observed

according to equation 2. [ref]") You may also list your quantitative results,

(experimental and theoretical)

Recommendations:

Saying that flowrate measurements are the demise of the lab gets you

nowhere. Think about the equations and the apparatus used. What factors

from the theoretical equations significantly affect the results and how can

those be translated into physical measurements and/or equipment?

References:

Number your references.

When you use an equation or some discussion from a book, make sure you

reference it.


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Sample Calculations:

You do not have to type them, although this makes it easier to the reader.

Be as neat as you can. Define all variables and do not forget UNITS and

Significant Figures!

Make sure you account for all calculations and unit conversions.

If you are unclear on anything, please see the

ChE Processes Lab GSA or ask Dr. Pozo de Fernandez.


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Report Type

The students should submit six reports, by the end of the semester. The following are

the different types of reports are:

Short report (1)

Formal report (1)

Team report (1) for the Filtration Hydraulics Experiment

Team report (1) for the Heat Exchanger Experiment

Memo report 1 (1) for the Mixing Experiment

Memo report 2 (1) for the Filtration Hydraulics – Glass Beads

Type of Report Experiment

Short Report Pipe Flow

Reverse Osmosis

Formal Report Pipe Flow

Reverse Osmosis

Team Report Filtration Hydraulics

Team Report Heat Exchanger

Memo Report 1 (4 pages) Mixing

Memo Report 2 (2 pages) Filtration Hydraulics – Glass Beads

che 3115 and che - 4115 chemical engineering...

Documents