(581b) Introducing Process Simulation Software Earlier in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum

Process simulation software, such as the Aspen suite and Unisim, are powerful tools that we can use to design multiphase, multicomponent, multi-unit processes. Typically, this software is introduced during the senior year in capstone process design courses. However, this approach often leaves students struggling to learn new software while also trying to design a complex process. Most process simulators require significant amounts of practice and students do not have the time in a single semester (or even two) to learn how to use them properly.

To help students ease into using process simulators, I have begun introducing the software earlier in the curriculum during the Separations course. While students do not yet understand how to design a full process, they are introduced to the basics of the software (how to add chemical components, choose a fluid package, etc.) and simulate basic separations processes. Many of these units could be solved by hand, especially early in the course. However, giving students low-stakes problems where they already know or could easily find the answer allows them to explore the software with less stress and pressure on being able to produce results.

In this talk, I’ll discuss how I introduce the software and what types of problems I give. I will also present survey results outlining students’ familiarity with the software before and after the course, as well as feedback from students who were taught Aspen during Separations and then proceeded to take the process design courses.