2nd Edition

Process Engineering and Design Using Visual Basic®

By Arun Datta Copyright 2014
    640 Pages 172 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Software tools are a great aid to process engineers, but too much dependence on such tools can often lead to inappropriate and suboptimal designs. Reliance on software is also a hindrance without a firm understanding of the principles underlying its operation, since users are still responsible for devising the design.

    In Process Engineering and Design Using Visual Basic, Arun K. Datta provides a unique and versatile suite of programs along with simultaneous development of the underlying concepts, principles, and mathematics. Each chapter details the theory and techniques that provide the basis for design and engineering software and then showcases the development and utility of programs developed using the material outlined in the chapter. This all-inclusive guide works systematically from basic mathematics to fluid mechanics, separators, overpressure protection, and glycol dehydration, providing basic design guidelines based on international codes. Worked examples demonstrate the utility of each program, while the author also explains problems and limitations associated with the simulations.

    After reading this book you will be able to immediately put these programs into action and have total confidence in the result, regardless of your level of experience. Companion Visual Basic and Excel files are available for download on under the "Downloads/Updates" tab on this web page.

    Basic Mathematics
    Introduction
    Physical constants
    Mensuration
    Algebra
    Trigonometry
    Analytical geometry
    Calculus
    Differential equations
    Partial differential equations
    Numerical analysis
    Unit conversions
    Programming
    References

    Thermodynamics
    Introduction
    Heat, work, and energy
    First law of thermodynamics
    Phase rule
    Reversible process
    Heat content or enthalpy
    Heat capacity at constant volume and constant pressure
    Isothermal process
    Adiabatic process
    Equation of state
    Second law of thermodynamics
    Thermodynamic properties
    Flash calculation
    Programming
    Nomenclature
    Greek characters
    References

    Fluid Mechanics
    Introduction
    Bernoulli’s theorem
    Flow measurements
    Frictional pressure drop
    Two-K method
    Hydraulics: General guidelines
    Hydraulics: Compressible fluids
    Heat loss
    Hydraulics: Two-phase flow
    Programming
    Nomenclature
    Greek characters
    References

    Heat Transfer
    Introduction
    Conductive heat transfer
    Heat conduction through a composite wall
    Heat conduction through multiple cylindrical walls
    Heat conduction through the wall of a sphere
    Multidimensions steady-state heat conduction
    One-dimensional unsteady heat conduction
    Thermal conductivity of various materials/components
    Thermal conductivities of hydrocarbon liquids
    Convective heat transfer
    Estimation of pressure drop
    Log mean temperature difference
    Overall heat-transfer coefficient
    Radiation heat transfer
    Double-pipe heat exchanger
    Heat exchanger specification
    Batch heating and cooling
    Heat transfer in agitated vessels
    Minimum metal temperature during depressuring operation
    Programming
    Nomenclature
    Subscripts
    Greek
    References

    Distillation
    Introduction
    Relative volatility
    Vapor–liquid equilibrium
    Raoult's law: Ideal solutions
    Material balance for two-component systems
    McCabe–Thiele method
    Smoker equations
    Approximate column sizing
    Tray efficiency
    Column hydraulics and design
    Tray pressure drop
    Height equivalent to theoretical plate
    Entrainment
    Weeping and dumping
    Programming
    References

    Separators
    Introduction
    General principles of separation
    Vertical vs. horizontal separators
    Design of a gas–liquid separator
    Design of liquid–liquid separators
    Mist eliminator
    General dimensions and setting of levels
    Separator internals
    Separator control
    High-performance separator
    Design parameters
    Separator program
    Nomenclature
    Greek characters
    References

    Overpressure Protection
    Introduction
    Definition
    Types of pressure relief valves
    Selection of pressure relief valves
    PRV installation and line sizing
    Contingency quantification
    Sizing procedure
    SIL analysis
    Programming
    Nomenclature
    Greek characters
    References

    Glycol Dehydration
    Introduction
    Basic scheme
    Physical properties
    Design aspects
    Programming
    References

    Index

    Biography

    Arun Datta

    "Many books for chemical engineers have been written from an academic point of view and are intensely theoretical. Process Engineering and Design Using Visual Basic®, Second Edition by Arun Datta demonstrates that it has been written by someone who not only has a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the chemical engineering principles which are important for guiding the design engineer, but also has the authority of a practicing professional who is current in the field of process engineering. It has the bonus of ... a number of programs which can be used to check other programs that may be available for design and rating."
    ––Anthony Buckley, Chemical Engineer, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia