The teaching of enhanced distillation processes using a commercial simulator and a project-based learning approach

When a multicomponent fluid mixture is non-ideal, its separation is difficult; thus, enhanced separation processes with several equipments are required. Commercial chemical processes simulators must be used to design these difficult separations, so ChE students have to learn them. This work shows the teaching methodology and outcomes of using computer labs with Aspen Plus to solve advanced distillation processes within a fourth year course of the ChE degree. Lectures on theoretical aspects are followed by seminars and then by computer labs. During lab computers, the professor initially solves a case, step by step; while the students do it at the same time. Then, they are asked to solve an industry relevant case using a project-based learning approach in order to force them to continue working with the simulator on their own, and to enhance the comprehension of the process. They have to deliver a report summarizing and critically analyzing the results. This assignment counts 25% the course total grade. A survey done to the students showed their satisfaction with the method. They were very favorable to the use of Aspen Plus as a tool for a better understanding of the enhanced distillation processes. Moreover, they found the tutorials very useful to improve their knowledge on this simulator. All students passed the course, 80% obtained good grades.