ZAVIER

CHAPTER 1

Today we had our first Reaction Engineering session. We had a recap on the first chapter and did a video regarding the reactors and daily life process. It was an enlightening session. The active learning session was fun and engaging, though we were not much prepared. The learning turned out to be effective.
In conclusion, with a proper preparation and sufficient time, the session would have been more efficient. In future, I would make sure that I take down every notes I am referring for ease of compiling.

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CHAPTER 2

As we recap chapter 2, the understanding of chapter 2 became better since we have watched lecture videos prior to the class and had some time digest the knowledge. It is very important for the brain to interpret the knowledge rather than just input all the time and with the lecture videos, the mission is accomplished. The problem solving in jigsaw method turns out to be very efficient and not time consuming opposite to what I expected. Hope everyone can score in the tests later.

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CHAPTER 3

In Chapter 3, we learnt to define rate law, reaction order and stoichiometry, set up stoichiometry table and also to apply the concepts to solve reaction engineering related problems. We have learnt through the videos posted by lecturer and by doing some exercises. Fortunately, chapter 3 seems to be quite related to previous chapters and turned out to be easily understandable. However, the Team Game Tournament made me realize which parts I am weak at and should put effort to understand better. I tried to go through quiz without referring to any notes but turns out I need more practice to familiarize myself with the notes. So, I will be doing more exercises on this chapter. For improvement, I think it will be better if all the questions are set to be on same level for upcoming similar events. Thank you.

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CHAPTER 4

In Chapter 4, I learnt how to apply mole balance, reaction rate law and the stoichiometry table to solve a problem. It was exciting to gain some knowledge on something I will be doing as a chemical engineer in future. In addition to that, I learnt how to calculate the volume for batch reactor and flow reactor, and to design the CSTR and PFR reactor. Next, from the video I also learnt that the scale up the any flow reactor can be done in the laboratory first by using batch reactor, knowing that the value of constant, k, is not affected by type of reactor. Dr Raihan taught us about the 5 steps method which are mole balance, rate law, and stoichiometry, combine and evaluate. I also learnt the differences between reactor in series and parallel. It would be better if we have spent more time on doing the exercises. Overall, I have to improve my understanding in this topic as I couldn’t solve tricky problems at this moment. Doing extra exercises on this topic is what I am planning to do to overcome this problem.

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CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 was on Kinetics and Reactor design. I watched the video and learnt a lot about methods used to analyse rate data. I am still trying to get used to the new style of learning, active learning. Two main methods that were taught are the Differential method which consist of graphical, numerical and polynomial methods, and Integral method which consists of half live, initial rate, linear regression and non-linear regression methods. In Integral method we are only learning half live and initial rate method. After learning, we were required to do problem based learning. We were instructed to make 2 final exam questions and the process making the questions we got a deeper understanding of the chapter. Anyhow, I still have to do more exercises to prepare for trickier questions. Thank you.

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CHAPTER 6

In chapter 6, we learnt about type of multiple reactions, and the concept of yield& selectivity. There are 3 types of multiple reactions namely, parallel, series and independent. In addition to that, we also learnt the strategy to maximize desired product in series and parallel reactions. The key factors that we need to consider are concentration and proper choice of reactor. We also learnt the algorithm for solution to complex reactions. Besides learning through the video, we were also given an integrated assigned where we have to design membrane reactor that produces 30000 tonnes of H2 gas per year through Methane steam reforming. Although the problem is a bit tough to tackle, we are sure we will be able to answer in given time.

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CHAPTER 8

Wow. We are going to study the last chapter in our syllabus. And finals is around the corner. So excited. This is what I felt at first. Unfortunately, a few classes on chapter 8 was cancelled due to inevitable causes. Test 2 is take home test which was based on chapter 8 and we had to study on our own for this chapter. That is part of active learning, right? Anyway, Dr Tazli has taught his group so we could learn something from them. Monday( 22nd August) we are going to have 3hours replacement class and I hope I could understand chapter 8 completely by then and prepare for finals which will be on 30th. Thank you Dr Raihan and Dr Tazli for guiding us all through this semester. My sincere apologies if we have hurt your feelings throughout this learning process.

Its study week now!!!
May the Force be with us(all).