Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics || Basic concepts, and applications || Chemical Engineeirng || 2023

Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics is a branch of chemical engineering that deals with the study of the thermodynamic properties of chemical systems. It is a fundamental subject that is essential for any aspiring chemical engineer to master. In this blog post, we will provide an introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, discussing its importance, basic concepts, and applications. Whether you are a student just starting your journey in chemical engineering or a professional looking to refresh your knowledge, this post is for you. So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics.

 

Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics

Chemical engineering thermodynamics is the study of energy and its transformations in chemical systems. It is a fundamental subject in chemical engineering, which deals with the principles of thermodynamics and their applications to chemical processes. Chemical engineers use thermodynamics to understand and design chemical processes, such as chemical reactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers.

Thermodynamics is the study of energy and its transformations. It deals with the principles of heat and work and their relationship to energy, matter, and the behavior of systems. Thermodynamics has wide-ranging applications in science and engineering, from the design of engines and refrigeration systems to the study of biological systems and the behavior of materials.

 

The basic concept of chemical engineering Thermodynamics

“The key concepts of chemical engineering thermodynamics include the first law of thermodynamics, which is the law of energy conservation, the second law of thermodynamics, which deals with the direction of energy flow, and the third law of thermodynamics, which relates to the behavior of matter at absolute zero temperature. These laws are used to develop models and equations that can be used to predict the behavior of chemical systems.”

Another important concept in chemical engineering thermodynamics is entropy, which is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. Chemical engineering thermodynamics also involves the study of phase equilibria, which describes the conditions under which different phases of matter coexist in a system. Phase equilibria are important in the design and optimization of separation processes such as distillation, extraction, and crystallization.

 

The Laws of Thermodynamics

The laws of thermodynamics are the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of energy and matter in the universe. They are based on observations and experiments and have been verified by countless experiments and measurements.

 

The first law of thermodynamics

The first law of thermodynamics is the law of conservation of energy. It states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In other words, the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant.

The first law of thermodynamics can be expressed mathematically as:

ΔU = Q – W

Where ΔU is the change in internal energy, Q is the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by the system.

This equation can also be expressed in terms of the change in enthalpy (ΔH):

ΔH = Qp – W

Where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, Qp is the heat added to the system at constant pressure, and W is the work done by the system.

In simpler terms, the first law of thermodynamics tells us that the energy in a closed system remains constant, meaning that the total amount of energy in the system remains the same. This means that any energy that is added to or taken away from the system is either converted into work or released as heat.

 

The second law of thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics is the law of entropy. It states that the entropy of an isolated system tends to increase over time. Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system, and the second law states that the universe tends towards disorder. This can also be stated as the principle of the increase of entropy or the law of entropy. There are several different ways of expressing the second law of thermodynamics mathematically, but one of the most common is:

ΔS ≥ Q/T

Where ΔS is the change in entropy, Q is the heat transferred to the system, and T is the temperature of the system. This equation tells us that for any process to occur spontaneously, the change in entropy must be greater than or equal to the amount of heat transferred to the system divided by the temperature of the system.

 

Third law of thermodynamics

The third law of thermodynamics states that it is impossible to reach absolute zero. Absolute zero is the temperature at which all matter has no thermal energy, and the third law states that it is impossible to reach this temperature through any process.

This law states that it is impossible to reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps and that the entropy of a perfectly crystalline substance at absolute zero is zero.

In simpler terms, the third law of thermodynamics tells us that as a system approaches absolute zero, its entropy approaches a minimum value, which is zero for a perfectly ordered crystalline substance. This law helps to define the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures and provides a framework for understanding the behavior of materials like superconductors and superfluids.

Zeroth law of thermodynamics

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is called “Zeroth” because it was added after the other three laws were established, as a foundational principle that is required to understand the behavior of thermodynamic systems.

The law is based on the observation that if two objects are in contact with each other but are not exchanging heat, they will eventually reach the same temperature.

This means that the concept of temperature is fundamental to understanding the behavior of thermodynamic systems. One of the key implications of the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics is the ability to measure temperature using a thermometer. A thermometer works by establishing thermal equilibrium with the object being measured and then measuring the resulting temperature. This principle is used in a wide range of applications, from medical thermometers to industrial process control systems.

 

Thermodynamic Properties

Thermodynamic properties are the variables that describe the state of a thermodynamic system. They include temperature, pressure, volume, and internal energy, among others. These properties are related to one another through equations of state, which describe the behavior of a system under different conditions.

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a system. It is measured in degrees Celsius, Kelvin, or Fahrenheit.

Pressure is the force exerted by a gas or liquid on its surroundings. It is measured in units of pressure, such as Pascals, pounds per square inch (psi), or atmospheres.

Volume is the amount of space occupied by a gas or liquid. It is measured in cubic meters, liters, or gallons.

Internal energy is the total energy of a system due to the motion and interactions of its particles. It is measured in joules or calories.

Enthalpy is a thermodynamic property that describes the total heat content of a system. It is measured in joules or calories and is a function of the system’s internal energy, pressure, and volume.

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. It is measured in joules per Kelvin or calories per Kelvin and is a function of the system’s temperature and the number of ways in which its particles can be arranged.

Gibbs’s free energy is a thermodynamic property that describes the amount of energy available to do work in a system. It is measured in joules or calories and is a function of the system’s enthalpy, entropy, and temperature.

 

Thermodynamic Processes

Thermodynamic processes refer to the different ways in which a thermodynamic system can change its state or properties. There are four main types of thermodynamic processes: isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric. These processes could be understood from below figure:

Isothermal process: An isothermal process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at a constant temperature. During this process, the system exchanges heat with its surroundings to maintain a constant temperature. For example, the expansion or compression of a gas in a piston-cylinder system while keeping the temperature constant is an isothermal process.

Adiabatic process: An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process that occurs without any heat exchange with the surroundings. This means that there is no transfer of energy in the form of heat. For example, the compression or expansion of a gas in a piston-cylinder system without any heat transfer is an adiabatic process.

Isobaric process: An isobaric process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant pressure. During this process, the system can exchange energy in the form of heat with its surroundings, but the pressure remains constant. For example, the heating or cooling of a liquid at constant pressure is an isobaric process.

Isochoric process: An isochoric process is a thermodynamic process that occurs at a constant volume. During this process, the system cannot exchange energy in the form of work because there is no change in volume. For example, the heating or cooling of a gas at a constant volume is an isochoric process.

These thermodynamic processes are important in the study of thermodynamics because they help to describe and predict the behavior of thermodynamic systems. They are also used in the design and optimization of various thermodynamic systems, such as engines, heat exchangers, and refrigeration systems.

 

Thermodynamic systems

In thermodynamics, a system refers to the portion of the universe that we are interested in studying. It can be a closed system, an open system, or an isolated system. The systems can be understood from the below figures taken from psiberg.com.

Closed System: A closed system is one that does not exchange matter with the surroundings but can exchange energy. For example, a gas-filled cylinder fitted with a piston is a closed system.

Open System: An open system is one that can exchange both matter and energy with the surroundings. For example, a steam turbine is an open system as it takes in steam and releases it as water.

Isolated System: An isolated system is one that does not exchange matter or energy with the surroundings. The total energy and matter of the system remains constant. An example of an isolated system is the universe itself.

 

Important formulas

Some important formulas in chemical engineering thermodynamics are below and might be helpful for your written test and interview in any competitive exam.

The first law of thermodynamics: ΔU = Q – W, where ΔU is the change in internal energy, Q is the heat added to the system, and W is the work done by the system.

Enthalpy: H = U + PV, where H is the enthalpy, U is the internal energy, P is the pressure, and V is the volume.

Gibbs free energy: G = H – TS, where G is the Gibbs free energy, H is the enthalpy, T is the temperature, and S is the entropy.

Entropy: ΔS = Qrev/T, where ΔS is the change in entropy, Qrev is the heat absorbed or released during a reversible process, and T is the temperature.

Ideal gas law: PV = nRT, where P is the pressure, V is the volume, n is the number of moles, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature.

Clausius-Clapeyron equation: ln(P2/P1) = ΔHvap/R * (1/T1 – 1/T2), where P1 and P2 are the pressures at temperatures T1 and T2, respectively, ΔHvap is the enthalpy of vaporization, R is the gas constant.

Antoine equation: log10(P) = A – (B / (T + C)), where P is the vapor pressure, T is the temperature, and A, B, and C are constants specific to the substance.

Raoult’s law: PA = XA * P°A, where PA is the vapor pressure of component A in the mixture, XA is the mole fraction of component A in the mixture, and P°A is the vapor pressure of pure component A.

Henry’s law: PA = KHXA, where PA is the partial pressure of the solute A in the gas phase, XA is the mole fraction of the solute in the liquid phase, and KH is Henry’s law constant.

Van’t Hoff equation: ln(K2/K1) = -ΔH/R * (1/T2 – 1/T1), where K1 and K2 are the equilibrium constants at temperatures T1 and T2, respectively, ΔH is the enthalpy change of the reaction, and R is the gas constant.

 

Industrial application of chemical engineering thermodynamics

Chemical engineering thermodynamics has various industrial applications in the field of chemical engineering. Some of the important applications are:

  1. Design and operation of chemical reactors: Chemical reactors are designed and operated based on the principles of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic analysis helps to determine the optimal operating conditions for the reactor.
  2. Separation processes: Separation processes such as distillation, absorption, extraction, and adsorption are based on the principles of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic analysis helps to determine the optimal operating conditions for the separation process.
  3. Energy conservation: Thermodynamics plays a critical role in energy conservation. By optimizing the thermodynamic performance of a process, energy consumption can be minimized.
  4. Chemical process design: Thermodynamic analysis is used to determine the feasibility of a chemical process. It helps to predict the behavior of chemical systems under different conditions.
  5. Product development: Thermodynamics is used in product development to determine the physical properties of chemicals and materials.
  6. Environmental engineering: Thermodynamic analysis is used in environmental engineering to study the behavior of pollutants and the impact of industrial processes on the environment.
  7. Petroleum engineering: Thermodynamics is used in petroleum engineering to study the behavior of fluids in oil and gas reservoirs.
  8. Food engineering: Thermodynamics is used in food engineering to study the behavior of food materials during processing and storage.
  9. Bioprocess engineering: Thermodynamics is used in bioprocess engineering to study the behavior of biological systems and to optimize the production of bioproducts.

Overall, thermodynamics is an essential tool for chemical engineers in designing and operating industrial processes. It helps to optimize the process performance, conserve energy, and reduce the environmental impact of industrial processes.

 

Important Questions and answer

There are a few important questions and answers from chemical engineering thermodynamics, which might be useful for competitive exams and interviews.

 

Question: What is thermodynamics?

Answer: Thermodynamics is a branch of physics and engineering that deals with the study of energy and its transformations.

 

Question: What is a thermodynamic system?

Answer: A thermodynamic system refers to the portion of the universe that we are interested in studying.

 

Question: What is the first law of thermodynamics?

Answer: The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can be converted from one form to another.

 

Question: What is the second law of thermodynamics?

Answer: The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system can never decrease over time and that heat always flows from a hotter to a colder body.

 

Question: What is the third law of thermodynamics?

Answer: The third law of thermodynamics states that as a system approaches absolute zero temperature, its entropy approaches a minimum value.

 

Question: What is an isothermal process?

Answer: An isothermal process is a process in which the temperature of the system remains constant throughout the process.

 

Question: What is an adiabatic process?

Answer: An adiabatic process is a process in which no heat is exchanged between the system and its surroundings.

 

Question: What is an isobaric process?

Answer: An isobaric process is a process in which the pressure of the system remains constant throughout the process.

 

Question: What is an isochoric process?

Answer: An isochoric process is a process in which the volume of the system remains constant throughout the process.

 

Question: What is the difference between enthalpy and internal energy?

Answer: Enthalpy is the sum of the internal energy of the system and the product of the pressure and volume of the system, while internal energy is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the particles in the system.

 

Question: What is the definition of entropy?

Answer: Entropy is a measure of the amount of disorder or randomness in a system.

 

Question: What is the definition of specific heat?

Answer: Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.

 

Question: What is the definition of latent heat?

Answer: Latent heat is the amount of heat required to change the state of a substance without changing its temperature.

 

Question: What is the definition of heat capacity?

Answer: Heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius per unit mass.

 

Question: What is the Clausius-Clapeyron equation?

Answer: The Clausius-Clapeyron equation is an equation that relates the temperature and pressure at which a substance undergoes a phase change.

 

Question: What is Gibbs’s free energy?

Answer: The Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum amount of work that can be done by a thermodynamic system at constant temperature and pressure.

 

Question: What is the definition of a reversible process?

Answer: A reversible process is a process that can be reversed by an infinitesimal change in the conditions of the system.

 

Question: What is the definition of an irreversible process?

Answer: An irreversible process is a process that cannot be reversed by any change in the conditions of the system.

 

Question: What is the Carnot cycle?

Answer: The Carnot cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that represents the maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine.

 

Question: What is the definition of thermodynamic equilibrium?

Answer: Thermodynamic equilibrium is a state in which all macroscopic properties of the system are uniform and unchanging over time.

Question: What is a refrigeration cycle?

Answer: A refrigeration cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that involves the transfer of heat from a cooler object to a warmer object.

 

Question: What is a Carnot cycle?

Answer: A Carnot cycle is an idealized thermodynamic cycle that consists of four reversible processes: isothermal expansion, adiabatic expansion, isothermal compression, and adiabatic compression.

 

Question: What is the coefficient of performance (COP) for a refrigeration cycle?

Answer: The COP for a refrigeration cycle is the ratio of the heat removed from the cool space to the work input.

 

Question: What is the difference between a compressor and an expander?

Answer: A compressor is a device that increases the pressure of a gas, while an expander is a device that decreases the pressure of a gas.

 

Question: What is the Joule-Thomson effect?

Answer: The Joule-Thomson effect is the change in temperature that occurs when a gas is forced through a valve or porous plug.

 

Question: What is the Antoine equation?

Answer: The Antoine equation is an empirical equation that describes the relationship between the vapor pressure of a substance and its temperature.

 

Question: What is Helmholtz’s free energy?

Answer: The Helmholtz free energy is a thermodynamic potential that describes the maximum amount of work that can be obtained from a system at constant temperature and volume.

 

Question: What is the Maxwell relations?

Answer: The Maxwell is the set of thermodynamic equations derived from the second derivatives.

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