Fundamentals of Industrial Chemistry

Course Objectives
The course aims to provide the fundamental knowledge of Industrial Chemistry, including the interpretation of process flow diagrams, the materials used for equipment, the raw materials, energy sources, and utilities employed, as well as the main products of the chemical industry.

Specifically, with reference to the Dublin Descriptors, the course intends to:
a) Descriptor 1 – Knowledge and understanding:
Provide students with a solid foundation of the key concepts related to chemical phenomena of industrial relevance, through an integrated approach that combines theory with practical case studies.
b) Descriptor 2 – Applying knowledge and understanding:
Develop the ability to apply chemical knowledge to solve common problems in industrial contexts, with particular focus on production processes and the selection of appropriate materials and technologies.
c) Descriptor 3 – Making judgements:
Equip students with the tools to critically evaluate the chemical characteristics of raw materials and energy sources involved in the production of major industrial chemical products. These skills will be fostered through classroom exercises and the active engagement of students during lectures.
d) Descriptor 4 – Communication skills:
Improve the students’ ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific concepts using technical language appropriate to industrial contexts and professional settings.
e) Descriptor 5 – Learning skills:
Encourage the development of an effective and pragmatic study method, aimed at enabling students to work independently and in teams, and to facilitate their integration into the chemical industry. Teaching materials will be provided in PDF or PowerPoint format, along with references to relevant textbooks and chapters for further study

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

Classroom lessons with numerical exercises

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it

Base and fine chemical industry.

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of a chemical process. Principles of catalysis and main catalysts. Process diagrams (BFD, PFD e P&ID).

Energy sources and basic products of industrial syntheses (crude oil, natural gas, coal, biomass).

Chemical properties of water and its usage in the chemical industry.  

Materials for the industry (metals and alloys, ceramics, glasses, clays and cements).

Main products of industrial chemistry (surfactants, fertilizers, etc.).

Environmental aspects of energy production. Principles of circular economy.

1. Class notes in pdf format.

2. Fabrizio Cavani et al. - Fondamenti di Chimica industriale - Zanichelli (Ed. Aprile 2022)

Oral exam with numerical exercises.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, according to the following criteria:

Fail

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: major deficiencies and inaccuracies; gaps also in basic chemistry knowledge; unsatisfactory performance in the numerical exercise.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: frequent generalizations.

• Use of references: inappropriate.

18–20

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very modest, with evident imperfections; numerical exercise barely sufficient.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: just sufficient.

• Use of references: barely appropriate.

21–23

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: slightly more than sufficient; numerical exercise sufficient.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: fair ability to analyze and synthesize; arguments are logically and coherently presented.

• Use of references: appropriate use of course material.

24–26

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good knowledge; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: good ability to analyze and synthesize; topics are presented coherently.

• Use of references: appropriate use of course material.

27–29

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: more than good; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: strong analytical and synthesis skills.

• Use of references: shows deeper understanding of the topics.

30–30 cum laude

• Knowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent; numerical exercise completed without difficulty.

• Analytical and synthesis skills: outstanding analytical and synthesis abilities.

• Use of references: significant and insightful elaboration of topics.

The assessment may also be carried out remotely, should regulations allow and circumstances require it.

Base and fine chemical industry.

Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of a chemical process. Principles of catalysis and main catalysts. Process diagrams (BFD, PFD e P&ID), with exercises.

Energy sources and basic products of industrial syntheses (crude oil, natural gas, coal, biomass).

Chemical properties of water and its usage in the chemical industry with exercises.

Materials for the industry (metals and alloys, ceramics, glasses, clays and cements).

Main products of industrial chemistry (surfactants, fertilizers, dyes, etc.) with exercises..

Main processes of industrial organic chemistry (steam cracking. catalytic reforming, steam reforming, catalytic cracking, isomerization, hydrocracking. visbreaking. coking).