 |
|
Science and Math Laboratory Exercises
The Center for the Advancement of Process Technology (CAPT) and its partners have created a series of science and math laboratory exercises.
Density and Relative Density
AUTHOR: John Brandon, Houston Community College
DESCRIPTION: This laboratory module introduces students to the importance of accuracy and precision in analytical techniques. In this exercise, the students are taught how to manually evaluate data that are generated. Due to the toxicity and/or availability of crude petroleum and liquid petroleum products, common household products are used for training purposes.
Determination of Sulfides
AUTHOR: Vicki Rowlett, Lamar Institute of Technology
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is for students to learn how to determine the amounts of sodium sulfide, hydrosulfide, and sodium hydroxide in caustic sulfide solutions.
Determination of the Percent Ammonium Sulfate Saturation of Aqueous Solutions
AUTHOR: David Baker, Southwestern Illinois College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to familiarize students with an analytical procedure for the determination of the percent Ammonium Sulfate saturation of aqueous solutions.
Determination of Total Suspended Solids in Liquid Process Samples
AUTHOR: Joe Rowland, Wharton County Junior College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is for students to learn the skills necessary to perform solids analyses on process stream samples in a Unit Lab. In this module, students will perform TSS analyses to determine the concentration of Carbon present in samples taken downstream of a synthesis gas scrubber system in a Process Unit of a Chemical Plant. The Operator will be asked to make operational decisions based on information obtained in the tests.
Gas Chromatography
AUTHOR: Noel Mann, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
DESCRIPTION:The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to a gas chrmatograph instrument, place the instrument into operation, interpret the data obtained, and remove the instrument from operation.
Gas Laws
AUTHOR: John Cooper, Brazosport College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to investigate and explain simple experimental results of atmospheric pressure and to verify Boyle's Law for gases.
Heat Transfer and Flow
AUTHOR: Gene Byrd, Lamar State College - Port Authur
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to help students understand heat transfer, heat transfer during phase change, and simple fluid flow governed by Bernoulli's equation. The experiment emphasizes working in groups, combining results, and data analysis.
Introduction to Errors, Error Analysis, and Graphing
AUTHOR: Bruce Layton, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to introduce the concept of errors, and to define the terms and methods used in analyzing errors. Also, the concept of graphing and graph reading are introduced.
Measurement of Friction, Pressure in a Piping System
AUTHOR: Kevin Bjornen, Northern Oklahoma College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is for students to learn how to apply the kinematics equations to calculate the velocity of a jet of water and convert the velocity to ft/s, to examine the fluid mechanics of pumping fluid down a length of pipe, perform logarithmic graphing by plotting pressure drop and rate data on log-log paper, learn common unit conversions that might be encountered in the work place, calculate the Reynolds’s number to determine what is the critical rate for turbulent flow for water in a hose, and use the curve developed to solve several practical plumbing problems.
Mechanical Advantage Lab
AUTHOR: Kevin Bjornen, Northern Oklahoma College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to relate mechanical advantage to the process technician's world through the measurement and calculation of the mechanical advantage of several simple machines.
Reaction Rate and Reactor Volume
AUTHOR: Judy Feig, The Victoria College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to investigate the effect reactant concentration has on the reaction rate, and to use that information to determine the volume of a reactor.
The Titration Method of Analysis for Determining Process Impurities
AUTHOR: Joe Rowland, Wharton County Junior College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to teach students the techniques necessary for performing titrations as a method of analysis in a Unit Lab. Participants will use the titration method of analysis to determine the concentration of Acetic acid (HAc) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) in samples prepared by the Instructor. The Student will be asked to titrate four samples, demonstrating proper blanking and titrating technique. Cleanliness and accuracy of measurement will also be stressed.
Theory of Gases Applied to the Decontamination of Process Industry Equipment
AUTHOR: Mahrez Rezgui, Alvin Community College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is for students to become familiar with routine ways of purging plant equipment using water, steam, nitrogen, or other chemicals. Variables like the contents of a vessel, equipment to be purged, and the equipment’s structural tolerance, are also discussed.
Titration of Liquid Process Samples for Percent Acid Concentration
AUTHOR: Joe Rowland, Wharton County Junior College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is provide students with the skills necessary to perform an analyses on process samples in a Unit Lab. Specifically, this module will focus on performing titrations on tower samples to determine the concentration of critical components in the operation of a separation tower. In addition, troubleshooting skills are utilized as the Operator uses the analysis data gathered to make decisions about efficient tower operations.
Treating and Checking Raw Water for Boiler and Cooling Tower Operations
AUTHOR: Joe Rowland, Wharton County Junior College
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this activity is to help students learn the skills necessary for performing the analyses on treated water samples in a Utilities Unit Lab. Specifically, this module focuses on operating a water treatment system for removing hardness from raw water, and on performing titrations on water samples to determine their Calcium hardness and Hydroxyl (OH-) alkalinity concentrations. In addition, troubleshooting skills are utilized as the Operator uses the analysis data gathered to make operating decisions.
