Sustainable chemical processes

Course content

Introduction to the causes of anthropogenic climate change
Problem description for chemicals industry in the framework of the European Green Deal
Legal framework and international context
Techno-economic analysis of sustainable technology (e.g. avoided cost of carbon)
Solutions for sustainable energy production (e.g. Carbon capture and storage, Hydrogen economy, Energy conservation and reduction)
Sustainable chemical processes (e.g. Novel and electrified of chemical processes, Biobased processes and feedstocks)
Sustainable feed stocks for chemical industry/Closing the loop (e.g. process technology for recycling, waste-to-chemical).
Sustainable production of metals and recycling
Contemporary industrial cases studies aligned with the sustainable development goals will discussed by industrial expert

Objectives (and/or specific learning outcomes)

The students acquire an overall view of challenges facing the chemical industry to meet the sustainable development goals set out by the European green deal. They develop the skills to evaluate sustainable processes from a techno-economical perspective. The students obtain a critical mindset towards technical solutions to obtain sustainability goals.

Teaching methods and learning activities

- Theory classes: climate change, carbon ETS system, TRL levels, techno-economic studies, current and sustainable chemical processes, calculating carbon emissions (scopes) ...
- WPO: Preparing presentations and presenting, on various topics (group)
- Guest lectures: Academic and industry speakers on topics as hydrogen economy, carbon capture, ...

Contribution to the teaching profile

Sustainable Chemical Processes (vub.be)

This teaching unit contributes to the following Learning outcomes:

- consciousness of the ethical, social, environmental and economic context of his/her work and strives for sustainable solutions to engineering problems including safety and quality assurance aspects

- a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society

- a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others

- think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information

- an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career

- present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience

- reformulate complex engineering problems in order to solve them (simplifying assumptions, reducing complexity)

Other information

Contacts

Ken Broeckhoven (ken.broeckhoven@vub.be)
Tom Van Assche (tom.van.assche@vub.be)
Geert Reyniers

Campus

Plaine

Evaluation

Method(s) of evaluation

Oral presentation
Written report

Oral presentation

Written report

Sustainable Chemical Processes (vub.be)

-Oral examination and evaluation of a written report (paper).

Additional information:

Written: Students prepare a paper with a techno-economic analysis of the sustainability aspects of a chemical process (selected from proposed topics) (60%)

Oral: Presentation, students present their critical view on the sustainability aspects of chemical processes (same as paper) (40%)

Presence during all the classes is mandatory.

The use of GenAI as a supportive tool is permitted for certain components, provided that the “AI-GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS” are strictly followed. The student must appropriately report their use of AI. Specific instructions will be communicated via the learning platform.

Mark calculation method (including weighting of intermediary marks)

Sustainable Chemical Processes (vub.be)

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

Written paper with a relative weight of 60 which comprises 60% of the final mark.

Note: Written: Students prepare a paper with a techno-economic analysis of the sustainability aspects of a chemical process (selected from proposed topics) (60%)
Oral presentation with a relative weight of 40 which comprises 40% of the final mark.

Note: Oral: Presentation, students present their critical view on the sustainability aspects of chemical processes (same as paper) (40%)

Language(s) of evaluation

english