limited time and limited student background. In pursuit of that goal, it teaches the freshman to solve quantitative problems, although at a low level of complexity and within a scope that is narrow and well-defined. These quantitative topics include material balances (reacting and non-reacting systems), fluid flow (including the sizing of pumps), mass transfer (diffusion and convection), chemical reactor design, heat transfer (including the design of heat exchangers), and engineering economics. As examples of the limited scope of these topics, the treatment of material balances for reacting systems is limited to single process units with one chemical reaction, and the treatment of fluid flow applications is restricted to the use of the mechanical energy balance where friction is mentioned, but friction factors and methods for determining friction losses are not introduced. Spreadsheets are also taught, and homework problems throughout the book give the students practice with this tool. In addition, a number of qualitative descriptions are presented in the text, including chapters on problem solving, engineering teamwork, and process control. Finally, the students are given a few writing assignments to illustrate the important role of written communication in engineering.

Hide more