Publisher's Synopsis
Over the past decade there has been an increasing demand for suitable material in the area of mathematical modeling, because they represent a more convenient and economic tool to understand the factors that influence the performance of a system. Progresses in computer technology and numerical solver have provided the necessary tools to increase power and sophistication which have significant implications for the use and role of mathematical modeling. Mathematical models are of great importance in chemical engineering because they can provide information about the variations in the measurable macroscopic properties of a physical system using output from microscopic equations which cannot usually be measured in a laboratory. On the other hand, mathematical models can lead to wrong conclusions or decisions about the system under investigation if they are not validated with experimental tests. Therefore, a complete study of a physical system should integrate modeling, simulation and experimental work. Computer aided modeling; simulation and optimization permit a better understanding of the chemical process behaviour, saves the time and money by providing the fewer configuration of the experimental work. In addition, computer simulation and optimization can help to improve the performance and the quality of a process and represent a more flexible and cost effective approach in design and operation. This book is intended to provide a solid introduction to mathematical modeling for a range of chemical engineering applications, covering model formulation, simplification and validation. It explains how to describe a physical/chemical reality in mathematical language and how to select the type and degree of sophistication for a model. The possibility of analyzing and quantifying the role played by each step of the process is examined in order to define the relevant mathematical expressions. It allows getting useful indications about the impact of different operating conditions on the role of each step discussing the improvements in operation (efficiency of the process) brought about by simulation. The book presents the key areas of chemical engineering, their mathematical foundations, and corresponding modeling techniques valuable for chemical engineers, researchers as well as practitioners.
