Unit Operations Engineering Design: Extraction and Distillation Columns

This paper presents our implantation of project-based learning (PBL) in our pedagogy in process engineering with two approaches, experimental one with process pilots and simulation one with ProsimPlus3 Software. The objective is for each unit operation at the laboratory process scale, we integrate a digital simulation twin with industrial software that allows to build a process model and then simulate it using complex calculations and thermodynamic models to optimize design and improve energy consumption. The study takes place in the Mass and Energy Transfer course with 167 graduate students’ cohort. The developed project is based on simulation of an industrial unit containing extraction and distillation columns. Our purpose is to improve the acquisition of design skills using simulation as part of industry 4.0. Through students’ survey, using 4-Point Likert Scale, evaluating the impact of this approach on process engineering learning, the results show that PBL promotes students’ motivation and improves their critical thinking skills. In addition, students have acquired better technical training as well as developing their transversal skills as communication and teamwork.