Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Multiphase Systems
School	Chemical Engineering
Department	Chemical Engineering
Module Code	04 23624
Module Lead	Dr P Cox
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-38 hours Seminar-4 hours Tutorial-34 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-2 hours Guided independent study-122 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module introduces fundamentals enabling understanding of processing of multiphase systems. Part 1: Colloidal systems and products The interaction between colloidal drops/particles such as van der Waals and electrostatic forces are discussed and DLVO model is introduced; colloid stability including gas/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces are discussed as well as measurements of zeta potential; different mechanisms of droplet break up. Emulsion stabilisation by small molecule emulsifiers and surfactants; steric and charge stabilisation; emulsion stability and destabilisation; rheology and rheology of suspensions; basic properties of suspension microstructure and how they affect rheology, viscoelastic fluids and use of simple viscoelastic models; momentum, mass and energy transfer in dispersed systems. Part 2: Motion of particles in fluids and gas-liquid flow Steady and un-steady state motion of particles/bubbles drag forces, add mass forces, skin friction and form drag are discussed for spherical and non-spherical particles; sedimentation, free and hindered settling as well as gas-liquid flow patterns in vertical and horizontal pipes including flow pattern maps are introduced; pressure drop in two-phase gas/liquid flow and homogeneous flow model, two-phase multipliers and separated flow model are introduced; Part 3: Fluid/solids systems Concept of maximum stable drop size in laminar and turbulent flow in stirred vessel and in pipes is introduced; coalescence and breakage model are discussed and related to dispersion processes; gas-solid fluidisations, pneumatic conveying, powder flow and consolidation are also introduced; stress/strain relationships; Part 4: Lab Generation of an emulsion: evaluation of stability, in particular considering creaming and coalescence over time. Completion of the appropriate report on stability based on measured experimental data (such as the droplet size distribution obtained by microscopy imaging analyses) obtained by all groups of students.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module the student should be able to: Evaluate the interactions of colloidal systems. Identify the behaviour of dispersed phase in multiphase systems. Apply relevant methods used in the description of multiphase systems to solve engineering problems. Analyse the characteristics of the flow behaviour of gas/solid, gas/liquid and liquid/liquid systems.
Assessment	23624-05 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%) 23624-08 : Lab Report : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: In semester assessment: 20% Exam: 80%
Other	None
Reading List	Immiscible Liquid-Liquid Systems, in Handbook of Industrial Mixing: Paul, V. Atiemo- Obeng, S Kresta; Intermolecular and surface forces, J. Israelachvili; Processing of particulate solids, JPK Seville; Encyclopedia of Emulsion Technology vol 1, edit P. Becker; Bubbles, drops and particles, R. Clift, J.R. Grace and M.E. Weber; Two-phase flow in pipelines and heat exchangers, D.Chisholm;