Unit Operation Laboratory II - Course Overview and Safety Guidelines

Course Information and Administration

• Course Name: Unit Operation Laboratory II
• Course Code: ChE42103
• Lecture Reference: Lc 1
• Instructor: Dr. Asila A. M. Osman

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

• Primary Course Objectives:     * Enhancement of practical experience within the field of chemical engineering.     * Improvement of technical report writing skills.     * Increasing awareness and adherence to process safety protocols.     * Development of effective team working and communication skills.
• Course Outcomes (Competencies):     * An ability to design and conduct experiments accurately.     * The ability to analyze and interpret resulting data.     * An ability to communicate technical information effectively.     * An ability to function and work productively within a team environment.

Course Structure and Syllabus

• Course Contents:     * Introduction to the course and laboratory environment.     * Safety protocols specifically for the unit operation laboratory.     * Detailed study of utilities systems.     * Description and operational procedures for laboratory equipment.     * Methods for concentration measurement.     * Performance of seven specific experiments.
• Scheduled Experiments:     1. Diffusion     2. Drying     3. Absorption     4. Distillation     5. Reactors     6. Solid-liquid extraction     7. Cooling tower

Grading Distribution

• Final Examination: $40\%$
• Laboratory Experiments (Continuous Assessment): $50\%$     * Report component: $40\%$     * Seminar or additional report component: $10\%$

Safety Protocols in the Unit Operation Laboratory

• Electrical Safety Guidelines:     * Power must be switched off before making any electrical connections.     * Avoid splashing or spraying water on electrical components, including wall sockets, lights, and junction or power boxes.     * Use only Class C Fire Extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment.
• Electric Drying Ovens:     * Do not dry volatile or flammable chemicals inside the drying oven.     * Do not place liquid thermometers in the oven to avoid breakage and contamination.
• Gas Cylinder Safety:     * Cylinder contents are under high pressure; cylinders must be kept upright and secured to a sturdy base with a chain at all times.     * The gas or liquid status and identity must be clearly labeled on the container.
• Mixing and Stirring Devices:     * Keep hands, hair, and loose clothing well away from the agitator.     * For hand-held agitators, ensure the device is off before adding material to the tank.     * Ensure the agitator is fully immersed in the solution to be mixed before starting the motor.     * Turn off the motor before removing the agitator from the mixed solution.
• Pumps, Fans, Compressors, and Blowers:     * Verify that all guards on moving parts and electrical connections are securely in place.     * Keep clothing, hands, and hair away from all moving mechanical parts.
• Glassware Handling:     * Exercise extreme care in the storage and handling of all glassware.     * Discard or replace any damaged or cracked glassware immediately.     * Only use glassware specifically designed for vacuum purposes when performing vacuum operations.
• Steam Lines and Condensate Lines:     * Use insulated gloves when operating steam valves.     * Open valves slowly and only to the required amount to prevent surges.     * Maintain a safe distance between hands/clothing and steam lines.
• Personal Hygiene and Laboratory Conduct:     * Wash hands thoroughly both before and after running an experiment.     * Cover any cuts or open wounds with clean, suitable protective material before entering the lab.     * The use of cell phones, media players, and similar devices is strictly prohibited.     * Playing computer games or viewing non-lab related DVDs is prohibited.     * Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are strictly prohibited.     * Smoking and the use of open flames are prohibited.     * Any accident or hazardous situation, regardless of scale, must be reported to the Laboratory Supervisor immediately.

Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures

• Fire Extinguisher Operation (PASS Acronym):     1. P (Pull): Pull the pin.     2. A (Aim): Aim at the base of the flames.     3. S (Squeeze): Squeeze the handle.     4. S (Sweep): Sweep the extinguisher back and forth while advancing toward the flames.     * Operation involves first removing the unit from the wall before following the PASS steps.

Hazardous Chemicals and Toxicology Profiles

• Acetic Acid:     * Hazards: Skin contact, eye contact, and inhalation.     * Threshold Limit Value (TLV): $10\,ppm$.     * Characteristics: Categorized as a strong corrosive acid.
• Acetone:     * Hazards: Fire (high flammability), inhalation, and skin/eye contact.     * TLV: $750\,ppm$.     * Precaution: Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
• Ethanol:     * Hazards: Fire, inhalation, and skin/eye contact.     * TLV: $1000\,ppm$.
• Hydrochloric Acid ($HCl$):     * Hazards: Skin contact, eye contact, and inhalation.     * TLV: $5\,ppm$.
• Hydrogen ($H_2$):     * No specific toxicology hazard; no hazard on contact with skin or eye.     * Flammability: Highly flammable; burns at concentrations as low as $4\%$.     * Flame Characteristics: Burn with a colorless and invisible flame.     * Reactivity: Reacts violently with oxidants.
• Mercury ($Hg$):     * Nature of Effects: Health effects are cumulative over time.     * Short-term exposure symptoms: Headaches, cough, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, soreness of mouth, loss of teeth, nausea, diarrhea, and skin irritation.
• Nitrogen ($N_2$):     * Primary Hazard: Asphyxiation due to the displacement of oxygen.
• Oxygen ($O_2$):     * Characteristics: Powerful oxidizing agent stored in compressed cylinders.     * Combustion Enhancement: Concentrations above $25\,\text{volume }\%$ greatly enhance the combustion rate of many materials.     * Primary Hazard: Increased flammability of any combustible materials.     * Secondary Hazard: Risks associated with compressed gas cylinders.
• Sodium Hydroxide ($NaOH$):     * Characteristics: Strong alkali.     * Hazards: Destructive to skin and eyes upon contact; ingestion causes severe injury.     * Respiratory: Inhalation of dust can damage the respiratory tract.     * Reactivity: Can react vigorously with acids and generate significant amounts of heat.
• Sulfuric Acid ($H_2SO_4$):     * Hazards: Skin and eye contact; inhalation.     * Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): $15\,mg/m^3$.     * Characteristics: Strong corrosive acid.
• Toluene:     * Hazards: Fire, inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion.     * TLV: $100\,ppm$.

Questions & Discussion

• The lecture concluded with a dedicated session for questions and answers (Q&A) to address student inquiries regarding the syllabus and safety protocols.