Unit

Code	A006194
CFU	6
Teacher	Alberto Maria Gambelli
Teachers	Alberto Maria Gambelli
Hours	42 ore - Alberto Maria Gambelli
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Tecnologie dei processi chimici
Sector	ING-IND/27
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	English (Italian if required)
Contents	The course shows and describes in detail the main processes and methods for the production of energy carriers and bulk chemicals from conventional resources and from biomass. Particular attention will be paid to production processes, describing and quantifying input and output flows. For each process, the type of plant used will be characterized. Also in this regard, the possibility of adapting/integrating existing plants, based on the use of raw materials and/or conventional energy sources, with conversion and transformation processes of renewable resources (biomass) will be discussed. The final section of the course will be dedicated to a comparison between conventional refineries and biorefineries, listing and characterizing the main advantages and disadvantages of both types.
Reference texts	Jacob A. Moulijn, Michiel Makkee, Annelies E. van Diepen, "Chemical Process Technology" Wiley Slides displayed in class and made available by the teacher.
Educational objectives	Knowledge of the main energy sources obtainable from fossil fuels and biomass. Knowledge of the related production processes. Production processes of the main chemicals obtainable from conventional sources and biomass. Understanding of the plant designs and technological solutions adopted for the production of the above-mentioned products. The concept of a biorefinery: what it consists of, possibilities for integration with existing supply chains and potential. Differences between conventional refineries and biorefineries; main advantages and disadvantages of both.
Prerequisites	Base knowledge of mathematics, physics and thermodynamics.
Teaching methods	The course is structured in: 1) classroom lectures on all program topics with discussion with students; 2) seminar-style face-to-face lectures with projector support; 3) practical in-lab activities.
Other information	Examination schedule: the examination schedule can be found at the link: http://www.ing1.unipg.it/didattica/studiare/calendario-esami For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or DSA visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Learning verification modality	The verification of the educational objectives of the course includes an oral exam. It consists of a discussion lasting between 20 and 40 minutes, aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge of the theoretical and methodological contents provided and detailed in the program. The oral exam also aims to verify the communication and organic synthesis skills, as well as the student's command of language in relation to the theoretical and practical topics covered. The final evaluation will be made in thirtieths by the commission. The oral exam can be taken individually for each module or simultaneously for both modules of the course.
Extended program	1) Definition of chemical equilibrium in transformation processes and phase change processes. 2) Thermodynamic equilibrium in chemical processes. 3) Reaction kinetics: definition of mass balance as a function of reaction rate. Arrhenius law and the meaning of activation energy. Power law. Definition of transition states and division of chemical processes into three main phases: initiation, propagation, and termination. 4) Description of the main chemical reactors in industry. 5) Catalysis. 6) Biomass conversion processes - Production of biofuels: bioethanol, biobutanol, and diesel-type biofuels; Production of biologically derived chemicals: ethanol, glycerol, succinic acid, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF); - The biorefinery. Design, criteria, and products. Biorefinery concepts. Key technologies of a thermochemical biorefinery. - Anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Description of the different types of feedstocks for the process. - Co-digestion as an option for process intensification; - Final disposal of spent residues: composting. - Some examples of existing biorefineries. Possibilities of integrating existing plants with biorefineries. - Biorefinery versus oil refinery. 7) Overview of biotechnological concepts applied to the chemical industry - Principles of fermentation technology. Details of mechanical equipment (types of reactors).
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile	7) Clean and affordable energy; 9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure; 12) Responsible consumption and production.

Code	A006195
CFU	2
Teacher	Alberto Maria Gambelli
Teachers	Alberto Maria Gambelli
Hours	24 ore - Alberto Maria Gambelli
Learning activities	Altro
Area	Altre conoscenze utili per l'inserimento nel mondo del lavoro
Sector	NN
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	English (Italian if required)
Contents	The course will mainly consist of practical lessons in the laboratory, during which students will be able to learn in detail and directly apply the main methodologies for the characterization of biomass. Students will also be asked to build reactors for the production of biogas/biomethane on a small scale and will then have to follow the progress and evaluate the energy yield.
Reference texts	Jacob A. Moulijn, Michiel Makkee, Annelies E. van Diepen, "Chemical Process Technology" Wiley Slides displayed in class and made available by the teacher.
Educational objectives	Knowledge of laboratory techniques aimed at characterizing biomass. Based on these characterizations, definition of the possibilities of using biomass in the main biorefinery processes. Detailed practical knowledge of the biogas/biomethane production process.
Prerequisites	The lessons will be mainly held in the laboratory; therefore, knowledge and compliance with the main safety and behavioral rules required is needed
Teaching methods	Frontal lessons in the classroom to introduce the themes and topics covered and practical lessons in the laboratory.
Other information	For any clarification, the teacher can be contacted at the following email address: albertomaria.gambelli@unipg.it The teacher's office is located at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Learning verification modality	The verification of the educational objectives of the course includes an oral exam. It consists of a discussion lasting between 20 and 40 minutes, aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge of the theoretical and methodological contents provided and detailed in the program. The oral exam also aims to verify the communication and organic synthesis skills, as well as the student's command of language in relation to the theoretical and practical topics covered. The final evaluation will be made in thirtieths by the commission. The oral exam can be taken individually for each module or simultaneously for both modules of the course. For information on support services for students with disabilities and/or DSA visit the page http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa
Extended program	Analysis of the chemical/physical parameters of the organic matrices used in the aerobic digestion processes (for the production of compost) and anaerobic digestion processes (for the production of biogas/biomethane). Use of the required instrumentation and the main laboratory procedures developed for the purpose. Construction of small scale reactors for the production of biogas and biomethane in the laboratory. Methodologies to define the methane yield as a function of the organic matrix used in the anaerobic digestion process. Definition of the cumulative curves of biomethane production, process efficiency and quantification of the energy produced per unit of mass and per unit of time. Determination of cation exchange capacity. Gas-volumetric determination of total limestone. Determination of active limestone.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile	7) Clean and affordable energy; 9) Industry, innovation and infrastructure; 12) Responsible consumption and production.