Fundamentals of Chemical Plant Design and Economics

To transition a chemical process from the lab to industry, you must ensure it is both technically feasible and financially sound. This course provides the foundational knowledge needed to bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry and industrial practice. By the end of this course, you will be able to perform preliminary design calculations for major chemical process equipment, accurately estimate capital and operating costs, and conduct economic evaluations to determine the viability and profitability of a proposed chemical plant project. What you'll learn: * Understand the lifecycle of a chemical project, from conceptual design to detailed engineering and construction. * Apply established methods for preliminary sizing and selection of common process equipment like heat exchangers, reactors, and storage vessels. * Calculate capital investment costs and operating expenses using various cost estimation techniques, including the use of scaling factors and indices. * Practice profitability analysis using metrics such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and discounted cash flow analysis. * Evaluate basic sustainability metrics and incorporate risk and uncertainty considerations into economic decision-making. The material begins with foundational concepts in process flow diagramming and equipment sizing before moving into detailed cost estimation methodologies. The final sections focus on analyzing project profitability and making sound economic decisions for long-term plant operations. This course is designed for absolute beginners, including students and professionals new to chemical or process engineering who require a strong foundation in industrial design and financial evaluation. No prior experience in advanced economics or process design is required. Start building the skills necessary to turn theoretical processes into profitable industrial realities today.