Foundations of Chemical and Biological Reaction Engineering

Reactor engineering is the heart of industrial biotechnology and chemical manufacturing, turning raw materials into valuable products. Understanding how reactions behave and how to design the vessels that contain them is essential for any aspiring engineer. This course guides you from the fundamental principles of stoichiometry and chemical equilibrium to the design of both chemical and biological reactors. You will develop the skills to analyze reaction kinetics, model cell growth, and account for heat and mass transfer in real-world systems. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamentals of reaction rates, stoichiometry, and chemical equilibrium. - Derive rate expressions from reaction mechanisms using steady-state assumptions. - Design key reactor types including batch, plug flow, and continuous stirred-tank reactors. - Analyze biological kinetics, including enzyme catalysis and microbial cell growth. - Evaluate heat and mass transport effects, such as diffusion within catalyst particles. - Apply modern green engineering metrics to optimize reactor efficiency and minimize waste. The course begins with foundational definitions of reaction rates and stoichiometry before advancing to kinetic modeling. You will then progress through step-by-step written analyses of different reactor types, transport phenomena, and biochemical applications. This course is designed for beginners, engineering students, and professionals seeking a solid conceptual foundation in reaction engineering. No advanced prior background in reactor design is required. Start reading today to build your foundational knowledge in chemical and biological reactor design.