Chemical Process Utilities Course | IIT Roorkee | Prof. Shishir Sinha
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 395 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 2 in Chemical |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Chemical Process Utilities: The Unsung Heroes of Process Plants
In the complex world of chemical manufacturing, the spotlight often falls on reactors, distillation columns, and catalysts. However, the seamless operation of any plant hinges on a robust backbone of Chemical Process Utilities. These essential services—steam, water, air, refrigeration, and more—are the lifeblood of industrial processes. A deep, fundamental understanding of these utilities is not just an academic exercise; it is a critical survival skill for any chemical engineer on the plant floor.
Course Overview: Building Expertise from the Ground Up
This comprehensive 12-week course, meticulously designed and taught by Prof. Shishir Sinha of IIT Roorkee, addresses this vital knowledge gap. Aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students, the program delves into the technical fundamentals that govern the selection, design, and operation of all major process utilities.
Prof. Sinha brings over 20 years of combined academic and industrial research experience to the classroom, backed by an extensive publication record and the successful completion of numerous high-impact projects. His expertise ensures the course content is both theoretically sound and practically relevant.
Who Should Enroll?
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is essential for students and professionals in:
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer Engineering & Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
PREREQUISITES: A foundational knowledge of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Chemical Technology, and Heat Transfer is recommended.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT: The curriculum is directly applicable and highly valuable for professionals across all process industries, including:
- Refineries
- Fertilizer Plants
- Petrochemical Complexes
- Managers and Decision-Makers in technical roles
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
The course is structured to build knowledge systematically, from core concepts to integrated system design.
| Week | Topic | Key Learning Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities in Process Industries | Introduction to primary & secondary utilities, their critical importance. |
| 2 | Heat Transfer Media | Classification, properties, and selection criteria for industrial applications. |
| 3-4 | Water Systems | Raw water characteristics, treatment for boiler feed/cooling, recycling, and resource management. |
| 5-6 | Steam Generation & Utilization | Boilers, steam handling, condensate removal, steam traps, efficient heating systems, and boiler safety. |
| 7 | Compressed Air Systems | Use in conveying, drying, instrumentation; design of air receivers. |
| 8 | Piping Network Design | Design principles for pipelines carrying water, steam, condensate, and air. |
| 9 | Cooling Towers | Properties of air-water vapor mixtures and cooling tower fundamentals. |
| 10 | Pressure & Vacuum Systems | Principles and applications of pressurized and vacuum utility systems. |
| 11 | Refrigeration Systems | Fundamentals of industrial refrigeration cycles. |
| 12 | Refractories & Insulation | Materials for energy conservation and thermal management. |
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and classify all critical utilities in a chemical process plant.
- Understand the fundamental science behind steam generation, water treatment, and refrigeration.
- Apply selection criteria for appropriate heat transfer media and utility equipment.
- Grasp basic design principles for utility piping networks and systems like cooling towers.
- Appreciate the importance of safety, efficiency, and resource management (like water reuse) in utility operations.
Essential Reference Materials
The course draws from authoritative texts to provide a solid theoretical foundation, including:
- Nordell, Eskel: “Water Treatment for Industrial and Other Uses”
- Dr. Mujawar & D.B. Dhone: “Plant Utilities” (Nirali Prakashan)
- P.L. Ballaney: “Thermal Engineering” (Khanna Publisher)
Why This Course is Indispensable
As chemical processes grow more complex and the industry focuses intensely on sustainability and efficiency, the role of the utilities engineer becomes increasingly strategic. This course moves beyond peripheral knowledge to instill a detailed and fundamental understanding. This empowers future engineers not just to operate, but to optimize, troubleshoot, and innovate within the utility systems that power modern industry. Enroll to master the unseen forces that drive chemical manufacturing and build a robust foundation for a successful engineering career.
Enroll Now →