Unit Operations of Particulate Matter Course | IIT Roorkee Chemical Engineering
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 74 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 1 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Feb 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Science of Solids: A Guide to Unit Operations of Particulate Matter
In the vast landscape of chemical engineering, a staggering 75% of manufacturing processes involve handling small solid particles at some stage. The efficient design and control of these particulate systems are often the critical factors determining the success, quality, and profitability of the final product. From catalysts and pharmaceuticals to fertilizers and advanced ceramics, countless essential materials are produced in particulate form.
To bridge the gap between theory and industrial application, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee offers a comprehensive course: Unit Operations of Particulate Matter. This undergraduate-level program, expertly instructed by Prof. Shabina Khanam, delves into the fundamental principles and equipment design for handling solid particles.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. Shabina Khanam
Leading this essential course is Prof. Shabina Khanam, an Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at IIT Roorkee. With a strong academic foundation—a B.Tech from AMU Aligarh and both M.Tech and Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee—Prof. Khanam brings nearly a decade of dedicated teaching and research experience to the table.
Her expertise in Process Integration, Energy Management, and Modeling & Simulation provides a robust analytical framework for the course. Having taught Mechanical Operations six times and supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Tech theses, she is exceptionally equipped to guide students through the complexities of particulate systems.
Course Overview and Objectives
This 4-week intensive course is designed to provide a solid foundation in the multidisciplinary field of particulate science and technology. The primary learning objectives are to:
- Identify the key physical mechanisms at play in processes involving particles.
- Formulate and solve mathematical descriptions of these particulate processes.
- Apply this knowledge to the practical design of industrial particulate systems like sedimentation tanks, filtration units, fluidized beds, and flotation cells.
The course moves beyond theory, emphasizing the design and operation of real-world equipment, making it invaluable for aspiring chemical engineers.
Who Should Enroll?
While this is a core course for undergraduate Chemical Engineering students, its relevance extends much further. The course is highly beneficial for:
- Professionals in industries handling, processing, or transporting particulate matter (e.g., chemicals, pharmaceuticals, minerals, food).
- Postgraduate students and researchers in related fields.
- Individuals with substantial industrial experience looking to solidify their theoretical understanding.
Industry Support: This course is directly applicable to any chemical, pharmaceutical, ceramic, or process industry that deals with solid particles, making it a significant asset for career advancement.
Detailed 4-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Particulate Systems, Sedimentation Principles, Design of Thickeners, Centrifugal Sedimentation, Industrial Sedimentation Equipment. |
| Week 2 | Fundamentals of Filtration, Batch and Continuous Filtration Analysis, Design and Selection of Filtration Equipment. |
| Week 3 | Fluidization Dynamics, Liquid-Solid and Gas-Solid Fluidization, Applications in Reactors and Dryers. |
| Week 4 | Flotation Processes, Transportation of Solids: Hydraulic Transport and Pneumatic Transport Systems. |
Essential Reference Books
The course curriculum is supported by seminal texts in chemical engineering, ensuring a deep and standardized learning experience. Key references include:
- Coulson and Richardson's Chemical Engineering, Volume II
- McCabe, Smith, and Harriott's Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering
- Geankoplis's Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles
- Brown & Associates' Unit Operations
- Narayanan & Bhattacharya's Mechanical Operation for Chemical Engineers
Why This Course is Essential
Understanding unit operations of particulate matter is not just an academic exercise; it's a critical competency for the modern chemical engineer. This course equips you with the tools to:
- Optimize Processes: Improve efficiency and yield in particle-dependent manufacturing.
- Solve Practical Problems: Tackle issues like particle separation, classification, and transport in industrial settings.
- Design Equipment: Contribute to the design and scale-up of essential units like filters, settlers, and fluidized beds.
- Enhance Product Quality: Control particle size and distribution, which directly impacts product performance in many applications.
By the end of this four-week journey, participants will have gained a rigorous, application-oriented understanding of how to manage the unique challenges and opportunities presented by particulate matter, forming a cornerstone of their chemical engineering expertise.
Enroll Now →