A Respiration Experiment to Introduce ChE Principles
Abstract
We have developed a hands-on experiment to introduce freshman engineering principles through exploration of the breathing process. In the laboratory, students are introduced to measurements of gas concentration and flow rate. Through the analysis of their data, students are introduced to unit operations, mass balance concepts, and phychrometric charts. In addition, students use a process simulator to prepare a flow diagram and to simulate the breathing process under different environmental conditions. The experiment and module are appropriate for a freshman engineering course or a sophomore material balances course.