Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background of project

This project describes the application of numerical methods in civil engineering by creating
the problem statement which is required to solve using numerical methods. (Discuss what is
numerical methods with citation).

Methods in solving the bulk of data by applying numerical method is essential to approximate
solution which is involved number of iteration and meet the convergence criteria (Swamee,
Rathie and Ozelim, 2011). Nowadays, the approximation of results easier when application of
numerical methods is completed using software of finite element modelling. Marroquin et al.,
(2015) compiled eleven (11) analysis of report which is consist of building and bridge structure
modelling involving static, thermal and earthquake analysis. By applying the dead, live and
wind load, modelling size and material properties, the software used was able to run the
analysis prescribed. Subsequently, the displacement, bending moment, axial force and shear
force was obtained and all the data was required to run the next analysis such as earthquake
and thermal analysis. (Continue describe previous research with citation).

However, (write the gap/compare previous research to your problem).

Therefore, this report is prepared to understand the process involved including the calculation
by creating our problem statements which is classified in environmental engineering areas.

1.2 Problem statement

Generally, distillation columns used in crude oil refining which is required in chemical
separation (Wozny and Li, 2002; Kemp, 2007; Speight, 2011 and Plesu et al., 2013; ). To
separate the combination of mixture into its virgin state, the mixture is required to heat. The
stream is heated before entering the columns which causes vaporization. However, the
combination of four and more chemical is rarely reported. Therefore, the calculation was
drafted using three distillation column containing benzene, toluene, styrene and xylene which
were arranged in sequence with inner, D and outer outlet, B. Main distillation column was
named as Column 1, others was named as Column 2 and Column 3. Column 1 referred as feed
stream and its molar flow rate is 70 mol/min. The composition of each gases in all columns is
designed in Table 1.1. Therefore, the molar flow rates for each inner and outlet for Column 2
and Column 3 is required to measure. And molar flow rates and composition of stream for each
inner and outlet also need to determine.

Table 1.1 Molar flow rates

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3

D1 B1 D2 B2
Xylene 15 5 16 15 24
Styrene 25 4 26 10 65
Toluene 40 51 42 54 10
Benzene 20 40 16 21 1

1.3 Objectives
The objectives of this project;
1) To review the journal, conference paper or book related to numerical methods in civil
engineering.
2) To list the Fila Table.
3) To solve the problem statement by applying numerical methods with calculation.

Chapter 2: Literature review

2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews the existing literature related to the …… (write the outline of
chapter 2)

2.2 The importance of numerical methods in civil engineering

Discuss how importance the numerical methods in civil engineering with citation. Read
more journal online and conference paper. Related figures and tables is allowed in
Chapter 2.

2.3 Create your own sub-topic

2.4 Create your own sub-topic

2.5 Information in Fila table
The discussion has been listed in Table 2.1 shows the ideas in completing the problem
statement. (Explain Fila Table).
Table 2.1 Fila Table

Facts Ideas Issues Actions

The problem To draw the What is distillation Find information
statement was distillation column columns? through researchers
created in order to together with the and books.
understand the values given so the
application of solution can be more
numerical methods easier.
in real engineering
problems.
Understand the term What is molar flow Analyse the problem
used in the problem rates and statement based on
statement. composition of the condition given.
streams?
List all numerical What is Benzene, Do the discussion
methods that learned toluene, styrene and with all group
in syllabus so maybe xylene? members.
can give ideas the
methods that can be
applied.
How to solve the Complete the report
problem given? before the dateline.
What is the suitable
numerical methods
can apply?
WRITE MORE
Chapter 3: Calculation
3.1 Introduction
This chapter analyses the problem statement by drawing the distillation column and value of
flow rates in order to understand the issues. Gauss elimination matrix was selected to analyse
the result. (Continues describes)

3.2 Drafted figure and calculation

Figure 3.2 shows the ………(discuss what is Figure 3.2 is all about). And continue
solve using any suitable numerical methods and shows the calculation.

Figure 3.2-Schematic diagram

The four Xylene separations imply balance equation;

0.05D1 + 0.16B1 + 0.15D2 + 0.24B2 = 0.15(70) kg-mol,
based on 1 min of operation.
There are 3 other similar equations, for styrene, toluene and benzene. Multiply by 100 to
produce the balance equations
Xylene: 5 D1 + 16 B1 + 15 D2 + 24 B2 = 15(70)
Styrene: 4 D1 + 26 B1 + 10 D2 + 65 B2 = 25(70)
Toluene: 51 D1 + 42 B1 + 54 D2 + 10 B2 = 40(70)
Benzene: 40 D1 + 16 B1 + 21 D2 + 1 B2 = 20(70) Molar Flow Rates.

Complete the calculation.

Chapter 4: Conclusions

References