Chemical Laboratory 2

Lab 2 challenges students to apply what they’ve learned—now focusing on the principles that drive separation, purification, and conversion in real industrial settings.

Laboratory 2 transitions students from theoretical concepts to practical, industry-level chemical engineering applications. Through modules on diffusion, mass transfer, distillation, drying, and reaction kinetics, students explore real-world processes like absorption, extraction, and catalysis. Working with pilot-scale reactors and process control systems, they gain hands-on experience simulating actual plant operations. Lab 2 equips learners not only to understand key unit operations but to operate them—bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

Diffusion and Mass Transfer

Students visualize how molecules move—across membranes, between phases, and within packed columns. These experiments reveal the science behind gas absorption, liquid-liquid extraction, and essential separation processes.

Sample Videos

Watch youtube video for better understanding of Diffusion and Mass Transfer.

Watch the video above to learn more about distillation.

Watch the video above to learn the importance of humidification.

Distillation and Humidification

Packed and tray column setups allow students to break down complex mixtures, study vapor-liquid equilibrium, and control heat and mass transfer in real-time. It’s theory—boiled down to its most practical form.

Drying and Dehumidification

Using dryers and airflow modules, students explore how solids lose moisture—a process vital in food, pharma, and materials production. They see the numbers—and the transformation—happen right before their eyes.

Watch the video above to learn how Dehumidifier works.

Watch the video above to learn how Dehumidifier works in Pharmaceutical aspect.

Watch video to know basic information about catalysis and type of catalysts.

Watch video for an introduction to Reaction Kinetics.

Reaction Kinetics and Catalysis

Students work with pilot-scale reactors - CSTRs and plug flow tubular reactors—to simulate real industrial reactions. They track conversions, analyze rate data, and study the impact of catalysts on system behavior.

Pilot Plant Experience

With scaled-up equipment and integrated control panels, Lab 2 bridges academic learning with professional application—giving students their first taste of operating real unit operations like plant engineers.

Watch video for an experience in a Pilot Plant as the video a Virtual Tour of the University of Surrey’s Fluor Pilot Plant

CHEM ENG PACKAGE_Lab2_Full.mp4

Laboratory 2 General Overview

Things to Remember / FAQs – Laboratory 2: Mass Transfer & Reaction Engineering

What is the focus of Lab 2?
Lab 2 emphasizes mass transfer, separation, purification, and chemical reaction processes that are foundational to industrial chemical engineering.
What key skills will I gain?
You'll learn to analyze mass transfer rates, operate reactors, interpret data from distillation and drying processes, and handle pilot-scale equipment.
What kinds of equipment are used?
Expect hands-on work with:
- Packed/tray distillation columns
- Gas absorbers
- Liquid-liquid extractors
- Dryers and dehumidifiers
- CSTR and plug flow tubular reactors
- Pilot-scale plant systems
Why is this lab important?
It bridges theory and practice—simulating real industrial operations—so you're prepared for plant-level engineering tasks.
Is prior knowledge required?
Yes, a strong grasp of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics is essential for success.
What safety considerations should I keep in mind?
Always follow proper PPE usage, be mindful of heated systems, pressurized vessels, and volatile chemicals, and report anomalies immediately.
What outcomes are expected?
By the end of Lab 2, you should be able to:
- Operate and troubleshoot unit operations
- Conduct kinetic and mass transfer experiments
- Use real data to evaluate performance and efficiency
How does this prepare me for the industry?
This lab simulates real-world production environments, providing a preview of industrial equipment, automation controls, and process integration—essential for career readiness.
9. How should I approach each experiment?
Come prepared: review theory, understand the equipment flow diagrams, and be ready to work collaboratively and think critically.
What makes Lab 2 different from Lab 1?
Lab 1 focuses on foundational principles like heat transfer and basic flow; Lab 2 scales up to industrial process behavior, system control, and integration.

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