Program Overview

KE2045 Chemical Reaction Engineering

Course Description

This course introduces students to chemical reaction engineering and reactor design. The aim is to give the students an enhanced understanding of the theory of chemical reactors and enhanced skill in formulation and analysis of mathematical models in chemical reaction engineering.

Course Contents

The class problems and the computer laboratory exercises aim to enhance problem-solving skills both with and without computer usage. The course covers:

• Ideal reactors and their characteristics
• Development of mathematical expressions (models) to describe the behavior of reactors
• Analysis of how kinetics, mass- and heat transfer affect the performance of reactors
• Application of analytical and numerical methods to determine reactor behavior
• Design and sizing of chemical reactors and optimization of operating conditions
• Application of RTD (residence time distribution) methods to diagnose non-ideal flows in reactors and calculate conversions in non-ideal reactors

Intended Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• Describe ideal reactors and their characteristics
• Develop mathematical expressions (models) to describe the behavior of reactors and analyze how kinetics, mass- and heat transfer affect the performance of reactors
• Apply analytical and numerical methods to determine reactor behavior and analyze the results
• Design/size chemical reactors and optimize operating conditions
• Apply RTD (residence time distribution) methods to diagnose non-ideal flows in reactors and calculate conversions in non-ideal reactors

Information per Course Offering

• Termin: Spring 2026
• Start: 16 Mar 2026
• Duration: 16 Mar 2026 - 1 Jun 2026
• Periods: Spring 2026: P4 (7.5 hp)
• Pace of study: 50%
• Application code: 60894
• Form of study: Normal Daytime
• Language of instruction: English
• Number of places: Min: 12
• Target group: No information inserted
• Planned modular schedule: P4: D1, G1, H1

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus is available in an accessible format on this page. Headings with content from the Course syllabus are denoted with an asterisk.

Literature and Preparations

• Specific prerequisites: Courses corresponding to the Bachelor programme Engineering chemistry at KTH or equivalent
• Literature: Information about course literature can be found in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas

Examination and Completion

• Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• Examination:
  • BER1 - Home and classroom problems, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Written exam, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • LAB1 - Laboratory work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• Examiner: Efthymios Kantarelis
• Ethical approach:
  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution

Further Information

• Course room in Canvas: Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas
• Offered by: CBH/Chemical Engineering
• Main field of study: Chemical Science and Engineering
• Education cycle: Second cycle