PC25C03 Petrochemical Unit Processes – Semester IV – Petrochem – R-2025

Subject Code & Name: PC25C03 – Petrochemical Unit Processes

Regulation: R-2025

Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)

Branch: B.Tech. Petrochemical Technology (Petrochem)

Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0

Course Objectives

• To provide comprehensive knowledge on petrochemical unit processes including feedstock sources, synthesis gas production, primary unit processes, and experimental analysis of petrochemical operations and process data.

Full Unit-wise Syllabus

Unit I – Feedstock and Source of Petrochemicals

Overview of the petrochemical industry – The key growth area of India, economics – Feedstock selections – Steam cracking of gas and naphtha to produce olefins, diolefins, and acetylene.

Activities: Feedstock Analysis, Process Flow Diagram Preparation, Steam Cracking Study, Economic Evaluation, Industrial Case Study, Technical Discussion.

Unit II – Synthesis Gas Production

Steam reforming of natural gas – Naphtha and heavy distillate to produce hydrogen and synthesis gas – Production of methanol – Oxo process.

Activities: Process Flow Analysis, Synthesis Gas Production Study, Hydrogen Generation Calculations, Methanol Process Modelling, Industrial Case Study, Technical Discussion.

Unit III – Primary Unit Processes

Fundamental and technological principles involved in alkylation, oxidation, nitration, and hydrolysis.

Activities: Reaction Mechanism Analysis, Process Flow Diagram Preparation, Unit Process Study, Process Simulation, Industrial Case Study, Technical Discussion.

Unit IV – Secondary Unit Processes

Sulphonation, sulfation, and isomerization – Fundamental and technological principles.

Activities: Process Study, Reaction Analysis, Flow Diagram Preparation, Simulation, Case Study, Technical Discussion.

Unit V – Tertiary Unit Processes

Halogenation and esterification – Fundamental and technological principles.

Activities: Reaction Analysis, Process Study, Flow Diagram Preparation, Process Simulation, Case Study, Technical Discussion.

Course Outcomes (COs)

• CO1: Mapping Mapping Understand the principles, mechanisms, and industrial significance of major petrochemical unit processes.
• CO2: Apply process concepts to explain the production of methanol, oxo chemicals, and other important petrochemical products.
• CO3: Analyze the operating conditions, reaction mechanisms, and technological aspects involved in petrochemical unit processes.
• CO4: Evaluate sulphonation, sulfation, isomerization, and related processes based on efficiency, product quality, and industrial applications.
• CO5: Design suitable petrochemical process schemes by integrating unit processes, operating parameters, safety, and sustainability considerations.

Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)

• Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
• Internal methodology: Feedstock and process flow analysis (10%), reaction mechanism and process calculations (10%), petrochemical unit process case studies and competitive examination questions (10%), Internal Examinations (70%)

Source: Official Anna University – B.Tech. Petrochemical Technology R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026