Within the lecture part, the following topics are covered.

1. Heterogeneous reactors – introduction: definition of heterogeneous processes, classification of reactors with respect to the number and physical state of phases and the mode of phase contact. Importance of heterogeneous reactors in chemical and process engineering. 2. Homogeneous reactors (revision and systematization of knowledge): review of basic ideal reactor models, mass and energy balance equations, and their role as a reference for the analysis of heterogeneous reactors. 3. Types of heterogeneous reactors: classification of gas–liquid, gas–solid, liquid–solid and multiphase reactors, including principles of operation and areas of application of individual reactor types. 4. Catalytic reactors: fundamentals of catalytic reactions, the role of the catalyst in heterogeneous processes, classification of catalytic reactors and their industrial applications. 5. Catalysts in heterogeneous processes: concept of heterogeneous catalysis, mechanism of catalyst action, types of catalysts used in heterogeneous processes, methods of catalyst preparation, basic catalyst parameters (activity, selectivity and stability) and methods of catalyst characterization. 6. Adsorption and kinetics of catalytic reactions: adsorption and desorption phenomena, kinetic models of catalytic reactions and the influence of process parameters on the reaction rate. 7. Internal diffusion in catalytic processes: mass transport in the porous structure of the catalyst, diffusion resistances and their effect on reaction rate and catalyst effectiveness. 8. External diffusion in catalytic processes: mass transfer between the fluid phase (gas or liquid) and the catalyst surface, mass transfer resistances and their influence on the course of the reaction. 9. Balance equations for catalytic reactors: mass and energy balance equations for catalytic reactors, mathematical models of reactor operation and fundamentals of reactor design and scale-up. 10. Catalyst deactivation: mechanisms of catalyst deactivation, its impact on reactor performance and basic methods of catalyst regeneration and mitigation of deactivation. 11. Non-catalytic reactions: characteristics of heterogeneous non-catalytic reactions, reaction kinetics and models describing the course of these processes. 12. Liquid–liquid heterogeneous reactors: principles of contacting liquid phases, reaction kinetics in liquid–liquid systems, balance equations and fundamentals of liquid–liquid reactor design. 13. Fluidized-bed reactors: fundamentals of fluidization, characteristics of fluidized-bed reactors, bed hydrodynamics and industrial applications. 14. Three-phase reactors and other types of heterogeneous reactors: characteristics of gas–liquid–solid reactors, membrane reactors, biochemical reactors and microreactors. 15. Safety of reactor processes: identification of hazards in heterogeneous processes and basic principles of safe design and operation of chemical reactors.

The tutorials have a computational and problem-solving character and involve individual and group work on numerical problems related to the analysis of processes occurring in heterogeneous reactors. They cover issues concerning the coupling of chemical reaction kinetics with mass transfer in heterogeneous systems, with particular emphasis on catalytic processes. The problems addressed focus on the assessment of the influence of internal and external diffusion resistances on the reaction rate, the interpretation of dimensionless criteria used in the analysis of heterogeneous processes, and the determination of parameters characterizing catalyst effectiveness.

The tutorials also include the analysis of mass transfer in the porous structure of catalysts, the selection of geometric parameters of catalyst particles, and the evaluation of their impact on the course of the reaction process and the hydrodynamic conditions of the bed. Special emphasis is placed on the engineering interpretation of calculation results, the identification of dominant process resistances, and their significance in the design and operation of heterogeneous reactors.

Design of a heterogeneous reactor for CO₂ adsorption with a chemical reaction. Selection of process equipment and instrumentation for process monitoring and control.

A positive grade in the final written assessment. Achievement of at least 60% of the total points.

The condition for passing the tutorials is the independent solution of a computational and design-oriented problem in the field of heterogeneous reactor engineering, including quantitative analysis and an engineering evaluation of the obtained results in the context of the design and operation of heterogeneous reactors.

Proper preparation and defense of the project (presentation).

1) Written assessment
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• correctly formulates and analyzes material and energy balances for heterogeneous reactors, taking into account chemical reactions as well as mass and heat transfer phenomena;
• identifies and interprets the influence of process parameters on the course and efficiency of heterogeneous processes;
• applies and interprets dimensionless numbers and criteria used in the analysis of reactor processes.

2) Computational exercises (tutorials)
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• performs correct quantitative calculations related to the analysis of processes occurring in heterogeneous reactors, in particular with respect to the coupling of reaction kinetics and mass transfer;
• analyzes the effect of internal and external diffusion resistances on reaction rate and process balances;
• interprets the obtained results in the context of transport limitations and their significance for reactor performance.

3) Project and project presentation
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• develops a concept of a heterogeneous reactor or heterogeneous process based on the analysis of material and energy balances;
• selects and justifies process parameters taking into account mass and heat transfer phenomena;
• presents and defends the adopted design solutions, demonstrating the ability to perform an engineering interpretation of the calculation results.

1) Written assessment (midterm / final examination)
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• demonstrates knowledge of the basic principles of designing and selecting heterogeneous reactors and process equipment;
• identifies parameters influencing the course, stability, and dynamics of reaction processes;
• understands the role of process control and regulation in ensuring the proper course of chemical and biochemical reactions.

2) Computational exercises (tutorials)
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• analyzes the impact of changes in process parameters on the operation of heterogeneous reactors;
• interprets calculation results in the context of process efficiency and stability;
• formulates general conclusions regarding the optimization of reaction conditions.

3) Project and project presentation
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• develops a concept of a heterogeneous reactor or process equipment appropriate for a given process;
• proposes and justifies general design assumptions, including the selection of reactor type and basic operating parameters;
• relates the adopted solutions to the requirements for stable process operation and controllability;
• presents and defends the project, demonstrating an understanding of the engineering aspects of heterogeneous reactor design.

1) Written assessment (midterm / final examination)
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• identifies and formulates research problems related to processes occurring in heterogeneous reactors;
• indicates key chemical, transport, and hydrodynamic phenomena relevant to their description and analysis.

2) Computational / problem-solving exercises (tutorials)
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• analyzes engineering and research problems related to heterogeneous reactors, identifying variables, parameters, and process constraints;
• interprets the results of analyses in order to identify directions for further research.

3) Project and project presentation
A positive grade is awarded if the student:

• defines a research problem related to the analysis or design of a heterogeneous reactor;
• specifies the objective and scope of the problem, integrating chemical, physical, and engineering aspects;
• justifies the formulated research problem using an interdisciplinary approach.