Book excerpt: While various software packages have become essential for performing unit operations and other kinds of processes in chemical engineering, the fundamental theory and methods of calculation must also be understood to effectively test the validity of these packages and verify the results. Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering, Second Edition presents the most used simulation software along with the theory involved. It covers chemical engineering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material and energy balances, mass transfer operations, reactor design, and computer applications in chemical engineering. The highly anticipated Second Edition is thoroughly updated to reflect the latest updates in the featured software and has added a focus on real reactors, introduces AVEVA Process Simulation software, and includes new and updated appendixes. Through this book, students will learn the following: What chemical engineers do The functions and theoretical background of basic chemical engineering unit operations How to simulate chemical processes using software packages How to size chemical process units manually and with software How to fit experimental data How to solve linear and nonlinear algebraic equations as well as ordinary differential equations Along with exercises and references, each chapter contains a theoretical description of process units followed by numerous examples that are solved step by step via hand calculation and computer simulation using Hysys/UniSim, PRO/II, Aspen Plus, and SuperPro Designer. Adhering to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) criteria, the book gives chemical engineering students and professionals the tools to solve real problems involving thermodynamics and fluid-phase equilibria, fluid flow, material and energy balances, heat exchangers, reactor design, distillation, absorption, and liquid extraction. This new edition includes many examples simulated by recent software packages. In addition, fluid package information is introduced in correlation to the numerical problems in book. An updated solutions manual and PowerPoint slides are also provided in addition to new video guides and UniSim program files.