Chemical Reactor Dynamics and Process Control with Excel

Understanding how chemical reactors behave under varying thermal conditions is critical for safe and efficient plant operations. This course guides you through the fundamental principles of process dynamics, reactor stability, and control system design using practical spreadsheet-based modeling. You will transition from basic thermodynamic equations to building functional dynamic simulations of exothermic systems. What you'll learn: Understand the core principles of exothermic reactor dynamics and runaway conditions; Model transient mass and energy balances within Excel spreadsheets; Simulate feedback control loops and tune proportional-integral-derivative controllers; Analyze process stability using numerical approximation methods in spreadsheets; Apply modern process safety principles to dynamic chemical systems. The course begins with foundational definitions of reactor kinetics and heat transfer before moving into step-by-step spreadsheet modeling techniques and control loop tuning exercises. Designed specifically for engineering students and practicing professionals looking for a clear, text-based introduction to process control without complex coding prerequisites. Start mastering chemical process dynamics and spreadsheet-based control design today.