STAGE 0 — Orientation (1–2 days)

What you learn

• What a process engineer actually designs
• Difference between:
  • idea
  • concept
  • design
• What a PFD represents (and what it doesn’t)

Why this matters

Most people jump to diagrams without knowing what problem they’re solving. That’s how bad PFDs are born.

Output

Write this in plain text:

“This study case designs a microalgae photobioreactor unit whose primary function is CO₂ fixation, not biomass production.”

If that sentence feels obvious, good. It must stay obvious forever.

STAGE 1 — Process thinking fundamentals (no algae yet) (1–2 weeks)

What you learn

• Design basis
• System boundaries
• Inputs vs outputs
• Accumulation vs steady state
• Recycle, purge, vent (conceptual)

Why this matters