Introduction to the purpose, scope, and significance of capstone projects in chemical engineering. Discussion on the goals, expected outcomes, and structure of a typical capstone project.
Overview of Capstone Projects in Chemical Engineering
Key points, typical structure, and best‑practice guidelines
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Integrates theory, laboratory, and design skills acquired throughout the degree into a single, real‑world problem. |
| Scope | Usually 3–6 months (full‑time) or a full academic year part‑time. |
| Outcome | Technical report, oral/poster presentation, and often a prototype, simulation model, or process design package. |
| Stakeholders | Student team, faculty advisor, industry sponsor (optional), university review committee. |
Project Selection & Definition
Preliminary Feasibility Study
Conceptual Design
Detailed Design & Simulation
Economic & Sustainability Evaluation
Safety & Environmental Review
Implementation / Prototype (optional)
Documentation & Presentation
| Theme | Sample Project Titles |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Processes | • Design of a biorefinery for lignocellulosic waste • CO₂ capture using amine‑based solvents |
| Energy Integration | • Pinch analysis of a petrochemical complex • Heat‑pump assisted distillation |
| Process Intensification | • Microreactor for fine‑chemical synthesis • Reactive distillation of azeotropic mixtures |
| Materials & Catalysis | • Development of a heterogeneous catalyst for selective hydrogenation • Scale‑up of a nanomaterial synthesis route |
| Digital & Data‑Driven Engineering | • Machine‑learning model for real‑time fouling prediction • Digital twin of a polymerization plant |
| Safety & Risk Management | • HAZOP of a high‑pressure hydrogenation unit • Quantitative risk assessment of a chlorine plant |
| Deliverable | Minimum Content |
|---|---|
| Written Report | Title page, abstract, table of contents, introduction, methodology, results & discussion |