Chemical Product Design

Abstract

The 'Chemical Product Design' course teaches students quantitative concepts to analyze, select and transform theoretical concepts from chemistry and engineering into valuable real-world products. Basic chemistry and chemical engineering knowledge is required (Diffusion, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, ..).

Objective

This course starts with analyzing existing chemical needs and unmet technical challenges. We then develop the skills to critically analyze a specific chemical idea for a product, to rapidly test feasibility or chance for success and to eventually realize its manufacturing. The chemical engineering basics are then used to assess performance of products or devices with non-traditional functions based on dynamic properties (e.g. responsive building materials; personal medical diagnostics on paper strips). The course teaches the interface between laboratory and market with a specific focus on evaluating the chemical value of a given process or compound, and the necessary steps to pursue the resulting project within an entrepreneurial environment. We therefore extend the questions of process design ('how do we make something?') to the question of 'what should we make?

Content

Part A: The 'Chemical Product Design' course starts with discussing questions along, 'What is a chemical product, and why do people pay for it? How does a given compound in a specific setting provide a service?' We then learn how to translate new, often ill-defined wishes or ideas into quantifiable specifications. Part B: Thermodynamic and kinetic data allow sharp selection criteria for successful products. We learn how to deal with insufficient data and development of robust case models to evaluate their technical and financial constraints. How can parameters of a running process in one industry be scaled into another industry? Can dimensionless engineering numbers be applied beyond traditional chemical processes? Part C: Manufacturing of commodity products, devices and molecular products: Chemical reactors, separation and detection or isolation units as part of a toolbox. Planning of manufacturing and decisions based on hard data. Providing quantitative answers on potential value generated. Students are expected to actively develop chemical products along the course. Contributions will be made individually, or in small groups, where a larger topic is studied.

Resources