Independent research as a teaching tool in graduate chemical reaction engineering. Case study: Modelling isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids with catalyst deactivation

Chemical reaction engineering is one of the most important courses in any chemical engineering program, dealing with many fundamental concepts that can be applied in a variety of fields related to chemical engineering. Given the broad variety of backgrounds of the students in graduate programs, teaching complex reaction engineering applications is challenging. In this paper, we report on our experience in including a robust and flexible research component in a graduate reaction engineering course. It is suggested that open research questions allow students to become familiar with course content, as well as with other tools required in their graduate programs, thesis writing and later careers. Steps in implementing the research component are presented together with details found to be helpful in designing a successful reaction engineering course. In addition, a representative research project in which a batch reactor was designed for the isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids is presented as a case study.

Research highlights▶ A robust and flexible research component in a graduate reaction engineering course is presented. ▶ A research component is integrated in the design of a reaction engineering course. ▶ The benefits of implementing independent research in reaction engineering courses are explained. ▶ A reactor designed for the isomerization of unsaturated fatty acids is presented as a case study.