European Federation of Chemical Engineering
Report of the 2nd Discussion Forum
held on 24 August in Prague
during CHISA 98
Dr. Willi Meier, DECHEMA e.V.
I Introduction
The Second European Discussion Forum of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering, EFCE,
took place in Prague on 24 August 1998, during CHISA´98. Roughly 30 scientists from various
countries attended the event which was chaired by Prof.K.Elgeti, Vice President of the EFCE.
Ten oral contributions were presented, following by a discussion which dealt with several topics.
The contributions and the main results of the discussion are summarised below.
II Contributions
1. J.P.Caire: Impact of Modelling Codes in Chemical Engineering
Mr.Caire´s paper met with lively interest. In the discussion which followed it turned out that various viewpoints exist on how to integrate computer science in the curricula of chemical engineers. All the participants agreed that computer know-how is an important part of chemical engineering education. They discussed whether computer science should be integrated right from the beginning or be included in the curricula only in the final terms of studies. A majority of those present were in favour of integrating computer science right from the start.
2. I.Dreyer: Chemical Engineering Curricula and Latvian Problems
Mr.Dreyer described the situation of chemical engineering education in his country. He mentioned that the First European Discussion Forum, which was held in 1996, helped to improve the Latvian Curriculum of chemical engineering. He also mentioned that the students seem to have lost interest in chemistry and chemical engineering and prefer to study other subjects such as economics.
3. J.Hanika: The Czech Society of Industrial Chemistry
Unfortunately Mr.Hanika was unable to attend the meeting. His written contribution is included in the Annex.
4. Y.Kokotov: A New Approach to Chemical Engineering Software
Mr.Kokotov described in his contribution the potentials for chemical engineers in computer science, mentioning CFD modelling investigations as an example. Only real experts can so far make efficient use of this new method, so that engineers have only two options: Either they use the primitive criteria-based equations the used 50 years ago, or they refrain from calculations altogether and use standard solutions which may, or may not be applicable. There is a wide gap separating the impressive achievements of fundamental and applied science from daily engineering practice. In the author's view the EFCE might play an important role in bridging this gap.
5. J.M.Kamp, W.Meier: SepTech - The Separation Technology Group of the EFCE
Mr.Meier presented the SepTech Group which was started on the initiative of the EFCE and which is expanding rapidly. A bottom-up approach is being used, which means that all people interested in separation technology are invited to participate in different activities of the Group including, for example, workshops and discussion meetings. The latest SepTech activity is the development of a European Network uniting separation experts and others in this field. People wishing to join the Network are asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. The data which are collected in this way will be presented on the Internet. This will facilitate the search for partners with whom to submit projects for funding by the European Commission.
6. H.P.Schmauder: Pollution and Environment Situations - Risks - Solutions
Mr.Schmauder emphasized that collaboration is needed between biotechnologists and chemical engineers. In his view this might be achieved by forming Joint (trans-Federation) Working Parties of the EFCE and the European Federation of Biotechnology, EFB.
7. I.Siminiceanu: On the Subject of Chemical Engineering
Mr.Siminiceanu proposed the formation of a Working Party on Photochemical Reaction Engineering. Mr.Elgeti who chaired the meeting promised that the Executive Board of the EFCE will discuss this proposal at their next meeting.
8. V.Vaclavek:
V.Vaclavek of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Prague Institute of Chemical Technology submitted for discussion a very profound description of the situation of chemical engineering and chemical engineers in the Czech Republic.
9. V.J.Pohjola: Distinctive Features of Chemical Engineering Knowledge
Mr.Pohjola described the present situation of chemical engineering from the Finnish point of view. In particular, he said there is a need to formalize the design knowledge involving human input to make conceptual design a systematic undertaking.
10. N.N.Kulov
N.N.Kulov of the Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry in Moscow described the current situation in Russia and gave some examples of chemical-engineering related congresses and symposia in Russia.
III Discussion
Mr.Elgeti opened the discussion, briefly outlining some major problems associated with chemical engineering education. Important questions to be dealt with in this connection were, he said, the role of unit operations in education, computers and modelling, the diversity of education and the importance of fundamentals.
Mr.Onken pointed out that students had only a limited amount of time available for learning and must therefore make selection of subjects and concentrate on the subjects which interest them most. He therefore recommended that the application of knowledge should be integrated in the curricula at a very early stage. Mr.Onken went on by describing the design study which students have to produce at the University of Dortmund/Germany: A group of usually eight students have to find a solution to a complex problem. In this exercise the students learn how to collaborate and work as a team, which is very important for their professional career.
Mr.Misek referred to the expression "unit operations" and described the confusion that exists in relation to this expression. University people and industrial experts had different things in mind, he said, when speaking about unit operations. What is lacking in chemical engineering, he thinks, is the generalisation of concepts.
Mr.Novosad supported his view, saying that standardization of courses and books would be desirable. Mr.Elgeti reminded those present of the different traditions in European countries, which would make any effort at standardization very complicated.
Some colleagues from Latvia pointed out that correspondence instruction might be a good approach towards more efficient learning. Today's communication instruments like e-mail and internet would make things very easy in this respect. Knowledge in chemical engineering is growing rapidly and the old teaching concepts will soon have become insufficient.
Mr.Elgeti closed the discussion, referring the participants to the EFCE Working Party (WP) on Education. He will talk to Mr.Gillett, who currently chairs this WP, and report to him what has been discussed at this Forum.
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