The Use Of Sophisticated Process Design Software To Teach Basic Ch E Principles Through The Design Of A Ketchup Manufacturing Process In A Sophomore Laboratory Course

Engineering process design software and simulators allow for the effective integration of design early in the engineering curriculum. Design experiences early in the curriculum offer opportunities to expose students to engineering applications that serve to increase understanding of technical material and enhance student interest in engineering. The use of sophisticated software has made it easier to introduce design concepts earlier in the curriculum. Students can use software for complex engineering calculations and designs in first year and sophomore courses. This can strengthen students’ technical foundation and makes it easier for them to excel in subsequent engineering courses. This work describes the integration of design into a sophomore engineering laboratory course by using HYSYS, a sophisticated process design software package. The goal of this work was to expose students to basic fluid mechanics and design principles through the design of a ketchup manufacturing facility using HYSYS . Students were first exposed to design principles and developed conceptual design flow sheets for simple bench-scale experiments they performed in the laboratory. The topical focus of the course was fluid mechanics and students were exposed to the material via lectures and team problem synthesis and solution opportunities. Students also performed viscosity measurements on two brands of ketchup using a Brookfield viscometer and developed a preliminary flow sheet for a ketchup manufacturing process. The student response was positive. Exam results and class discussions indicated students assimilated the material well. As process design software becomes more available and easier to use, it will become a more integral part of engineering education providing opportunities to introduce students to engineering practice.