- The advent of simulation training is revolutionizing educational and career development in chemistry.
- Industrial process optimization has become indispensable to companies that wish to increase their productivity and competitiveness.
- Process simulators can predict thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, which are crucial for the performance of a process, to achieve the best possible results.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology held a three-day mega training on CHEMCAD (Chemical simulation software for chemical engineering and industrial production processes development) from November 20-23, 2023.
Insightful presentations by some of the lecturers were done on the last day of the training.
The training, which was held on MMUST grounds, was planned by Prof. Francis Orata, Environmental and Toxicological Chemist, Dr. Gershom Mutua, Chairperson of the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee, and the trainer, Prof. Reiner Malesa from the University of Applied Sciences Brandenburg in Germany.
The advent of simulation training is revolutionizing educational and career development in chemistry.
In an area where accuracy and skill are essential, innovation in technologies has enabled new approaches to be developed, which will result in improved results.
CHEMCAD
According to Chemstations, CHEMCAD is an integrated, intuitive chemical simulation software that fits into the chemical engineering workflow and supercharges an engineer’s efficiency.
It continues to evolve to meet the ever-expanding needs of chemical engineers.
It broadens the capabilities of chemical engineers everywhere with enhanced process simulation software.
It is designed to help you drive productivity, accomplish day-to-day tasks, and tackle the toughest chemical process models. CHEMCAD is flexible enough to handle virtually any challenge that comes your way.
Employing Process Simulator
Industrial process optimization has become indispensable to companies that wish to increase their productivity and competitiveness.
The most efficient means to achieve these objectives is a process simulator. Engineers can design and optimize complex processes, saving time and money with the help of this tool, blending science, technology, and engineering.
The process simulator, which models and simulates processes in the industry, is a computing tool.
In the field of chemical engineering, it is widely used to predict operating conditions and model equipment. It not only cuts the cost of production, it also prevents errors.
It facilitates projects by foreseeing parameters and data before they are incorporated into an installation process that does not require changes in operating systems.
Process simulators are essential for the modeling and optimization of high-complexity chemical processes within the Chemical Industry.
They make it possible for engineers to test different operating conditions, selecting the most efficient one in order to ensure a high level of quality products and effective processes.
Why train students on Process Simulators
Chemistry and chemical engineering students are trained to familiarize themselves with different industrial processes, as well as to introduce them to this type of tool so commonly used in the industry.
In the field of research, students are able to try out new ideas and optimize existing processes without the need for expensive and lengthy experiments.
Simulation training in the chemical manufacturing industry is becoming more and more necessary due to technological progress. In a competitive job market, simulation training ensures that chemistry students are able to stand out.
The challenge for universities and colleges that fail to deliver graduates with job skills who are willing to work will be survival, so shifting the training curriculum offered by these institutions is necessary.
Simulation training provides a solution that bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing graduates with skills suitable for work.
Advantages of a process simulator
The risks associated with the implementation of projects are reduced by a process simulator.
The simulation of the process prior to its implementation is a helpful tool for identifying and correcting any problems engineers may have without risking dangerous or costly mistakes as they implement it.
By saving resources, it avoids unnecessary expenditure.
You can perform different scenarios with a process simulator, and you will choose the best one from which to carry out actual experiments without undue costs.
Process simulators can predict thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, which are crucial for the performance of a process, to achieve the best possible results.
Insightful research presentations
Masinde Muliro University lecturers from different departments, together with some senior lecturers, were able to present their comprehensive and informative research projects.
The presentation session was conducted on November 22, 2023, in the university Administration Block A (ABA).
The research presentation was conducted as follows:
Prof. John Muoma- associate Professor of Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology at Masinde Muliro University presented a research paper on nitrogen fixation titled ‘embracing a Multidisciplinary Approach to nitrogen fixation.
Dr. Mario Kollenberg, lecturer of Biological Sciences in MMUST presented his research project titled ‘Production and marketing of yoghurt as MMUST product’.
Dr. Emmanuel Osore from Mechanical Engineering also presented his research paper on Chemical Energy giving multidisciplinary insights with regards to synthetic photosynthesis as a climate change mitigation measure.
Informative insights from trainer
Prof. Reiner Malesa, Professor of Physical Chemistry, specialized in thermal processes, thermodynamic cycles and catalysis, is the trainer who trained on simulation software, CHEMCAD at Masinde Muliro University.
He stated that it was worth traveling from Germany to Kenya to incorporate crucial knowledge and skills on industrial processes simulation to expose the students to the dynamic chemistry world.
He also urged the finalist students to conduct more research on green and clean energy in order to curb climate change and advocate for the extensive use of renewable sources of energy rather than detrimental fossil fuels being used in the country.
Need for green and clean energy
The purchase or direct supply of electricity from pure renewable energy sources is the most efficient and cost-effective way for the local governments to cut their carbon footprint.
Renewable energy technologies such as wind, water, steam, biomass, small impact hydrokinetics, wave and tide power, etc., are among the most commonly used in this area.
Cities can set a good example by generating electricity at home or in the community and purchasing power from environmentally friendly sources and renewables.
In particular in regions where the availability and quality of renewable energy resources are different, combining renewable energy sources may help to meet local government’s objectives.
Benefits of clean energy
The production of no carbon or methane emissions is one of the greatest benefits of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
A greenhouse gas with a more damaging impact on climate warming than CO2 is methane.
It is emitted during the production of coal, oil and gas, and it is a major component of natural gas.
We can contribute to reducing dangerous emissions while avoiding the worst effects of climate change by switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Burning fossil fuels releases harmful air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, soot, mercury, and CO2 in addition to methane and CO2.
Harmful air pollution can be decreased in communities all over the nation with the aid of clean energy.
Many health issues, including heart disease, asthma, respiratory illnesses, and even cancer, can affect both the workers and the surrounding communities as a result of the production of fossil fuels and the ensuing air pollution.
Reducing the amount of fossil fuels used in the country and switching to cleaner energy sources can have a positive impact on the health of those who live close to fossil fuel sites and those who currently breathe unhealthy air.
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Renewable and plentiful clean energy is available. The best source of energy in the world is solar power. It is a victory for our planet and health that we transition to cleaner energy sources.
