Home projects for chemical engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential home projects for someone preparing to study chemical engineering. Participants share ideas for DIY projects that can be undertaken with a foundational knowledge of chemistry and physics, exploring various feasible and educational activities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests building fuel cells as a project idea related to chemical engineering.
  • Another participant inquires about the process of making a fuel cell, questioning the cost and assembly of parts.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the specifics of fuel cell construction and suggest involving a knowledgeable acquaintance for guidance.
  • There are suggestions to explore 3D printing with a focus on creating strong and durable materials that are affordable.
  • One participant proposes attempting to reproduce advanced materials like aerogel or nanotubes for a more research-oriented experience.
  • A suggestion is made to build a biodiesel reactor using common materials, emphasizing the potential for practical application and waste minimization.
  • Another participant references a resource for science fair projects that may include advanced ideas suitable for college students.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of project ideas, with no consensus on a single best approach. Multiple competing views on feasible projects remain, and the discussion is open-ended without a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may depend on access to materials, safety considerations, and the participant's specific interests within chemical engineering. The feasibility of projects varies based on individual circumstances and resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in chemical engineering, DIY projects, or practical applications of chemistry and physics may find the discussion beneficial.

member 392791
Hello,

I just finished my lower division chemistry/physics sequence, and next semester I am transferring and will start taking my upper division chemical engineering classes. I was wondering what sort of projects I can do at home with my knowledge, or if someone can share ideas for DIY type stuff at home. I want to kickstart my way into chem engineering, so I will be more confident when I begin taking engineering courses this fall.

I know people in EE that make cars and stuff like that, is there something feasible like that for chem engineering? Obviously I can't make an oil distillation type of stuff in my house, but something small?

Thanks
 
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I believe that fuel cells fall under the category of chemical engineering. How about messing around with building some?
 
How do I go about starting to make a fuel cell? Are the parts relatively cheap to buy and then I can just learn how to assemble it?
 
I'm afraid that I don't know; I was just throwing out an idea. Someone else should be along to help you before too long.
 
Danger said:
I'm afraid that I don't know; I was just throwing out an idea. Someone else should be along to help you before too long.

My nephew-in-law has a PhD in Chemistry, and his last project was fuel cells. Should I invite him to the forum?
 
Of course. Why haven't you already?
 
Danger said:
Of course. Why haven't you already?

He's quite busy with a daughter and new son.

-------------------------
real reason? He and his family are from Texas. Think Harper, only with brains. Dangerous combo. Actually, I like the kid a lot.
 
Woopydalan said:
How do I go about starting to make a fuel cell? Are the parts relatively cheap to buy and then I can just learn how to assemble it?

Have you tried making one of these yet? FUEL CELL

lol seriously though if you have chemistry smarts maybe you can play with 3D printing trying to find an input material that is mass consumer friendly and super strong/durable & only requires a mass consumer (Read cheap) 3D printer. Basically make 3D printing cheap for me :smile:

Maybe start with buying a lemon/
 
If you can afford to spend dozen of thousands for this, try to reproduce some extraordinary material, ie aerogel, nanotubes, diamond, high-temperature superconductors, etc.
Those technologies are quite documented, but not yet in the mass production stage.
Thus, it will give you the real research experience and you will not loose yourself in looking for "philosophical stone".
And, of course having such a samples is very cool for bragging :-)
 
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