Undergraduate Level, Chemical Engineering Related Club Project Ideas
Hello,
I am a second-year chem eng student looking to scrape some ideas from the diverse world of the internet. Recently, I have noticed a lack of chem eng related extracurricular activities/ projects available at my university and I have also found myself in a significant leadership position. So, over the next year, I am hoping to work towards creating a club project that chemical engineering students participate in as almost all of the club projects available are mech/electrical only.
So do you have any ideas of projects that would provide experiential learning opportunities for chem eng students?
Resources and tools available we have access to:
Welding, milling, turning, laser cutting, plasma cutting, 3D printing with ABS, PLA, and Nylon, basic CAD software, CNC router, and small CNC milling on aluminum
Small amounts of funding $500 - $1500 (CAD) per year
Wholesale priced metals, valves, fasteners, etc
Some solid relationships with Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Profs who would be (Potentially) willing to support through supervision and mentorship.
Constraints:
Preferably chemically safe, this has been a difficult one to get around. For example, we weren't able to do the electroplating at the university makerspace due to the use of some poisonous chemicals. I may be able to get access to the labs if it is great idea but slim chance.
Preferably able to be done in a 1-2 school year cycle.
Current Ideas:
- Plastic Recycling System to recycling 3D printed waste back into filament (Currently working on). Although this has been primarily a mech/elec heavy project
- Biodiesel, build a small biodiesel processor to reuse cooking oil
- Starting a Chem-E-Car Team