A team composed of 5 Hong Kong students from the College of Chemical Engineering of Huaqiao University (HQU) won the National Grand Prize in the 18th National College Student Chemical Engineering Design Competition recently concluded at the Dalian University of Technology. This is HQU’s best performance in this competition.

The competition is to design clean production of 1,3-Propanediol, using technology that meets the requirements of China’s green, low-carbon and circular development. Since its launch in March this year, 3,685 teams from 450 colleges and universities nationwide have registered for the competition, involving nearly 19,000 participants. The teams fought in North China, East China, Central China, South China, Northwest China, Southwest China, and Northeast China divisions before entering the finals. HQU and other 12 teams from Tianjin University, Zhejiang University, East China University of Science and Technology, etc. won the National Grand Prize.

HQU’s award-winning work is entitled “The production project of annual output of 17,000 tons 1,3-Propanediol and 5,000 tons 2,3-Butanediol by Guangdong Tsinghua Smart Biotech Co., Ltd.”, designed by chemical engineering students Chen Longying, Liang Dafu, Liang Guanxu, Shi Jiaxin, and Lin Haimei, and instructed by Xiao Meitian, Xu Hui, Yang Xin, Yang Yucheng, and Chen Xueqin.

HQU has won 4 national first prizes and 13 national second prizes in the previous competitions. This is a comprehensive test of students’ application of professional knowledge and design software, and innovation and practical skills. Each participating team, composed of five undergraduates, is required to use simulation and design software such as AspenPlus, CAD and PDMS to accomplish tasks covering feasibility study, process design, equipment selection, engineering drawing, plant layout, and economic accounting, in line with the green development concept of “low consumption, high efficiency, safe and clean”.

HQU’s award-winners this year are all from Hong Kong. They study chemical engineering and technology, pharmaceutical engineering, and biological engineering in the College of Chemical Engineering. The result proves the success of the college in integrating and aligning the talent training of international students with that of domestic students.

The College of Chemical Engineering has always attached great importance to students’ science and technology innovation. They set up platforms like the Tyndall Training Camp and Golden Key Gathering for juniors and seniors to communicate with and learn from each other. They also organize targeted module training, and instruct students in sci-tech activities including competitions to develop their engineering ability.

HQU Winning Team

(Editor: Wei Linying)