538b Challenges of Implementing a Joint Industrial - Academic Research Project as Part of a Non-Traditional Industrial Phd. Dissertation

Jeffrey R. Seay¹, Mario R. Eden², Robert N. D'Alessandro³, Herbert Riemenschneider⁴, Thomas Thomas⁵, Karin Bartels⁶, Klaus Huthmacher⁷, Christoph Weckbecker⁷, and Hubert Redlingshoefer⁷. (1) Process Technology and Engineering Department, Degussa Corporation, 4301 Degussa Road, Mobile, AL 36590, (2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, 230 Ross Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5127, (3) Process Engineering Department, Degussa Corporation, 4301 Degussa Road, PO Box 868, Theodore, AL 36590-0606, (4) Degussa Corporation, 4201 Degussa Road, Theodore, AL 36590-0606, (5) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of South Alabama, 307 N. University Blvd, Mobile, AL 36688, (6) Intellectual Property, Degussa Corporation, 379 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, NJ 07054, (7) Feed Additives Research, Degussa Ag, Rodenbacher Chaussee 4, Hanau-Wolfgang, D-63457, Germany

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the challenges of implementing a collaborative research project between industry and academia as part of an industrial Ph.D. dissertation. This research project is a joint collaboration between Degussa Corporation, Auburn University and the University of South Alabama. This presentation will outline the specific challenges involved with integrating all groups involved into a cohesive project team. Specifically, this presentation will address how the research group is structured, the challenges of organizing team members across multiple universities and industry groups in the United States and Germany and how the research is incorporated into a non-traditional, industrial Ph.D. dissertation for a graduate student at Auburn University.

This research project is non-traditional since the Ph.D. candidate has maintained full time employment as a Senior Process Engineer with Degussa Corporation in Mobile, Alabama while also being a student at Auburn University. An additional complicating factor is that the Degussa site in Mobile, Alabama is located over 200 miles from Auburn University. Therefore, special arrangements are required from both the university and Degussa Corporation to accommodate this unique situation. Because of the requirements of the research project, additional expertise from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama must be utilized. Also, due to the close proximity to the Degussa Corporation Mobile Site, the construction of the experimental equipment was carried out at the University of South Alabama.

The purpose of the research project is to develop a process to manufacture an important industrial chemical from renewable, bio-based feedstocks. Currently, this product is manufactured by Degussa using crude oil based feedstocks. Developing a process based on sustainable, bio-based raw materials is important to Degussa to prepare for future economic pressures. The project has been divided into multiple sections:

• Development of potential conceptual process options based on existing literature data and previous Degussa research. Engineering assumptions are made to fill in gaps in literature data. Assumptions include the identity and yield of potential side reaction products. • Determination of operational target parameters for best economic performance based on conceptual process models created using process modeling software. • Design and construction of a lab-scale mini-plant to measure the data needed to validate the process assumptions. • Use of the experimental data to update and optimize the process simulation models and select the most economically viable process option.

Because of the broad scope of the proposed research, a cross-disciplinary research team was needed. Expertise in process simulation and modeling, design and construction of experimental equipment, analytical lab equipment and measurement techniques and the specific application of renewable feed stocks for the subject industrial process are required to guide the research project.

Further complicating the project is the necessity to meet both the needs of industry and the academic rigor of a Ph.D. dissertation. These needs include the requirements to protect the intellectual property of the universities and industrial partner. Therefore, extensive ground work is required before any research begins. This presentation will address the steps taken to ensure the intellectual property rights of the industrial partner are protected, while also ensuring fair treatment for the universities.

Other challenges that will be addressed in this presentation include overcoming the problem of ensuring communication among the research team members separated by geography, and specifically integrating a non-resident PhD student into an academic research group. This presentation will discuss how distance education tools are used to meet the course work requirements of the Ph.D. program.

Integrating industrially relevant research topics into an academic setting is an important goal for providing balance to a chemical engineering department. Through a collaboration with an industrial partner on an academically interesting and industrially important research topic, this goal can be achieved. Although this project is unique for all parties involved, the results of the collaboration have so far been successful. This experience can serve as a model for other manufacturing companies, looking to bring an academic perspective to a research project, and for universities looking to bring an industry focus to chemical engineering education.