Model of a fractionating column, 1930, approx. 85 × 33 × 88 cm, copper, brass and other metals. KIT, Institute of Thermal Process Engineering.
This model representation of a fractionating column exemplifies chemical engineering at KIT. Fractionation is the separation of liquid mixtures by applying heat in fixed, consecutive steps. This process involves repeated cycles of distillation as the basic operation, enabling chemical production on an industrial scale. The separation of crude oil into its component parts in refineries is one of many applications of fractionation. At Karlsruhe Polytechnic, the research conducted by Emil Kirschbaum (1900–1970) on the fractionation process from the late 1920s onward laid the foundation for the development of chemical engineering as a distinct discipline. The Institute of Chemical Engineering, established in 1872, was already dedicated to applying chemical processes on an industrial scale, for a long time focusing mainly on the production of town gas and petroleum chemistry. Kirschbaum transitioned to chemical engineering from the thermodynamics practiced in mechanical engineering. In 1929, he founded the Institute of Apparatus Engineering at the Polytechnic, which operated test facilities for researching the fractionation process. This work initially led to the formation of a process engineering branch within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1969, the Karlsruhe Department of Chemical Engineering was established, also incorporating chairs in chemistry related to gas, oil, and water technology. kn
Products derived from process engineering are all around us. They range from seemingly simple items like drinking water, sugar, salt, petrol, or basic chemicals, to more complex products such as construction materials, dyes, plastics, foodstuffs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and battery materials. Process engineering is also crucial for managing waste streams, such as exhaust and wastewater, or recycling materials within a circular economy. The KIT Department of Chemical Engineering addresses a broad spectrum of process engineering topics in both teaching and research. Fractionation, a particularly energy-intensive operation, is just one of many fundamental processes employed in this field. Process engineering involves the targeted and optimized combi nation of various fundamental operations. In teaching, these operations are explored theoretically, quantified using mathematical models, and demonstrated practically. Alongside learning how processes work, students also develop knowledge about products and materials. They receive a practice-oriented engineering education that touches on the natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology. In research, basic operations, equipment, and processes are used to develop novel applications by means of modern experimental, numerical, and analytical methods. Current societal challenges where process engineering can make a significant impact include the transformation of the economy toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and climate protection. Research in this area, for instance, focuses on addressing various unresolved aspects of a future hydrogen economy based on renewable energy sources. Matthias Kind