14th IEM Chemical Engineering Design Competition
Production of Biodegradable Solvents from Agro-Waste Feedstock
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Since 2012, the IEM Chemical Engineering Design Competition has provided a platform for chemical engineering students to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and innovative solutions to real-world industrial challenges. This year’s challenge focuses on transforming agro-waste into sustainable, biodegradable solvents offering greener alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.
OBJECTIVES
• Enhance design competency and practical application of chemical engineering knowledge. • Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among students, academia, and industry. • Promote sustainability and circular economy practices in chemical engineering.
ELIGIBILITY
• Open to all diploma and degree-level chemical engineering students from Malaysian and international institutions. • Teams of 3–5 members from the same institution. • Mandatory use of AVEVA Process Simulation Software (training provided).
ELIGIBILITY
STAGE 1
• Progress Report (max 30 pages, excluding Appendix) • Demonstration of the sustainability concept • Process flow diagram and equipment selection • Mass and energy balances
• Final Design Report (max 30 pages, excluding Appendix) • Equipment design (1 major unit operation) • Process and instrumentation diagram • Economic performance
STAGE 2 - (if and upon being shortlisted) DESIGN FINALE
• Management report (10 pages) • Management report presentation (10 min followed by 15 min Q&A)
Details of deliverables are made available upon registration:
• Criteria are subject to change without prior notice. • The number of pages of the progress report and final report exclude appendixes. • Maximum 30 pages for appendixes. • 50% of marks will be deducted for not complying with the requirements stated in the deliverables.
DESIGN COMPETITION TIMELINES (subject to change)
i. Registration Deadline - 7 Nov 2025 ii. Training Session - 15 Nov 2025 iii. Progress Report Deadline - 19 Jan 2026 iv. Final Design Report Deadline - 23 Mar 2026 v. Finale Presentation - 27 June 2026
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Design a non-fermentative biorefinery system to convert lignocellulosic agro-waste (e.g., rice husks, bagasse, wheat straw) into biodegradable solvents.
Your solution should:
• Ensure >95% solvent yield • Demonstrate ROI = 30% • Integrate solvent recovery & recycling loops • Align with ISO, OECD, REACH, ASTM D6400 sustainability standards
REGISTRATION FEE
• Local Teams: RM350/team (extra RM75 per non-IEM member) • International Teams: USD130/team
For registration and more info, contact CETD Secretariat Ms. Ezzaty at 03-7890 0133 or email at ezzaty@iem.org.my
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