Prh03.1: training in processes and systems of the oil and biofuels industry

• Grant number: 24/10502-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Antunes Pereira da Silva
• Grantee: Mônica Antunes Pereira da Silva
• Host Institution: Escola de Química. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Ministério da Educação (Brasil)

Abstract

Chemical engineering labor demand is continually changing, particularly in the oil and natural gas industry. Following the establishment and modification of petrochemical and refining industrial parks in Brazil, the 1980s demanded engineers who could not only facilitate the installation and functioning of these systems, but also devise effective methods. The necessity for development in dynamic and competitive domains increased at the same time as a result of the quick advancement of scientific and technological knowledge.In the context of Industry 4.0, environmental preservation, digitization, and new asset management and activity control models still call for experts who can create and assess procedures while adjusting to novel ideas and managerial instruments. Professionals with strong technological flexibility are in high demand in the market. This can be attained by having a strong foundation in the basics and a broad understanding of the oil, natural gas, and biofuels industry.Since 1950, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (EQ/UFRJ) School of Chemistry has been providing professional training for the oil and natural gas industry in Brazil, particularly in the State of Rio de Janeiro. In response to current demands, it was decided to submit this program proposal, which updates the students' training with new relevant disciplines for the sector and represents the continuation of PRH13, in response to current demands. Professionals at the undergraduate and graduate levels can now be trained with profiles more appropriate for today's issues thanks to the new specializations.The current program design is based on a general overview of the sector through the mandatory disciplines of each emphasis and a deepening of fundamental subjects in the elective disciplines. The disciplines chosen for the suggested specialization areas are related to key areas covered in at least one of the proposed emphases, including: Biofuels and other Renewable Energies; Automation and Process Control; Refining and Natural Gas Processing; Biofuels and other Renewable Energies; Biotechnology; and Exploration, Development, and Production.The undergraduate emphases are rearranged into three new specializations per the plan. Students in the School of Chemistry are exposed to exploration, development, and production through the preservation of the Petroleum Engineering emphasis. In order to better reflect the variety of biotechnological processes that the industry is interested in, the emphasis on biofuels is broadened to become biotechnology and renewable energies. The Petroleum Industry Processes and Systems Engineering concentration has combined the emphasis on Refining and Processing, Environment and Waste Treatment, and Management and Regulation. This new focus covers a wide range of activities after oil extraction, produced products, and their management. It includes Transport, Refining and Natural Gas Processing, Digital Technologies, Automation, and Process Control.The restructuring of EQ's operations enhances the coherence of research and the supplementary education of students. The suggested specializations will cover the environmental field in a cross-cutting manner. One of the four elective disciplines in any undergraduate specialization in the program is Entrepreneurship, which aims to prepare students to start technological enterprises in the industry and promote innovation. (AU)