2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Fluidized Bed Low-Cost Desktop Learning Module (LCDM) with Heterogenous Catalytic Reaction

Presented at Chemical Engineering Division (ChED) Poster Session

In this work, we present a hands-on learning module focused on the enzymatic conversion of o-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) to ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) in a fluidized-bed reactor with immobilized enzyme. The reactor utilizes alginate beads with β-galactosidase encapsulated within, providing a stable and reusable catalytic system that is both safe and practical for repeated laboratory use.

The module introduces core reaction engineering concepts through a biochemical model reaction. Students study enzyme kinetics, apply Michaelis–Menten analysis, and compare how different bead sizes affect conversion. This allows them to see how mass transfer influences performance clearly and measurably. Data are collected using a spectrophotometer, providing students with direct practice in experimental measurement, analysis, and interpretation. The activity connects theory to real laboratory data and helps students understand the role of modeling in chemical engineering practice.

Using the module involves teamwork and effective communication. Students work in small groups to run the reactor, share tasks, and make joint decisions about data collection and analysis. This collaborative approach mirrors real engineering practice, where effective teamwork is essential. At the same time, the hands-on nature of the experiment helps students develop confidence in operating equipment, troubleshooting, and linking experimental observations to chemical engineering concepts.

The module is designed to be low-cost, safe, and reproducible, which makes it suitable for a wide range of laboratory settings. The approach is intended to help students practice core skills in kinetics and reactor analysis while also working together in teams. Early laboratory use suggests that the hands-on format encourages collaboration and problem-solving, though further assessment is ongoing. Overall, the ONPG-to-ONP fluidized-bed experiment offers a practical approach to connecting classroom learning with real-world data and has the potential to be a valuable addition to chemical engineering education.

Authors

Faraz Rahimi Washington State University
Prof. Bernard J. Van Wie http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7382-9715 Washington State University [biography]

Prof. Bernard J. Van Wie received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D., and did his postdoctoral work at the University of Oklahoma where he also taught as a visiting lecturer. He has been on the Washington State University (WSU) faculty for 43 years and for the past 29 years has focused extensively on novel team-interactive hands-on learning with miniature Desktop Learning Modules that represent physical equipment used in industry. Van Wie and his cross-disciplinary team have shown markedly enhanced learning of concepts at higher Bloom's levels and student motivation through use of the these modules. He has about 100 publications in engineering education journals and ASEE full-length publish-to-present archives.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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