Oklahoma State University (OSU) Chemical Engineering (ChE) students recently embarked on an educational field trip to Zeeco and Fabsco, two industry-leading companies in the fields of combustion and manufacturing. This visit provided students with invaluable insights into real-world applications of their academic studies, offering a glimpse into the engineering processes, technologies, and career opportunities available in these dynamic industries.
A Learning Opportunity Beyond the Classroom**
For students pursuing chemical engineering, understanding theoretical concepts is only part of the journey. Field trips like this one are crucial for bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practices. By visiting Zeeco and Fabsco, students were able to witness firsthand how chemical engineering principles are applied in industrial settings to solve complex challenges and create innovative solutions.
Dr. [Insert Faculty Name], an OSU professor accompanying the group, emphasized the importance of these experiences:
*”Classroom learning lays the foundation, but seeing engineering in action brings it to life. These trips inspire students and deepen their understanding of the profession.”*
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### **Stop 1: Zeeco – A Leader in Combustion Solutions**
Zeeco, headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, is renowned for its cutting-edge combustion and environmental systems. The company designs and manufactures burners, flares, and incinerators used across various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation.
During their visit to Zeeco, students were given a comprehensive tour of the facilities. Highlights of the visit included:
1. **Manufacturing Floor Tour**:
Students observed the production of industrial burners and flares, gaining an appreciation for the precision and expertise required to create these complex systems. They were shown the various stages of manufacturing, from raw material handling to assembly and quality control.
2. **Research and Development (R&D) Lab**:
Zeeco’s state-of-the-art R&D lab was a focal point of the trip. Engineers demonstrated ongoing projects, showcasing innovations in combustion efficiency and emissions reduction. Students were particularly impressed by the company’s commitment to sustainability, as many of their products are designed to minimize environmental impact.
3. **Interactive Q&A Session**:
Zeeco engineers hosted a session where students could ask questions about the company’s technologies, career paths, and day-to-day engineering challenges. Topics ranged from the physics of flame stability to the global demand for energy-efficient solutions.
One OSU student, [Insert Student Name], shared their excitement:
*”Seeing the work being done at Zeeco was inspiring. It gave me a better understanding of how chemical engineering contributes to solving real-world energy and environmental problems.”*
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### **Stop 2: Fabsco – Excellence in Manufacturing**
The second stop was Fabsco, an industry leader specializing in the design and fabrication of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and other critical industrial equipment. Based in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Fabsco is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and ability to meet the rigorous demands of the oil and gas, chemical processing, and power industries.
The visit to Fabsco offered students a deeper dive into the engineering and manufacturing processes behind large-scale industrial equipment:
1. **Design and Engineering Overview**:
Students were introduced to the engineering principles involved in designing pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Fabsco engineers explained how factors like material selection, thermal stress, and safety codes influence their designs.
2. **Fabrication Process**:
On the shop floor, students observed the fabrication of large pressure vessels. They learned about welding techniques, quality assurance protocols, and non-destructive testing methods used to ensure product reliability.
3. **Safety and Compliance**:
A significant portion of the tour focused on the importance of adhering to industry standards and safety regulations. Students gained insight into how companies like Fabsco balance efficiency with stringent safety requirements.
4. **Hands-On Experience**:
The highlight of the visit was a hands-on session where students interacted with engineers and operators to better understand the challenges of manufacturing large, precision-engineered components.
An OSU student, [Insert Student Name], reflected on the experience:
*”At Fabsco, I saw how the concepts we learn in heat transfer and thermodynamics come to life. It made me appreciate the real-world impact of our studies.”*
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### **Key Takeaways for Students**
The field trip offered a wealth of learning opportunities that resonated with students on multiple levels:
1. **Connecting Theory to Practice**:
Observing the operations at Zeeco and Fabsco allowed students to see how fundamental chemical engineering principles—such as fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and reaction kinetics—are applied in industry.
2. **Sustainability and Innovation**:
Both companies highlighted their commitment to sustainability, whether through Zeeco’s focus on reducing emissions or Fabsco’s efficient manufacturing practices. This reinforced the importance of developing solutions that balance industrial needs with environmental stewardship.
3. **Career Inspiration**:
For many students, the trip provided clarity about potential career paths. Hearing from practicing engineers and seeing their work environments helped students envision their own futures in the field.
4. **Networking Opportunities**:
The interactions with industry professionals allowed students to ask questions, share their aspirations, and establish connections that could prove valuable as they transition into the workforce.
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### **A Bright Future for OSU ChE Students**
Field trips like this one underscore Oklahoma State University’s dedication to providing its chemical engineering students with holistic, real-world education. By exposing students to industry leaders like Zeeco and Fabsco, the university equips them with not only technical knowledge but also the confidence and perspective needed to excel in their careers.
Dr. [Insert Faculty Name] expressed optimism about the impact of the trip:
*”These visits are an investment in our students’ futures. The experiences they gain here will shape their ambitions and fuel their contributions to the field of engineering.”*
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### **Conclusion**
The OSU Chemical Engineering students’ field trip to Zeeco and Fabsco was an enriching experience that blended education with inspiration. From witnessing groundbreaking combustion technology at Zeeco to exploring precision manufacturing at Fabsco, students walked away with a deeper appreciation for the field of chemical engineering and its real-world applications.
For these budding engineers, the trip was more than just a glimpse into industry—it was a reminder of the possibilities that await them and a source of motivation to continue striving for excellence. Through partnerships with companies like Zeeco and Fabsco, OSU ensures that its students are not only prepared for their careers but also inspired to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving world.