Investigation of the brewing process: an introduction to reverse process engineering and design in the Freshman Clinic at Rowan University

Freshman engineering students at Rowan University are introduced to engineering design through a series of hands-on engineering and design projects. These incrementally progressive design experiences in the first semester lead the students to a single, in-depth, reverse engineering project in the second semester. This paper describes our effort to introduce reverse engineering and design of a process into the course. The focal point is a laboratory project in which students investigate a process for the production of beer. After a brief introduction to the brewing process and a comparative technical evaluation of commercially available beers, the students set out in teams to perform a hands-on, reverse-engineering investigation of the fermentation process. Next, each team works on the design and construction of a brewing process. The teams implement their processes, and present their designs and results to the other groups. Finally, each group performs a comparison and evaluation of the designs. The brewing process is used to introduce freshman students to engineering fundamentals related to material balances and stoichiometry, fluid flow, heat and mass transfer and biochemical reactions. Through this project, several educational objectives are met: to develop creative and critical thinking, to introduce design principles, to provide hands on experience, to develop teamwork and communication skills, and to stimulate enthusiasm for engineering.