The 4th cohort of SBBE participated in an immersive industrial visit at PCC Rokita in Brzeg Dolny, Poland. The students were able to gain insights on industrial research and large-scale chemical production. In particular, they observed how lab-scale processes of polyurethane were transformed into industrial scale as foams. The students were able to witness quality control tests performed on the synthesized polymers as well as learn how foam properties are optimized to meet specific client requirements.

The most crucial part of the trip highlighted the importance of chemical safety practices in the industry. The students were introduced to various personal protective equipment (PPE) being used for specific industrial processes. They also had access to the company’s firefighting facility, where they learned about emergency response procedures and safety protocols. A key highlight was the hands-on experience wherein the students extinguished controlled fires using fire extinguishers and participated in a simulated fire evacuation training procedure for firefighters.

As for chemical engineering students, the visit was a truly meaningful experience. It allowed the students to witness how theories learned in the classroom are applied in real-world industrial operations, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical implementation.