Read about the IPD experience of Carlos Daniel Villalobos Martinez (Process & Equipment Design) at SABIC:
“I carried out my Individual Design Project (IDP) at SABIC in their European Technology Centre, located in Geleen. I was part of the Aromatic Derivatives team of the Technology and Innovation (T&I) division.
SABIC is a public company based in Saudi Arabia, specialized in four strategic business units, which are petrochemicals, specialties, agri-nutrients, and metals. SABIC Technology Centre in Geleen holds the T&I hub of the company in Europe where scientists contribute to the ongoing development of new processes and products and continuous improvement of existing assets. The Aromatic Derivatives team focus on the development of SABIC’s technology for the production of diverse aromatic compounds, including benzene, styrene and phenol.
Sustainability represents one of the company’s principles, so that in the T&I division, improvement of energy efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions are key aspects considered in the development on new processes. As a part of my project work at SABIC, an energy-integrated process in the polycarbonate value chain was designed using pinch analysis. A heat exchanger network that makes efficient use of heat was developed, which demands lower utility consumption and therefore has a lower carbon footprint, contributing in the achievement of sustainability goals.
SABIC employees represent the company’s strongest asset. During the course of the project, I was able to learn from experts in diverse fields who were also very open to guide me through this one-year journey. I had the chance to collaborate with people from different geographical locations. I fully appreciate the opportunity the company gave me to grow professionally and develop the skills I will apply in my future career.”