ChemE Cube is a design team that works to draft, build, advertise and demonstrate a 1 cubic-foot chemical plant prototype that effectively addresses the annual problem statement released by RAPID, the program’s sponsor, each year.
The team is divided into Business and Technical subdivisions to develop a video advertisement, poster, oral presentation, Engineering Documentation Package, and prototype. The technical team works to find a carbon capture method of their choosing and implement it. The business team puts together a pitch and promotional ad to highlight how the mechanism works and analyze the cost and scalability of the process. The prototype goes on to participate in a “duel” against another prototype at the National AIChE ChemE Cube Competition.
In 2024, UF’s first ChemE Cube team, “Chomp CO2,” won 1st place for their advertisement, 2nd place for their cost-effectiveness, and 8th place overall. They used potassium glycinate-soaked cotton in a modular setup to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The team is only beginning and is always looking to grow! Applications are typically accepted in late Fall, but some online workshops and team shadowing may be available during the rest of the year.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to the ChemE Cube Captain. For general questions about the competition, check out the National AIChE ChemE Cube Webpage
Abigail Andal, Captain