Contribución en la XI Jornada de Buenas Prácticas en la docencia universitaria con apoyo de TIC celebrada en formato online el 25 de noviembre de 2020 y organizada por la Cátedra Banco Santander de la Universidad de Zaragoza.

1. Promoviendo una educación multicultural e inerdisciplinar:
Químicos Británicos e Ingenieros Químicos Españoles trabajando
juntos en nuevos procesos de biorrefinería sostenible
Javier Remón, Glenn H. Hurst y Jesús Arauzo
jrn@unizar.es, jremon@icb.csic.es

2. 1. Introducción
Habilidades demandadas por los empleadores
Trabajo co-operativo Trabajar en entornos multiculurales
e interdisciplinares
+
Muchos de los estudiantes carecen de las competencias transversales
para llevar acabo proyectos multiculturales e interdisciplinares

3. 1. Introducción
Planes de estudio de las universidades incluyen
Los estudiantes comparten la misma
nacionalidad, educación e idioma
Actividades colaborativas: trabajo en equipo
Acividades colaborativas
Diferente idioma, usando una lengua
vehicular (Inglés).
No todos los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad y/o recursos
para realizar parte de sus estudios en el extranjero
Plan de estudios similar: Mismos estudios
Difícil realizar actividades multidisciplinares

4. 1. Introducción
Chemical Engineering
Nuevas actividades pedagogicas en un contexto internacional…
Químicos Britanicos + Ingenieros Químicos
españoles trabajando juntos en nuevos conceptos
de Biorrefinería
Multiculturalidad
Actividades multidisciplinares

5. 2. Experimental
4 parejas internacionales:
Un estudiante de Química Británico (University of York, UK) y
un estudiante español del Máster en Ingeniería Química
(Universidad de Zaragoza, España)
4 Proyectos de Biorrefinería:
- Valorización de cítricos - Tratamiento de plásticos marinos
- Valorización de glicerina - Valorización de aceites usados
+
Realizar un póster y publicarlo en redes sociales (Twitter)
Publicar dos presentaciones del póster (Inglés y Español)
6 semanas
1. Intercambio de e-mails 2. Organizar y llevar acabo reuniones viertuales
3. Publicar su progreso en redes
sociales (Twitter)
4. Publicar su póster y presentación
Flash en redes sociales (Twitter)
Evaluación del trabajo y encuesta anónima a los estudiantes

6. VALORISATION OF CITRIC WASTE VIA MUCONIC
ACID AND GASIFICATION
Clare Hayes1 and Mario Benés2
1University of York, England
2Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
IntroductionIntroduction Cis,Cis-Muconic AcidCis,Cis-Muconic Acid
CONCLUSIONS:CONCLUSIONS:
The ProcessThe Process
1: clh606@york.ac.uk
2: 687618@unizar.es
Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits and
lemons, are among the most widely cultivated
fruits around the globe.
The production of this variety of fruit is increasing
every year due to rising consumer demand. Citrus-
processing industries generate huge amounts of
waste. Citrus peel waste alone accounts for almost
50% of the wet fruit mass. This makes citrus waste
an interesting and potentially profitable residue to
valorise. [1,2]
Composition of Citrus Fruit*
Fruit Juice
(49-69%)
Peel (18-
33%)
Seeds (0-
5%)
Pulp (10-
30%)
Solid Waste
Composition of Solid Waste** [2]
Citric Fruit
Waste
Hydrolysis
with H2SO4
Washed with
Ethanol
Centrifuge Dry (50ºC)
Pectin
Solid Citric
Waste
Gasification of Citric WasteGasification of Citric Waste
Cis,Cis-Muconic Acid is a promising dicarboxylic acid renewable platform
molecule obtained from pectin via two patented reactions. Pectin is a
structural acidic heteropolysaccharide contained in the primary cell walls of
terrestrial plants. Its main component is galacturonic acid, a sugar acid
derived from galactose. Cis,Cis-Muconic Acid is an important intermediate in
the production of a large variety of valuable products for example, adipic
acid, terephthalic acid, hexamethylenediamine, caprolactam and many other
chemicals. [1]
Gasification
Energy
& Heat
Muconic
Acid
PATENTED
Scheme of a double fluidized bed reactor for gasification
C
(%)
H
(%)
N
(%)
S
(%)
O
(%)
Ash
(%)
HHV
[MJ/kg]
HHV
[MJ/kg]
Citrus peel 34,1 5 1 0,1 32,6 6,9 - -
Dry basis 42,9 6,3 1,3 0,1 40,8 8,5 14,41 13,84
Composition of Citrus peel [3]
Due to the high water content
of the citrus waste, a double
fluidized bed reactor, as
shown in the scheme, would
be an interesting solution for
processing the waste. This
gas, could be used to dry the
ethanol and to produce energy
to centrifuge the mixture
Another solution to process
this waste is to use it as
animal food feeding.
[1] Renewable Unsaturated Polyesters from Muconic Acid Nicholas A. Rorrer, John R. Dorgan, Derek R. Vardon, Chelsea R. Martinez, Yuan Yang, and Gregg T. Beckham ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2016 4 (12), 6867-6876
[2] Kavita Sharma, Neelima Mahato, Moo Hwan Cho, Yong Rok Lee, Converting citrus wastes into value-added products: Economic and environmently friendly approaches,Nutrition,Volume 34,2017,Pages 29-46,ISSN 899-9007,
[3] Vitaliano Chiodo, Francesco Urbani, Giovanni Zafarana, Mauro Prestipino, Antonio Galvagno, Susanna Maisano, Syngas production by catalytic steam gasification of citrus residues,International Journal of Hydrogen Energy,Volume 42, Issue 46,2017,Pages 28048-28055,ISSN
0360-3199
[1] Renewable Unsaturated Polyesters from Muconic Acid Nicholas A. Rorrer, John R. Dorgan, Derek R. Vardon, Chelsea R. Martinez, Yuan Yang, and Gregg T. Beckham ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2016 4 (12), 6867-6876
[2] Kavita Sharma, Neelima Mahato, Moo Hwan Cho, Yong Rok Lee, Converting citrus wastes into value-added products: Economic and environmently friendly approaches,Nutrition,Volume 34,2017,Pages 29-46,ISSN 899-9007,
[3] Vitaliano Chiodo, Francesco Urbani, Giovanni Zafarana, Mauro Prestipino, Antonio Galvagno, Susanna Maisano, Syngas production by catalytic steam gasification of citrus residues,International Journal of Hydrogen Energy,Volume 42, Issue 46,2017,Pages 28048-28055,ISSN
0360-3199
The synthesis of the cis,cis-muconic acid from citric waste is a route to get valuable products from waste. The
main drawbacks to this process are that pectin is in a low percentage (1,2 %), and the route to get the cis,cis-
muconic acid is patented. The co-generation of energy via a gasification process could be an interesting way to
reduce the energy consumption or even to get profit from energy and truly get value from citric waste.
Animal
Food
**Compositions are on dry basis
*Compositions are on wet basis
THE WASTE VALORISATION OF CRUDE GLYCEROL FROM THE
PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL
Klebsiella, Clostridia,
Enterobacter, Citrobacter or
Lactobacilli bacteria
Glycerol
1,3-Propanediol
Mary Wilson a and Rodrigo Pérez b
A collaboration between the University of York a and the University of Zaragoza b
INTRODUCTION
Waste Valorisation is the reusing and recycling of waste materials from a process where they would usually be discarded. The chemical industry is looking
towards incorporating this more as it produces feedstock whilst reducing the environmental impact of waste, these are numbers 7 and 1 of “The 12 Green
Principles”1 respectively; it also cuts the cost of disposing of the waste. This example is a by-product from the production of biofuel - we are utilizing waste
glycerol.
Glycerol already has many known uses (as shown in figure 2) however, it is derived from crude oil, a resource that is running out. This method of
production is a more renewable process because of the bio-based source. Further in this poster, two of the main applications for waste glycerol are
reviewed, both of which use glycerol as a feedstock to produce more useful compounds.
The feedstock for biofuel is biological in origin and contains a naturally high
volume of triglycerides. Source examples that have been recently researched
are vegetable oils2, such as rapeseed oil; animal fats2 and oil derived from
algae3.
Figure 1 shows the conversion of the fatty acids present. They are esterified
and/or transesterified using an alcohol (often methanol) and an acid-catalyst
forming the biofuel and glycerol4.
Formation of Biofuel + Glycerol Applications for Unprocessed Glycerol
where x = 1,2 or 3
Figure 1. Glycerol Production
Biological Formation of 1,3-Propanediol
One of the most researched areas of glycerol use is the production of 1,3-
Propanediol. 1,3-Propanediol is used to manufacture polymethylene terephthalate
(PTT) and polypropylene terephthalate (PPT) which are common components of
textile fibers and thermoplastics. It is also widely used in cosmetics, cleaning
products, lubricants, medicines, in engine coolants and many more.
Below is an overview of the fermentation process to manufacture 1,3-propanediol
using bacteria.
Figure 4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Refueling Station8
Hydrogen is idealized as the perfect fuel. It is the only fuel
currently known in which the by-product produced is simply
water. To be able to generate hydrogen from waste glycerol
would be beneficial as more fuel is being generated as a waste
product from another renewable fuel. One route to the
production of hydrogen from waste glycerol is shown below
using an integrated system.
An integrated system is used to produce synthesis gas with
controlled H2:CO ratios and can be fashioned using two
catalyst beds. The first bed consists of a Pt Re/C catalyst to
achieve high conversions of glycerol to produce a H2/CO gas
mixture, followed by a second bed containing a thermally
stable and active water-gas shift catalyst, such as 1.0 % Pt/
CeO2/ZrO2. This two-bed, single reactor system serves as an
energy-efficient approach to produce hydrogen from biomass-
derived feedstocks.7
Figure 2. Raw Glycerol Used6
Hydrogen Production
Reforming + Water Gas Shift Reactions to a) Capture and b) Valorize CO2
Effluent
a)
b)
References
1. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/greenchemistry/principles/12-principles-of-green-chemistry.html (Accessed
27th Nov. 2019)
2. Bozbas K., Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2008, 12 (2), pg 542 - 552
3. Hu Q., Sommerfeld M., Jarvis E., Ghirardi M., Posewitz M., Seibert M., Darzins A., The Plant Journal, 2008, 54,
pg. 621 - 639
4. Glycerol transformation to value-added 1,3-propanediol production: A Paradigm DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.83694 (Accessed 27th Nov. 2019)
5. https://slideplayer.com/slide/9709272/ (Accessed 27th Nov. 2019)
6. https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/05/25/glycerol/ (Accessed 27th Nov. 2019)
7. Kunkes E. L., Soares R. R., Simonetti D. A., Dumesic J. A., Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 2009, 90 (3-4),
pg. 693 – 698
8. https://www.hyundai.news/eu/brand/h2-at-hq-hyundai-opens-public-hydrogen-refuelling-station-in-germany/
(Accessed 27th Nov. 2019)
Figure 3. The a) Layout and b) Photograph of a Fermentation Bioreactor5
Medium
Feeding pump
Stirrer System probes
Air
Reactor tank +
Thermal jacket
Submerged
aerator
a) b)
Pósters desarrollados por los estudiantes
3. Resultados

7. Biorefineries: Valorisation of Used Cooking Oil
Mistry K., Serrano I.
University of York, University of Zaragoza
In the UK, the vast majority of sewer blockages are caused by fats, oil
and wipes incorrectly disposed. As a result, the water that reaches the
sewage pumping stations is difficult to treat, sometimes even making its
way into local waterways.1,2,3
Introduction
In order to valorise Used Cooking Oil, two alternatives are presented:
1. Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel is considered as a replacement for standard diesel fuel, and it can
be obtained by reprocessing UCO.
2.Green Diesel Production
Green diesel has a similar structure to petroleum diesel yet it has higher
oxidative stability and a much lower proportion of sulfur. 7,8
Honeywell UOP and Eni produce a green diesel chemically identical to
petroleum diesel from plant based oils and UCO. Nevertheless, it produces up
to 85% less greenhouse gas emissions.
Methods
By valorising used cooking:
Conclusions
The valorisation of used cooking oil (UCO) can contribute to meeting 3
of The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals4
:
1.
Objectives
1. R. Flood, “WELL OILED MACHINE- How to dispose of cooking oil correctly – can you pour it down
the sink and what are the rules in the UK?”, The Sun, 14 May 2018,
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/food/6282195/dispose-cooking-oil-correctly-pour-down-the-
sink-rules-uk/, Accessed Nov. 2019.
2. J. Harlan, “How to Dispose of Used Cooking Oil”, The Spruce Eats, 26 Sep. 2019,
https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-do-i-dispose-of-used-cooking-oil-908995, Accessed Nov.
2019.
3. Dealing with Sewage, Water UK,
https://www.water.org.uk/advice-for-customers/dealing-with-sewage/, Accessed Nov. 2019.
4. About the Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/, Accessed Nov.
2019.
5. Olleco. Biodiesel. https://www.olleco.co.uk/green-fuels/biodiesel,Accessed Nov. 2019
6. “Olleco closes the loop on commercial food waste”. The Guardian, 30 April 2015,
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/30/olleco-closes-the-loop-on-com
mercial-food-waste, Accessed Nov. 2019.
7. P. Kittisupakorn, A. Suwatthikul, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 2016, 38, 751-756.
8. Honeywell Green Diesel™, Honeywell UOP,
https://www.uop.com/processing-solutions/renewables/green-diesel/#biodiesel, Accessed Nov.
2019.
9. Green Diesel and Eni Diesel+, Eni.com,
https://www.eni.com/en_IT/innovation/technological-platforms/bio-refinery/green-diesel.page,
Accessed Nov. 2019.
References
Ecofining™ process, Honeywell UOP8
Olleco’s Biodiesel + AD plant
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 6, 7, and 14.
Currently, the public is advised to not pour used
cooking oil down the sink, either wait for it to cool
and pour it into a disposal container to be thrown
out, or to simply filter and reuse it.1,2,3
Another increasingly popular option is to
valorise UCO, and produce biofuels from it.
1. Goal 6 - Clean water and sanitation.
Reducing incorrectly disposed UCO entails
water treatment plants will function more
efficiently and provide more clean water.
2. Goal 7 - Affordable and clean energy.
Converting UCO into biodiesel or biogas
provides a sustainable method of creating
fuel, electricity and heating.
3. Goal 14 - Life below water. The reduction
in incorrectly disposed UCO will mean a
decrease in waterways and ocean
contamination.
In the UK, Olleco is the biggest plant solely dedicated to biodiesel production
from used cooking oil. This company, combines an anaerobic digestion plant
and a biodiesel plant, showing greenhouse gas savings for its biodiesel of over
86%.5
1) Biodiesel and green diesel with very similar specifications to those
of petroleum diesel can be produced, obtaining up to 85% less
greenhouse gas emissions.
2) Sewer blockages and waterway contamination caused by fats are
lessened.
Muy buen trabajo
Muy bien escritos, informativos y
visuales
Evaluación de los pósters
Evaluación de las presentaciones
Informativas, claras y concisas
-Excellente integración entre Química e
Ingeniería Química
-Los estudiantes españoles se beneficiaron
de trabajar con angloparlantes
3. Resultados
Pósters desarrollados por los estudiantes

8. 3. Resultados
Cuentas de Twitter creadas por los estudiantes
3 de los 4 groupos crearon una cuenta de twitter específica
- Más facil de administrar por ambos miembros
- Anónima
50 % usuarios de Twitter user. 50% no usuarios.
- Más profesional y mayor visivilidad
4 grupos subieron su poster a twitter.
1 estudiante publicó su presentación a twitter
Baja autoestima y timidez

9. 3. Results
Interacción de los estudiantes durante el proyecto
0 10 20 30 40
Less than 5
Between 5 - 10
Between 10-15
More than 15
Frequency (%)
Numberofe-mailsexchanged
Comunicación por e-mail Reuniones virtuales por Skype
0 10 20 30 40 50
None
One
Between 1-3
More than 3
Frequency (%)
Skypeemeetings
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Frequency (%)
Clarity
0 20 40 60 80 100
Yes
No
Frequency (%)
Effective
communication

10. 3. Results
Toma de decisiones
0 10 20 30 40
Mutual Agreement
One student with the other agreeing
One student without the other participating
Frequency (%)
Diferencias formativas
0 20 40 60
Yes
No
Frequency (%)
Chemistryv.s.
ChemicalEngineering
0 20 40 60
Yes
No
Frequency (%)
DifferencesBetween
SpainandtheUK
Diferencias en organización del trabajo
0 20 40 60 80
Yes
No
Frequency (%)
IntegrationbetweenChemistry
andChemicalEngineering
Multidisciplinariedad
0 20 40 60 80
Positive
Neutral
Frequency (%)
Experience
Experiencia

11. 4. Conclusiones
1. Esta actividad colaborativa ha ayudado a los estudiantes a lograr una transición
desde un aprendizaje reduccionista de su disciplina a un conocimiento holístico,
mucho más integrado, gracias al desarrollo de procesos de biorrefinería.
2. Trabajar en parejas intercionales permitió a los estudiantes darse cuenta de las
diferencias socioculturales intrinsecas existentes entre ellos, principalmente
relacionadas con el idioma y la cultura. Además, fueron conscientes de que el
trabajo colaborativo no se realiza de igual manera en todo el mundo y de que
existen diferencias en cómo el trabajo es repartido, organizado y ejecutado.
3. La integración entre Química e Ingeniería Química ayudó a los estudiantes a ser
conscientes de que un mismo problema puede ser resuelto desde perspectivas
diferentes, pero complementarias. Esta circunstancia no solo incentivó el
aprendizaje entre iguales, si no que también aumento la motivación de los
estudiantes, contribuyendo hacia el desarrollo de una educación global y
multicultural.

12. ¡Muchas gracias por su atención!