The recent site tour to Coogee Chemicals provided an invaluable learning experience for students, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading chemical manufacturers. The day began with a bus ride to the facility, where students were welcomed with lunch and refreshments. After the introduction, the group was split into two teams to cover different aspects of Coogee’s operations. Group 1 visited the terminals and TiRO facilities, while Group 2 explored the Kwinana Chlor Alkali manufacturing site.
At the terminals, students gained insights into the safe handling, storage, and distribution of industrial chemicals, witnessing firsthand the importance of secure infrastructure and environmental safety. The visit to the TiRO facility highlighted Coogee’s innovation in titanium powder production, which has the potential to transform industries such as aerospace and medical technology. Meanwhile, Group 2’s visit to the Kwinana Chlor Alkali site provided an in-depth look at the production of chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrochloric acid through the electrolysis of brine, showcasing Coogee’s commitment to modern manufacturing processes and sustainability. The tour culminated with an engaging discussion with the company’s CEO, who shared valuable insights into Coogee’s strategic vision and the future of chemical engineering.
From left: Hardik Kudadiya, Nihit Mand, Dr. Yiran Liu, Corey Pegrum, Aneena Sebastian, Khadija Bathool Naseer Ahmed, Paul Jose, Anit Rose Rony, Saurav Chandrashekaraiah, Reuben Kopec, Helen Pham, Janna Delos Reyes, Tom Harris, Farhan Ahmed, Molly Huang, Ben Tippet, Dean Winarto, Jeshurun Peralta, Sharon Nangoi, Hudson Davan.
This site tour not only brought to life concepts students had learned in the classroom but also emphasised the importance of industry exposure in shaping their understanding of the field. The opportunity to observe real-world applications of chemical engineering helped solidify their knowledge and introduced them to the scale and complexity of industrial processes. Site visits such as these are vital for students, as they bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing a hands-on learning experience that is crucial for developing the next generation of engineers.