Analytical Laboratory Facilities
We provide analytical instrumentation and expertise to the University of Waterloo and the surrounding research and industrial community. Learn more about our state-of-the-art equipment and testing instruments currently available within the department.
Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Lab Facilities
Discover the cutting-edge undergraduate labs where our students work and learn. Check out the photo gallery below that showcases our high-tech lab equipment that fosters hands-on experiential learning.
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell unit-students learn to design, test and build big batteries to power trucks and trains
This piece of equipment is used for carbon capture. It uses packed columns and liquid solvent to separate CO2 in the air into pure CO2 that can be reutilized or sent to an underground reservoir for storage.
Our labs house the only pilot-scale distillation column in Ontario. It can be set up to separate an ethanol-water mixture from bio-fermentation broth, to create renewable fuel.
Students use this equipment to test the strength of the plastic they created, and use the properties to optimize the injection molding operation for efficiency and product quality.
This lab houses liquid-solid packed beds and fluidized beds, widely used in wastewater treatment.
This is the Chemical Engineering Foundation Laboratory. This lab also provides opportunities to work with a variety of green energy technologies such as lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and hydrogen-based fuel cells.
This UV reactor represents one of the advanced technologies for wastewater treatment, and reverse osmosis for brine water desalination.
This lab is the bioprocessing and biotechnology lab, which houses this bioreactor / bio fermenter. Students learn how to produce bioethanol from agricultural waste like corn and turn it into renewable energy
This is our new Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC) system. The proteins in the fermentation yeast cells can be separated and purified using IEC for value-added protein products for pharmaceutical applications.
In this lab tour video learn how our students use our equipment to advance sustainabilty
Chemical Engineering Virtual Lab
Augmenting state-of-the-art labs with virtual reality and simulation technologies to enable deep learning
The Department of Chemical Engineering partnered with the Centre for Extended Learning to create a 360o virtual tour of our continuous distillation pilot plant with high-fidelity process simulation and multimedia.
The result is an educational resource that permits versatile and interactive exploration of the content by students at various levels in the Chemical Engineering Program. Different elements (text, diagrams, embedded video, interactive knowledge checks, process simulation, virtual exploration of components and parts, and design exercises) combine to create an authentic learning experience that accommodates all learning styles.
Job Aid Quick Links
Other resources and services
The Department of Chemical Engineering makes available a wide variety of equipment, facilities and resources to enhance your success:
Chemical Engineering computing: Students, faculty and staff have access to email, printers and a range of computing services.
Advisors and counselling: Academic advisors and counsellors help you succeed both academically and personally.
Chemical Engineering Safety Manual: Focused on preventing injury and illness and promoting well-being, the Safety Manual outlines recommended health, safety and environment practices, as developed in accordance with health, safety and environment legislation.
New Grad and Co-Op Orientation: Technical support team for new grad/co-op orientation (Winter 2022 Term).
Choose the appropriate link to access listings of university-wide resources, services and offices: