7:10 am departed from IIUM
Upon arriving, all students and lecturers were required to register at the security post and each was given an access card for entering the facilities.
10:15 am students arrived at Eastman, Kuantan
Students gathered at the base
We were welcomed by Mr. Jamaludin Marican, Site Manager of Eastman Chemical Company. Mr. Jamaludin briefed us about the background of establishing Eastman Chemical Company, an explanation of the production and responsibilities that were carried out by Eastman, and most importantly, the safety briefing prior to the plant tour.
Welcoming speech, company, and safety briefing by Mr. Jamaludin Marican
Students introduced to Eastman employees
In the safety briefing, we learned some of the hazards posed by the chemicals in Eastman and one of them is regarding the raw materials used in the process which is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) which is lightweight, hence easily spread to the air. We were also informed that no mobile phones are allowed during the plant tour period for safety purposes. Each student and lecturers are also equipped with safety gear, helmet, and safety vest before the plant tour.
Eastman overview from the main entrance
During the plant tour, we were introduced to many different unit operations starting with the loading of raw materials, the multiple continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) where the batch reaction mechanism took place, the solid-gas separator-cyclone, utilities, and water treatment unit operations. The site operation manager/engineer, Mr. Mohd Yasser A. Rahim who guided the plant tour was bombarded with questions from curious students and lecturers regarding the processes. After visiting the plant, we then moved on to the control room and introduced to the systems implemented in the plant as well as the safety measurement practices in the operation. At 12.30 pm, all of us returned to the base for a Q&A session, photography session, and lunch break which were warmly prepared by the Eastman.
Students take the opportunity to ask questions during the break with Eastman Recruiter (HR department)
Dr. Dzun handed a token of appreciation to Mr.Jamaludin
Above all, this educational trip was highly beneficial for us, the IDP and CDP students as we were exposed to the world of chemical engineering in industrial fields as well as enabled us to see real chemical pilot plant production and processes of plastic with our own eye. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Eastman for the excellent assistance, knowledge, and time spent sharing about the chemical company with us.
