PIGNAT FEATURE - University of St. Thomas - Houston
Building the Future of Chemical Engineering
University of St. Thomas Expands Chemical Engineering with Pignat Training Systems
At the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, students are preparing for real-world careers in chemical engineering through hands-on practice with industry-grade equipment. The university recently added a Batch Continuous Distillation trainer (DVI/3000) and a Gas-Liquid Absorption trainer (ABS/2000) to its new Unit of Operations Lab. These systems, manufactured by Pignat SAS and sourced through DAC Worldwide, give students direct experience with two essential separation processes: distillation and gas absorption.
Preparing the First Class of Chemical Engineers
According to Lab Manager Thomas Ciavatti, the new additions mark an important milestone for the program. Four years ago, the Physics and Engineering Department expanded to include multiple disciplines, with chemical engineering joining most recently. Thanks to these units, the University of St. Thomas will graduate its first class of chemical engineers this year.
“These process units will really give students experience with very important processes. The units that have been delivered are top quality and we’re really looking forward to our students getting the full experience with them.” — Thomas Ciavatti
Real-World Processes in the Lab
- DVI/3000 Distillation Column – separates alcohol from water, reinforcing concepts in liquid-liquid separation.
- ABS/2000 Absorption Unit – demonstrates gas separation, such as removing CO₂ from a gas mixture.
With these Pignat trainers, students gain an experiential grasp of core engineering concepts that can be applied across industries. For Ciavatti, this hands-on training ensures graduates leave school with knowledge layered by experience, ready to solve challenges in their future careers.
Partnering for Workforce Success
Through partnerships with Pignat and DAC Worldwide, the University of St. Thomas is equipping students to become highly skilled engineers. The program not only emphasizes technical expertise but also the university’s mission of shaping ethical, well-rounded professionals ready to make an impact in industry and society.
