Chemical Engineering 101
An Introduction to Chemical Engineers and What They Do
Chemical engineers are involved in pharmaceuticals, fossil and biofuels, materials and processes related to many household products.
Chemical engineering is one branch in the field of engineering. Chemical engineering generally focuses on the creation and evaluation of chemical structures and materials, but covers a broad range of technical areas. Industries that employ chemical engineers include pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, electronics, food, clothing, health care, and biotechnology.
Chemical Engineering Education
While chemical engineering can cover a wide range of topics, a basic education in the field starts with a firm foundation in chemistry, including introductory chemistry courses, and advanced courses such as organic and inorganic chemistry. More detailed courses include thermodynamics and heat transfer, unit operations, and plant design. Newly graduated chemical engineers are among the highest paid in the engineering field, although many bachelor's degree graduates continue on to graduate school.
Branches of Chemical Engineering
Some of the branches of chemical engineering include, but are not limited to:
- Biotechnology - This branch deals with chemical processes that involve biological entities, such as bacteria. Biotechnology is used in pharmaceutical development, food processing and wastewater treatment.
- Ceramics - This branch addresses the development of non-metallic structures using heat curing processes. Ceramics are used for structural materials, nuclear vessels, crucibles for molten metal, and high-tech applications such as heat shield tiles for the Space Shuttle.
- Chemical Processes - Chemical processes form the basis of performing and optimizing chemical reactions.
- Environmental Engineering - This branch deals with air quality, air and water pollutants, and wastewater treatment
- Nanotechnologies - Chemical engineers involved in nanotechnology build structures and mechanisms on an atomic or molecular scale.
- Plastics and Polymers - The world relies on plastics for so many household and technical applications. Chemical engineers in this branch develop new materials, coatings, and application processes.
- Unit Operations - A chemical process is made up of discrete steps, and the procedure for each step is called a unit operation. Unit operations can include chemical reactions, but can also include mechanical operations such as mixing or crushing, or thermal operations such as liquification or refrigeration.
Professional Societies
The primary professional society associated with chemical engineering is the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, or AIChE, which is a worldwide organization with over 40,000 members. The society has technical divisions that cover all facets of chemical engineering, from catalyst and reaction engineering to nuclear engineering and transport and energy processes. The society has local sections to encourage engineers to meet and exchange ideas on a local level. The main national gathering for AIChE is the Annual Meeting, held in November each year.
Chemical engineers are involved in so many facets of everyday life, from gasoline to plastics. To learn about other types of engineers and what they do, read Engineering 101: The Basics.
Sources
AIChE website
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook website
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Chemical Engineering Department website
