TODAY and
TOMORROW
The modern discipline of
chemical engineering encompasses much more than just process engineering. Chemical
engineers are now engaged in the development and production of a diverse
range of products, as well as in commodity and specialty chemicals. These products include high performance materials
needed for aerospace, automotive, biomedical, electronic,
environmental and military applications. Examples include ultra-strong fibers, fabrics,
adhesives
and composites for vehicles, bio-compatible materials for implants
and prosthetics, gels
for medical applications, pharmaceuticals, and films with special dielectric, optical or spectroscopic
properties for opto-electronic devices.
Additionally, chemical engineering is often intertwined with biology
and biomedical engineering. Many chemical engineers work on biological projects such as
understanding biopolymers (proteins)
and mapping the human genome.
The individual processes used by chemical engineers
(eg. distillation or chlorination) are called unit
operations and consist of chemical reaction, mass-, heat- and momentum-
transfer operations. Unit operations are grouped together in various
configurations for the purpose of chemical synthesis and/or chemical
separation. Not all real processes, such as reactive distillation, are simple
unit operations, but consist of intertwined transport and separation processers. Three primary physical laws underlying chemical
engineering design are Conservation of mass, Conservation of momentum and
Conservation of energy. The movement of mass and energy around a chemical
process are evaluated using Mass balances and energy balances which apply these
laws to whole plants, unit operations or discrete parts of equipment. In doing
so, Chemical Engineers use principles of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and
transport phenomena. The task of performing these balances is now aided by
process simulators, which are complex software models (such as
1. So What Exactly Does This "Universal
Engineer" Do?
During the past Century, chemical
engineers have made tremendous contributions to our standard of living ."10 Greatest Achievements of Chemical
Engineering." These triumphs are summarized below:
1.1 The atom, as large as life: Biology, medicine, metallurgy, and
power generation have all been revolutionized by our ability to split the
atom and isolate isotopes. Early on facilities such as DuPont's Hanford
Chemical Plant used these techniques to bring an abrupt conclusion to World
War II with the production of the atomic bomb. Medical doctors now use
isotopes to monitor bodily functions; quickly identifying clogged arteries
and veins. Similarly biologists gain invaluable insight into the basic
mechanisms of life, and archaeologists can accurately date their historical
findings.
1.2The plastic age:
The 19th Century saw enormous advances in polymer chemistry. However, it required
the insights of chemical engineers during the 20th Century to make mass
produced polymers a viable economic
reality. When a plastic called Bakelite was introduced in 1908 it sparked the dawn of the
"Plastic Age" and quickly found uses in electric insulation,
plugs & sockets, clock bases, iron cooking handles, and fashionable
jewelry.
1.2The plastic age:
The 19th Century saw enormous advances in polymer chemistry. However, it required
the insights of chemical engineers during the 20th Century to make mass
produced polymers a viable economic
reality. When a plastic called Bakelite was introduced in 1908 it sparked the dawn of the
"Plastic Age" and quickly found uses in electric insulation,
plugs & sockets, clock bases, iron cooking handles, and fashionable
jewelry. |
1.3 Synthetic fibers, a sheep's
best friend:
From blankets and clothes to beds and pillows,
synthetic fibers keep us warm,
comfortable, and provide a good night's rest. Synthetic
fibers also help reduce the strain
on natural sources of cotton and
wool, and can be tailored to specific applications. For example; nylon stockings make legs look
young and attractive while bullet
proof vests keep people out of harm's way.
1.3 Synthetic fibers, a sheep's
best friend:
From blankets and clothes to beds and pillows, synthetic fibers keep us warm, comfortable, and provide a good night's rest. Synthetic fibers also help reduce the strain on natural sources of cotton and wool, and can be tailored to specific applications. For example; nylon stockings make legs look young and attractive while bullet proof vests keep people out of harm's way. |
It is true that chemical
engineers are comfortable with chemistry, but they do much more with this
knowledge than just make chemicals. In fact, the term "chemical
engineer" is not even intended to describe the type of work a chemical
engineer performs. Instead it is meant to reveal what makes the field different
from the other branches of engineering. All engineers employ mathematics,
physics, and the engineering art to overcome technical problems in a
safe and economical fashion. Yet, it is the chemical engineer alone that draws
upon the vast and powerful science of chemistry to solve a wide range of
problems. The strong technical and social ties that bind chemistry and chemical
engineering are unique in the fields of science and technology. This marriage
between chemists and chemical engineers has been beneficial to both sides and
has rightfully brought the envy of the other engineering fields
References
[1] Wayne M. Pafko,
“The History of Chemical Engineering”, Internet, http://www.pafko.com
, September 25, 2000,
[2] Chemical Engineering, Internet, www.wikipedia.org
Other
Sites
2- Chemical & Engineering News
3- Chemical
Engineering Faculty Directory
4- History of Chemical
Engineering: What is a Chemical
Engineer?