Chemical engineering 

is the branch of engineeringthat deals with the

application of physical science(e.g., chemistry and physics), and life sciences
(e.g.,biology, microbiology and biochemistry) withmathematics , to the process
of converting rawmaterials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. In
addition to producing useful materials, modern chemical engineering is also
concerned with pioneering valuable new materials and techniques - such
as nanotechnology, fuel cells and biomedical engineering.[1] Chemical
engineering largely involves the design, improvement and maintenance of
processes involving chemical or biologicaltransformations for large-
scale manufacture. Chemical engineers ensure the processes are operated
safely, sustainably and economically. Chemical engineers in this branch are
usually employed under the title ofprocess engineer. A related term with a
wider definition is chemical technology. A person employed in this field is
called a chemical engineer.
Chemical engineering, as the name suggests, deals with the task of finding more
efficient and economical techniques to make the total cost of production of the end-
product financially viable. Its origin can be attributed to the need for making various
intermediate processes in the mechanical engineering sector cost-effective

Chemical engineering - The Past

In the early years of its inception, chemical engineering had little or minor part to
play in the production processes. During this time, it was mainly concerned with
inspection of a sample of the product by putting it through different operations of the
procedure and observing the quality of the end-product attained. In other words, the
chemical engineers of those times were not any different from chemists. Their
involvement was less because the volume of production was less due to low
demand for products.

The term ‘Chemical Engineering’ gained real significance during the time of
industrial revolution, when the need for people who not only were aware of the
chemical processes but also the factors needed to enhance the efficiency of the
process was highlighted. Hence, the modern chemical engineer is mainly concerned
with the application of various scientific principles to the design and maintenance of
different chemical processes for large scale manufacturing procedures.

Chemical engineering - The Present

The main task of a chemical engineer is to apply either newly researched or well-
established methods to the production processes so as to yield high savings. This
means he is in charge of all the individual processes that make up the procedure
and must ensure the cost-effectiveness of each and every process. He is supposed
to combine a few processes or separate them as required to attain cost-
effectiveness for the entire procedure.

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As it was mentioned earlier that chemical engineering was derived from mechanical
engineering, the three main laws which govern chemical engineering were also
derived from mechanical engineering. These three laws, the law of conservation of
mass, the law of conservation of momentum and the law of conservation of energy
have their roots in mechanical engineering.

Chemical engineering - The Future

Though chemical engineering started out as a field of study related to various

processes in the operation of industries and large scale manufacturing companies, it
later spread out to many other areas of human importance. Today, chemical
engineers are providing high quality services to aerospace, military,
pharmaceuticals, and many other areas. They are also concerned with determining
the right composition of fuel to be used in spacecrafts and missiles.

Chemical engineering is however only one branch of engineering. Concise details

about other branches of engineering can be found here.
The Duties and Responsibilities of a
Chemical Engineer
 

Category: Career Tracks
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The Duties and Responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer

The role that a chemical engineer plays in today’s world is an
important one to put it quite simply. There are many responsibilities
which a chemical engineer must undertake on a daily basis and
various specific duties which must be carried out as well. It is
important to look at these items to determine why the role of
chemical engineer is so important and whether one is suited for a
job of this type.
 
 
What Is a Chemical Engineer?
An individual who works as a chemical engineer is responsible for
manufacturing chemicals and developing processes for doing so.
The chemical engineer will also design chemical plant equipment as
well. Some of the products which the chemical engineer is involved
with developing may include rubber, plastic, gasoline, cement and
paper, just to name a few.

General Responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer

The chemical engineer is a person who has multiple job
responsibilities under their charge. One who works as a
chemical engineer must do a lot of research in the beginning to
determine the best way of producing certain products. Along with
researching the issues, the chemical engineer must design
programs, machinery and processes which will allow the products to
be manufactured. The chemicalengineer must also perform a
multitude of tests along the way to ensure that everything is going
according to plan. Lastly, one who is a chemical engineer must
consult with numerous individuals to ensure that their job is done to
the best of their ability and the desired outcome is reached.

Specific Duties of a Chemical Engineer

Beneath all of the general responsibilities listed above, a
chemical engineer must engage in numerous specific duties on a
daily basis. The first duty which the chemical engineer is responsible
for completing is research. The chemical engineer must take careful
steps to ensure that what they are looking to manufacture and how
they are looking to manufacture a product is the right avenue to
pursue. The way to resolve this issue is by doing a lot of research
on a variety of topics relating to chemical engineering. 

The chemical engineer is also responsible for designing a variety of

items and this is a very important duty which they must complete.
A chemical engineer must design various items such as
measurement and control systems, chemical
manufacturing equipment and chemical manufacturing processes.
This is a major duty on the part of the chemical engineer and one
which must be carried out with preciseness at all levels and stages. 

A chemical engineer must also engage in a wide array of analyses.

The things which the chemicalengineer must analyze include test
data, engineering design, design problems and research findings.
The chemical engineer must take painstaking measures to
adequately analyze these items as the outcome of the project could
very well depend on the analysis which is undertaken by the
chemical engineer. 

One who is an engineer must develop certain procedures and

policies as well so that there will be smooth operations all the way
around the board. Various procedures and policies such as safety
procedures, data tables and employment policies may all be in the
hands of the chemical engineer. A senior level
chemical engineer will have more to do with regard to developing
policies and procedures within the company or corporation. 
The preparation of multiple reports is also in the hands of the
chemical engineer. The chemical engineermust prepare data which
specifically details the findings of certain tests and evaluations.
These reports can be text or tables depending on the type of report
which is needed. 

A chemical engineer will also deal with other individuals a great

deal. The reason for doing so is to relay the results and findings as
well as oversee other chemical engineers and related workers in
their field. From time to time, chemical engineers must lecture to
their peers and the general public regarding their job and role in
society.

Beneficial Attributes Which All Chemical Engineers

Should Possess
There are many positive attributes which chemical engineers should
have in order to make their job role progress more smoothly. First
and foremost, a chemical engineer must have a keen scientific
mind. As chemistry, physics and engineering are all part of the daily
job role of a chemical engineer, it is imperative that an individual
who has this profession possesses a keen scientific mind. 

Superb analysis skills are necessary for a chemical engineer to

possess if he/she wants to be the best in their field. There are so
many documents, processes, diagrams, tables and equations which
a chemicalengineer must analyze on a daily basis that it should be
no shock that wonderful analysis skills are a must. 

A chemical engineer will also find it beneficial to have good research

skills. Frequently a chemicalengineer will need to find out certain
information regarding their projects and will have to perform quite a
good deal of research in order to obtain the results that they need.
This is why valid research skills are handy for a
chemical engineer to possess. 

Another attribute which a chemical engineer should have is a

precise nature. Anything that is scientific warrants preciseness by
those working in this field. A chemical engineer is no different. Since
the chemical engineer is using various types of sciences to complete
their job, it is important that they are precise. Not only will this
make their job easier but it will also make it less likely that they
make a mistake in the calculations and the final product as a result
thereof. 

One who is a chemical engineer should be able to pay attention to

detail. They need to be able to pick up on certain aspects of the
engineering process and determine if something is working and if
not, how they will fix it. By paying attention to detail and having
this quality, a chemical engineer will find it easier to pick up on any
potential problems which may occur along the way.
 
Conclusion
One who is a chemical engineer will find that the role which they
play is important and their work needs to be done as correctly as
possible. If one is interested in pursuing a
chemical engineer profession, they will find it valuable to consult the
aforementioned items to see if this job is for them. In addition, if
the interested party is good with details, precise in nature and has
an excellent scientific mind, then obtaining a job as a
chemical engineer might just be the best bet.