Introduction to

Chemical
Engineering
B. Dharani
O210404
E-1​
 Contents

1 2 3 4 5
Introduction History of Great inventions Modern Conclusion
to Chemical and innovations development and
Chemical Engineering in Chemical future outlook
Engineering Engineering

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Introduction Chemical
Engineering
* Chemical engineering is a field of engineering that involves
the design and operation of chemical plants, and the
development of methods to improve production. Chemical
engineers develop economical processes to convert raw
materials into useful products.
* Chemical engineers can have an impact on different areas of
innovation by considering and planning measures for creating,
changing, and moving materials.

3
 Process Engineer
Desings the processes that are used to turn raw materials
into useful Products

Food Process Engineer

Sterilization techniques to preserve food materials

Jobs in
Pharmaceutical engineer
Chemical Ensure the quality and safety of pharma-related equipment

Engineering Petroleum engineer

Works with chemical processing side of refinery

Control systems engineer

Understand process design
 History of Chemical Engineering
• George.E.Davis is the “father of chemical engineering”.
• In 19th century he published a “Handbook of Chemical Engineering”.
• His work in applying scientific principles to industrial processes in the 19 th and 20th
centuries.
• During World War I, chemical engineering gained prominence as it played a crucial
role in the production of explosives, fuels, and other war-related materials. After the
war, the discipline continued to expand, with developments in areas such as petroleum
refining, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic materials.
• In the mid-20th century, chemical engineering experienced rapid growth and
specialization, driven by advances in chemical reaction kinetics, transport phenomena,
and process control.
• The discipline became increasingly interdisciplinary, incorporating concepts from
fields
5
such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics,
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 Timeline of chemical engineering

1888: 1984:
George Davis provides the blueprint
1929:
Alexander An accidental toxic gas
for a new profession as he presents a
series of 12 lectures on Chemical release by Union
Engineering at the Manchester,
Fleming observes the Carbide kills over 2000 in
England. effect Penicillin has on Bhopal, India.
bacteria

1930s to 1940s:
1892: Systematic analysis of chemical
Pennsylvania reactors
Explore-They explore mass
begins its Chemical transfer, temperature
Engineering variations, flow patterns,
curriculum. and multiple steady states .
 Early Developments
• Industrial Revolution (18th century): The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point
for chemical engineering. It brought about mechanization, mass production, and advances in various
industries, including textiles, metallurgy, and chemical manufacturing.
• Chemical Processes: In the 19th century, chemical processes such as the Leblanc process for soda ash
production and the Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis played pivotal roles in the
development of the chemical industry.
• Process Safety: The early 20th century saw notable industrial accidents, prompting increased focus on
process safety. The Texas City disaster of 1947 and the Flix borough disaster of 1974, among others,
led to advancements in safety protocols, regulations, and the development of process safety engineering
as a distinct discipline within chemical engineering.
• Education and Professionalization: Institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) and the University of Manchester were among the first to offer formal education in chemical
engineering in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of professional organizations
like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) in 1908 further contributed to the
recognition and advancement of chemical engineering as a profession.
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Great inventions and innovations in Chemical Engineering

• Haber-Bosch Process (1909):

• Developed by Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, the Haber-Bosch process is a method for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and
hydrogen gases under high pressure and temperature, using an iron catalyst.
• This process revolutionized agriculture by enabling the large-scale production of ammonia-based fertilizers, which significantly
increased crop yields and helped feed the growing global population.
• The Haber-Bosch process also facilitated the production of ammonia for use in the manufacturing of explosives during World War
I.
• Polymerization Techniques (20th century):
• Polymerization refers to the process of combining small molecules (monomers) to form larger molecules (polymers). This process
has led to the development of various synthetic polymers with diverse properties and applications.
• Examples include:
• Polyethylene: Used in packaging, containers, pipes, and plastic bags.
• Polypropylene: Widely used in textiles, packaging, automotive components, and medical devices.
• Nylon: Known for its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear, used in clothing, carpets, and industrial applications.
• Polymerization techniques have transformed industries such as plastics, textiles, automotive, electronics, and healthcare,
providing lightweight, durable, and versatile materials.
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Great inventions and innovations in Chemical Engineering
• Catalytic Cracking (1930s):
• Catalytic cracking is a refining process used in the petroleum industry to convert heavy hydrocarbons into lighter,
more valuable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
• This process involves breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones by using a catalyst, typically
composed of zeolites or other porous materials.
• Catalytic cracking significantly increased the yield of high-quality transportation fuels from crude oil, helping
meet the growing demand for gasoline and diesel during the 20th century's rapid industrialization and urbanization.
• Continuous Distillation (early 20th century):
• Continuous distillation is a method for separating components of a liquid mixture based on differences in their
boiling points, performed continuously rather than in batches.
• This innovation improved the efficiency and throughput of distillation processes in industries such as
petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and beverage production.
• Continuous distillation enabled the cost-effective production of high-purity chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and
alcoholic beverages like whiskey and vodka.

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Great inventions and innovations in Chemical Engineering

• Bioprocess Engineering (20th century):

• Bioprocess engineering involves the use of living organisms or their components to produce valuable products
such as pharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuels, and food additives.
• Innovations in bioprocess engineering have led to the development of large-scale fermentation processes for
producing antibiotics, vaccines, insulin, and other biopharmaceuticals.
• Bioprocess engineering also plays a crucial role in the production of biofuels from renewable biomass sources
such as corn, sugarcane, algae, and waste materials.
• Chemical Reactor Design (20th century):
• Chemical reactors are vessels or systems where chemical reactions occur under controlled conditions to
produce desired products.
• Advances in chemical reactor design have optimized reaction kinetics, heat and mass transfer, and mixing
efficiency, leading to higher yields, selectivity, and safety in chemical processes.
• Chemical reactors are used in various industries, including petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing,
and environmental engineering, to produce chemicals, fuels, polymers, and consumer products.

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 Modern development and future outlook
• Sustainable Processes: There is a growing emphasis on developing sustainable processes that
minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency. This involves the integration of
principles such as green chemistry, process intensification, and waste minimization into chemical
engineering practices.
• Advanced Materials: Chemical engineers are at the forefront of developing advanced materials with
tailored properties for specific applications. This includes nanomaterials, biomaterials, polymers, and
composites, which find applications in areas such as electronics, healthcare, and energy storage.
• Process Intensification: There is a focus on intensifying chemical processes to improve efficiency,
reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste generation. Techniques such as microreactors,
membrane separations, and catalytic processes are being employed to achieve these objectives.
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Chemical engineers play a vital role in the biotechnology and
pharmaceutical industries, where they are involved in the design and optimization of bioprocesses for
the production of biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other bioproducts.

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 Modern development and future outlook

• Energy and Sustainability: Chemical engineers are actively involved in addressing

global energy challenges, including the development of alternative energy sources,
energy storage technologies, and carbon capture and sequestration methods to mitigate
climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Circular Economy: There is a growing recognition of the importance of transitioning
towards a circular economy, where materials are recycled, reused, or repurposed at the
end of their life cycle. Chemical engineers are instrumental in developing
technologies and processes that enable the efficient recovery and recycling of
materials from waste streams.
• Personalized Medicine: With advancements in genomics, proteomics, and other
omics technologies, there is increasing interest in personalized medicine approaches.
Chemical engineers are involved in developing innovative drug delivery systems,
diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
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 Industry 4.0
• Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to the ongoing transformation of
traditional manufacturing and industrial processes through the integration of digital technologies. This
concept encompasses various technologies and trends that are reshaping the way products are designed,
produced, and distributed. Some key components of Industry 4.0 include:
• Internet of Things (IoT): IoT involves connecting physical devices, sensors, and machines to the
internet, enabling them to collect and exchange data. In the context of Industry 4.0, IoT enables the
creation of smart factories where machines and equipment can communicate with each other
autonomously, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.
• Big Data and Analytics: The large volumes of data generated by IoT devices and other sources in
manufacturing can be analyzed using advanced analytics techniques such as machine learning and
artificial intelligence. By analyzing this data, manufacturers can gain insights into their processes,
identify inefficiencies, predict maintenance needs, and optimize production schedules.

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 Industry 4.0
• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Additive manufacturing technologies allow for the
production of complex components and prototypes directly from digital designs, layer by layer. 3D
printing offers greater design flexibility, reduced lead times, and lower material waste compared to
traditional manufacturing methods, making it a key component of Industry 4.0.
• Cyber-Physical Systems: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) combine physical components with
computational and communication capabilities, blurring the lines between the physical and digital
worlds. CPS enable real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes, as well as the
integration of virtual models and simulations for optimization and testing.
• Cloud Computing: Cloud computing provides manufacturers with scalable and flexible computing
resources over the internet. By leveraging cloud-based platforms and services, manufacturers can
access advanced software tools, storage solutions, and computing power without the need for large
upfront investments in IT infrastructure.

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 Industry 4.0
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies are being used in
manufacturing for training, maintenance, and design purposes. AR applications overlay digital
information onto the physical environment, providing workers with real-time instructions and insights,
while VR enables immersive simulations and virtual prototyping.
• Robotics and Automation: Robotics and automation technologies play a crucial role in Industry 4.0
by automating repetitive tasks, increasing production speed, and improving quality and safety in
manufacturing operations. Collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside humans,
enhancing flexibility and efficiency on the factory floor.
• Supply Chain Digitization: Industry 4.0 extends beyond the factory walls to encompass the entire
supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to customers. Digital
technologies such as blockchain, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), and predictive analytics
enable greater visibility, traceability, and agility in supply chain management.

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 Conclusion
• In conclusion, chemical engineering stands at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and technological
advancement across various industries. With its interdisciplinary nature and focus on applying principles of
chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to solve real-world problems, chemical engineering plays a pivotal
role in shaping the modern world.

• From designing sustainable processes and developing advanced materials to optimizing energy production and
ensuring environmental protection, chemical engineers are instrumental in addressing some of the most pressing
challenges of our time. The field continues to evolve with the integration of digital technologies, such as artificial
intelligence, machine learning, and process automation, leading to more efficient and data-driven approaches to
problem-solving.

• Looking ahead, the future of chemical engineering holds immense promise, with opportunities for further
innovation in areas such as biotechnology, renewable energy, personalized medicine, and the circular economy. By
embracing these opportunities and leveraging emerging technologies, chemical engineers are poised to make
significant contributions to building a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous society for generations to come.

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 Reference links
• History of Chemical Engineering
• Introduction to chemical engineering
• Jobs roles
• Inventions and Innovations
• Industry 4.0

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Thank you
B. Dharani