Chemical Engineer Job Description, Career as a Chemical Engineer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job Read more: more: Chemical Engineer Job Description, Career as a Chemical Engineer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/393/ChemicalJob Engineer.html#ixzz1TzvJWpCA ducation and Training: Bachelor's degree or higher Salary: Median—$76,770 per year Employment Outlook: Good
Definition and Nature of the Work Chemical engineers work in the production of chemicals and many other products that require chemical processing. They use the theories and laws of chemistry to develop industrial chemical processes. They generally build on the findings of research chemists, ch emists, who work with small amounts of materials in laboratories. Chemical engineers are concerned with the design, construction, operation, and marketing of equipment that can reproduce on a large scale the processes or products developed by chemists. Chemical engineers work with industrial chemical processes to help produce a large variety of goods. They are often assisted by chemical technicians. Chemical engineers need to have knowledge of not only chemistry and physics but also of mechanical and electrical engineering. In some cases they specialize in one area, such as oxidation, pollution control, or the production of plastics. Sometimes a chemical engineer's title t itle reflects his or her area of specialization. For example, some chemical engineers are known as plastics engineers. Chemical engineers work in many industries, including those that produce chemicals, petroleum, and electronic products. In some cases these products are sold to other industries that use them to make other products ranging from fine textiles to automobile tires. Chemicals are used in the processing and treatment of many of the foods we eat, much
of the water we drink, and many of the clothes we wear. Chemical engineers develop the processes and design the factories that make it possible to bring such products to consumers. The work of chemical engineers may begin after chemists have developed a basic product or process, such as a new kind of paint or a new refining coalproblems to make synthetic natural gas. The engineer then way solveofthe practical in the manufacture manufactu re and use of thesewill products. Chemical engineers consult with chemists at many points during their work. Engineers do experiments and calculate such things as the temperature and pressure to be expected during an industrial process. They help to design buildings and plan what machinery will be needed. They estimate the number of people needed to operate a plant as well as the cost of power and raw materials. They make extensive use of computers in this work. Chemical engineers must also consider the effect of a plant or process on the environment. They cannot build a plant that will release deadly fumes into the air. They cannot pollute lakes or streams or harm wildlife. Chemical engineers often build pilot plants or small-scale models of the actual processing facility. fa cility. Pilot plants allow the engineers to test their work and to experiment with new processes. Some chemical engineers supervise the construction of new facilities. They test equipment and teach operators how to use it. Other chemical engineers work in the manufacturing process itself. it self. They solve many of the everyday problems incurred in running a plant. They make sure that standards of quality are met while production costs are kept as low as possible. Some engineers work in sales or management. A small number of chemical engineers work as consultants, offering their thei r services to small businesses that do not need full-time chemical engineers. Still others teach and do research at colleges and universities. In recent years chemical engineers have entered the field of biotechnology, designing bioreactors for plant cultures or developing models of ecosystem behavior following the spillage of chemicals. Another frontier for chemical engineers has been electronics, where they have researched the chemical synthesis of microelectronic components.
Education and Training Requirements
You usually need at least a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering to enter this field. Some engineering colleges offer work-study programs that combine work experience with formal study. It generally takes four or five years to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering. Many jobs in chemical engineering also require advanced degrees. You can earn a master's degree in one or two additional years of full-time study. Many chemical engineers find that a master's degree in business administration is useful, especially if they want to become managers. If you want to do research or teach at the university level, you will need a doctoral degree. It usually takes about four years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree to earn a doctoral degree. Many engineers continue their education on a part-time basis after they have found jobs in their field. Employers often pay tuition for courses that engineers take to improve their job skills. Chemical engineers must be willing to study stud y throughout their careers so that they can keep up with advances in engineering technology. Engineers who offer their services to the public or whose work affects life, health, or property must be licensed by the state in which they work. They generally need a degree from an approved engineering college, about four years of work experience as an engineer, and a passing grade on a state examination before being licensed as a professional engineer.
Getting the Job If you take part in i n a work-study program in college, you may be able to work full time for your employer after you graduate. Your college placement office can also help you find fi nd a job as a chemical engineer. Newspapers, Internet job banks, and professional journals often list openings for chemical engineers. You can also apply directly di rectly to companies that hire chemical engineers.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook Advancement depends on education and experience. Chemical Ch emical engineers who have bachelor's degrees generally start as assistants to experienced engineers. After they gain experience, they are usually given more responsibility. Many become experts in their special fields. Engineers can become team leaders or technical service and development (TS&D) officers. The TS&D engineer expands the
applications for his or her company's products and finds new ones. Some chemical engineers go on to become managers or executives. A few start their own consulting firms or businesses. Others use their background in chemical engineering to advance in marketing marketi ng or sales careers. The employment forabout chemical engineers is good.for The of jobs is expected tooutlook increase as fast as the average all number jobs through the year 2014. Much of the projected growth in employment will be in service industries, such as scientific research and development. Job opportunities for chemical engineers will be better in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, electronics, and plastics materials.
Working Conditions Chemical engineers generally work in clean, well-equipped plants, offices, and laboratories. At times they must supervise construction or production Although can be dangerous, workers follow strict safety lines. regulations andchemicals injuries are rare. The basic workweek for chemical engineers is forty hours, but overtime is often necessary. Chemical engineers should have interest and aptitude aptitud e in math and science as well as strong analytical skills. They must mu st be able to work in teams and to communicate their ideas effectively. Chemical engineers must be creative and imaginative and enjoy the challenge of solving problems.
What Is Chemical Engineering? Engineering? What Do Chemical Engineers Do?
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., Ph.D., About.com Guide
Question: What Is Chemical Engineering? What Do Chemical Engineers Do? Answer: What Is Chemical Engineering? Engineering? Chemical engineering basically basically is applied chemistry. It is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction, and operation of machines and plants that perform chemical reactions to solve practical problems or make useful products.
What Is a Chemical Engineer? Engineer?
Like all engineers, chemical engineers use math, physics, and economics to solve technical problems. The difference between chemical engineers and other types of engineers is that they apply a knowledge of chemistr chemistry y in addition to other engineering disciplines. disciplines. Chemical engineers sometimes are called 'universal engineers' because their scientific and technical mastery is so broad.
What Do Chemical Engineers Do? Some chemical engineers make designs and invent new processes. Some construct instruments instruments and facilities. Some plan and operate facilities. Chemical engineers have helped develop atomic science, polymers, paper, dyes, drugs, plastics, fertilizers fertilizers,, foods, petrochemicals... petrochemicals... pretty much everything. They devise ways to make products from raw materials and ways to convert one material into another useful form. Chemical engineers can make processes more cost effective e ffective or more environmentally friendly or more efficient. As you can see, a chemical engineer can find a niche in any scientific or engineering field.
What is a Chemical Engineer? a) An Engineer who manufactures chemicals,
b) A Chemist who works in a factory, or
c) A glorified Plumber ? This is actually a trick question as the correct answer is d) "None of the above." (Note however that chemical engineering students bored with the relentless "pipe-flow example" during fluid dynamics class may begin to think of themselves as simply "glorified plumbers".)
The first two incorrect answers make sense based upon the narrow sounding title; "chemical engineer." Surely such a person must be either a "chemist who builds things", or an "engineer who makes chemicals". Yet, the English language has never really made any sense and the name "chemical engineer" is a case in point.
All Right, So What is a Chemical Engineer?
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 a re 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. The breadth of scientific and technical knowledge inherent in the profession has caused some to describe the chemical engineer as the " universal engineer." Yes, you are hearing me correctly; despite a title that suggests a profession composed of narrow specialists, chemical engineers are actually extremely versatile and able to handle a wide range of technical problems.
So What Exactly Does This "Universal Engineer" Do? During the past Century, chemical engineers have made tremendous contributions to our standard of living. To celebrate c elebrate these accomplishments, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) has compiled a list of the "10 Greatest Achievements of Chemical Engineering. " These triumphs are summarized below:
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. Chemical engineers played a prominent role in achieving both of these results. Early on facilities such as DuPont's Hanford Chemical Plant used these techniques to bring an abrupt conclusion toWorld War II with the production of the atomic bomb. Today these technologies have found uses in more peaceful applications. 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, andarchaeologists can accurately date their historical findings.
The 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 (see OIL). OIL). Today plastic has become so common that we hardly notice it exists. Yet nearly all aspects of modern life are positively and profoundly impacted by plastic.
The Human Reactor: Chemical engineers have long studied complex chemical processes by breaking them up into smaller "unit operations." Such operations might consist of heat exchangers, filters, chemical reactors and the like. Fortunately this concept has also been applied to the human body. The results of such analysis have helped improve clinical care, suggested improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic devices, and led to mechanical wonders such as artificial organs. Medical doctors and chemical engineers continue to work hand in hand to help us live longer fuller lives.
Wonder Drugs for the Masses: Chemical engineers have been able to take small amounts of antibiotics developed by people such as Sir Arthur Fleming (who discovered penicillin in 1929) and increase their yields several thousand times through mutation and special brewing techniques. Today's low price, high volume, drugs owe their existence to the work of chemical engineers. This ability to bring once scarce materials to all members of society through industrial creativity is a defining characteristic of chemical engineering (see Plastics above, Synthetic Fibers, Fibers, Food, Food, and Synthetic Rubber below). below).
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 whilebullet proof vests keep people out of harm's way.
Liquefied Air, Yes it's Cool: When air is cooled to very low temperatures (about 320 deg F below zero) it condenses into a liquid. Chemical engineers can then separate out the different components. The purified nitrogen can be used to recover petroleum, freeze food, produce semiconductors, or prevent unwanted reactions while oxygen is used to make steel, smelt copper, weld metals together, and support the lives of patients in hospitals. The Environment, We All Have to Live Here: Chemical engineers provide economical answers to clean up yesterday's waste and prevent tomorrow's pollution. Catalytic converters, reformulated gasoline, and smoke stack scrubbers all help keep the world clean. Additionally, chemical engineers help reduce the strain on natural materials through synthetic replacements, more efficient processing, and new recycling technologies.
Food, "It's What's For Dinner": Plants need large amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus to grow in abundance. Chemical fertilizers can help provide these nutrients to crops, which in turn provide us with a bountiful and balanced diet. Fertilizers are especially important in certain regions of Asia and Africa where food can sometimes be scarce (See NITROGEN (See NITROGEN). ). Advances in biotechnology also offer the potential to further increase worldwide food production. Finally, chemical engineers are at the forefront of food processing where they help create better tasting and most nutritious foods.
Petrochemicals, "Black Gold, Texas Tea": Chemical engineers have helped develop processes like catalytic cracking to break down the complex organic molecules found in crude oil into much simpler species. These building blocks are then separated and recombined to form many useful products including: gasoline, lubricating oils, plastics, synthetic rubber, and synthetic fibers. Petroleum processing is therefore recognized as an enabling technology, without which, much of modern life would cease to function (seeOIL (seeOIL). ).
Running on Synthetic Rubber: Chemical engineers played a prominent role in developing today's synthetic rubber industry. During World War II, synthetic rubber capacity suddenly became of paramount importance. This was because modern society runs on Tires gaskets hoses, Whether belts bike, rubber. and conveyor (not to mention running shoes) are all,made of ,rubber. you drive, roller-blade, or run; odds are you are running on rubber.
Chemical Process Technologists and Technicians Chemical and Process Technologists and Technicians focus on industrial processes that convert raw materials into petroleum products. They run production units, help design operations, implement process controls and address corrosion concerns. They also research new products and technologiesas well as environmental and reclamation techniques that keep the industry on the leading edge. Imagine working with a Chemical Engineer to design a distillation, separation or mixing process and then putting it to use. Perhaps you would be interested in working at an upgrader that converts bitumen into synthetic crude. Maybe you y ou would operate equipment at a gasplant that extracts moisture, contaminants, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from natural gas. Alternatively, you could work behind the scenes in a lab researching the latest techniques or doing quality control tests on samples. Do you like the investigative nature of lab work? Could you see yourself operating equipment in a high-tech petroleum plant? Does Chemistry intrigue you? If so, working as a Chemical and Process Technologist or Technician could be the perfect career for you!
What do Chemical and Process Technologistsand Technicians do?
Chemical and Process Technologists and Technicians work in production, engineering design, corrosion control, laboratory analyses and research. Examples of key jobs in this occupation include: •
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Process Technicians: Operate, monitor, adjust, maintain and troubleshoot processing units. They participate in process start-ups and shut-downs. They also sample products, perform tests, record data and maintain logs of operating conditions. Corrosion Specialists: Contribute to the design, implementation and improvement of cathodic protection programs. They investigate corrosion failures and recommend improvements. Laboratory Technicians or Quality Control Technologists: Conduct chemical analyses on air, water, soil and oil. They ensure quality control on chemical products used by the industry. Chemical Specialists: Research new or improved products and technologies for oil and gas recovery, surface separation and production or environmental management.
How do I become a Chemical and ProcessTechnologist or Technician? At minimum, you will need a two or three year diploma dipl oma from a recognized technical institute. Chemical Engineering Industrial Chemistry Technology programs programs will prepare youto work alongside engineers in and production facilities. Areas of study include chemicalengineering fundamentals, design calculations, unit operations, process simulation,analytical techniques, statistics and computer applications. Chemical Technology programs Technology programs will prepare you to work alongside professional chemists and researchers. You will learn about laboratory techniques, chemical instrumentation, fundamental chemical principles, research, and quantitative analysis. Graduates may be granted certification by provincial associations of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). Certification usually requires a minimum two years of experience after graduation. To check c heck out the associations, visit the CCTT www.cctt.ca.. websiteat: www.cctt.ca
What are the working conditions like? Jobs in production operations are based at plant and field locations. Shift work, overtime and on-call rotations may be required. Training in hydrogen sulphide safety and first aid certification may be required. Some roles are considered 'safety sensitive' and require rigorous pre-employment medical and drug/alcohol assessments. Alternatively, work may be performed in a main lab or in a large field laboratory in a production facility, at a supplier facility or in an environmental laboratory. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to.
Chemical Process Engineers Chemical and Process Engineers are champions for ongoing improvement in the oil and gas industry. They examine how raw materials are transported or converted into other products,
and improve the efficiency and economics of these processes. Chemical process engineering applies to most oil and gas operations, so there are many career options to consider. Imagine working on oil sands projects that separate bitumen from sand and upgrading it to synthetic crude oil. Your work could also focus on applying technical know-how to improve production and water treatment at steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) plants. Alternatively, you may develop new ways to remove moisture, contaminants, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from natural gas or reduce corrosion on equipment and pipelines. Does the logic of a flowchart fascinate you? Do instrumentation diagrams and complex mathematical calculations intrigue you? Are you curious about thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and chemical reactions? If so, you may find your niche as a Chemical and Process Engineer!
What do Chemical and Process Engineers do? Chemical and Process Engineers design, configure, and oversee process improvements to equipment, facilities and pipelines. Your responsibilities could include: • •
• • • •
Performing process optimization studies and developing new designs Preparing calculations, specifications and drawings that conform with operational and regulatory standards Developing and maintaining design tools and databases Providing technical supervision during performance testing and tuning Analysing technical risks and recommending options Interfacing with other engineering disciplines
What are the working conditions like? Most Chemical and Process Engineers perform their work in office settings. Trips to field locations occur on occasion. Some engineers may work in operating plants and may be subject to noise and dusty conditions. Going into confined spaces, such as distillation columns or reactor vessels to perform inspections and climbing ladders is a possibility. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to in such cases.