Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is a discipline that involves the design, development, production, transformation, and optimization of chemical, biochemical, and physical processes. It combines principles from chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to generate, transform, transport, and properly dispose of chemicals, materials, and energy.
History
The roots of chemical engineering can be traced back to the late 19th century. Here are some key milestones:
- In 1888, George E. Davis presented a series of lectures on "The Rise and Progress of Chemical Engineering" at the Manchester Technical School, which is considered by many as the formal beginning of the discipline.
- The first chemical engineering curriculum was established at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1888 by Lewis M. Norton.
- The establishment of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) in 1908 further solidified chemical engineering as a distinct profession.
Scope and Applications
Chemical engineers are involved in a wide array of industries including:
- Pharmaceuticals: Development and production of drugs and medical supplies.
- Energy: From traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources like biofuels, solar, and hydrogen.
- Food Processing: Enhancing food safety, nutrition, and preservation methods.
- Materials Science: Creating new materials with specific properties for various applications.
- Environmental Management: Waste treatment, pollution control, and environmental sustainability.
- Polymers: Development of plastics, fibers, and other polymer-based materials.
- Biotechnology: Engineering biological processes for medical, agricultural, and industrial purposes.
Key Areas of Study
Chemical engineering education typically covers:
- Transport Phenomena: Understanding and modeling of momentum, heat, and mass transfer.
- Thermodynamics: The study of energy changes in physical and chemical processes.
- Kinetics and Reactor Design: Rates of reaction and design of chemical reactors.
- Process Control: Techniques to control industrial processes for efficiency and safety.
- Plant Design: Design of processes, equipment, and facilities for chemical production.
- Separation Processes: Methods to separate mixtures into their component substances.
Modern Trends and Challenges
Current trends in chemical engineering include:
- Green Chemistry: Developing processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.
- Process Intensification: Techniques to make chemical processes more efficient and compact.
- Systems Biology: Applying engineering principles to biological systems for medical and industrial applications.
- Nanotechnology: Engineering at the molecular and atomic level to create new materials and devices.
Professional Societies and Resources
External Links
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