ChE 111 – Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Altarejos
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Ajboy M. Altarejos 1
1 Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology
Abstract. Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses principles from chemistry,
physics, biology, and mathematics to design and operate processes that transform raw materials into
valuable products. It spans the science-industry divide and focuses on unit operations and processes
in converting raw materials into finished products. The discipline emphasizes the combination of
scientific theories to solve complex industrial problems. Chemical engineering has 8 major
principles on how to transform raw materials into new ones. Also, chemical engineers have a lot of
responsibilities that need to be followed for effective results and for safety precautions such as
proper equipment handling, observing the surroundings and problem solving.
Keywords: chemistry; safety; mathematics; raw materials; problem solving; effective results6
Introduction products’ (Richardson & Coulson, 2002). This
definition covers every single thing that makes
chemical engineering what it is, because it emphasizes
Chemical engineering is one of the main branches of the combination of different scientific theories to
engineering. Its main focus revolves on the solve industrial problems which are extremely
application of principles from chemistry, physics, complex. Also, this definition proves that chemical
biology, and mathematics to design and operate engineering is not an easy course to take but if you
processes that transform raw materials into valuable completely focus you will eventually get it.
products. It taught the students on how any material
can turn into a new and valuable object. It also can be
defined as the study, development, and application of
unit operations and unit processes in the
transformation of raw materials into finished products. Materials and Methodology
The discipline of chemical engineering is diverse and To transform raw materials into new valuables there
spans the divide that exists between science and are some principles you need to follow:
industry. In their seminal work, Chemical
Engineering, J.F Richardson and J.M Coulson
describe it as ‘the use of chemistry, physics and Raw Material Selection
mathematics in designing, operating and optimizing Identify and source the raw materials needed for the
processes for converting raw materials into valuable desired products.
ChE 111 – Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Altarejos
Chemical Reactions
Use chemical reactions to convert raw materials into
intermediate compounds or directly into the final
products.
Unit Operations
Fundamental steps in the process, such as mixing,
heating, cooling, separating, and reacting.
Process Design
Develop a process flow diagram (PFD) that outlines Figure 1. Core responsibilities of chemical engineers.
each step in the production process, including the
equipment and conditions required for each unit Chemical engineers have a lot of responsibilities. It
operation. includes the ability to think critically to solve complex
problems in a short amount of time.
Simulation and Optimization As a chemical engineer you may encounter some
Use computer simulations to model the process and problem that you need to solve. Also, Chemical
optimize it for efficiency, cost, and sustainability. This engineers should be aware of their surroundings.
helps in predicting the behavior of the process and Chemical engineering is a dangerous career if you're
making necessary adjustments. not aware of your environment. it may cause a
chemical reaction that can endanger your life so keep
Scale-up it in mind.
Transition from laboratory-scale experiments to pilot-
scale and eventually to full-scale production. This
involves ensuring that the process is economically
viable and can be safely operated at a larger scale.
Quality Control
Implement quality control measures to ensure that the
final product meets the required specifications and
standards.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Ensure that the process is environmentally friendly
and safe for workers.
Entering chemical engineering also required
knowledge about the responsibilities of a chemical
engineer. It helps to prevent accidents and any related
issue.
ChE 111 – Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Altarejos
and hydrogen gas into ammonia gas. Let me show you
the steps.
Results and Discussion
As a result, this proves that chemical engineering is
Figure 2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Chemical Managements not an easy course to take. It requires effort,
dedication, focus, and overwhelming passion.
Equations and Mathematics
Conclusion and Recommendation
Now that you already know the key principles of
chemical engineering and its responsibilities, you are Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that
gonna move on to the equation on how raw materials uses principles from chemistry, physics, biology, and
transform into new products. mathematics to design and operate processes that
transform raw materials into valuable products. It
spans the science-industry divide and focuses on unit
N²(g) + 3H²(g) → 2NH³(g) operations and processes in converting raw materials
into finished products. The discipline emphasizes the
● N₂ represents nitrogen gas. combination of scientific theories to solve complex
● H₂ represents hydrogen gas. industrial problems. Chemical engineering has 8
● NH₃ represents ammonia gas. major principles on how to transform raw materials
into new ones. Also, chemical engineers have a lot of
This reaction involves combining nitrogen and responsibilities that need to be followed for effective
hydrogen gasses under high pressure and results and for safety precautions such as proper
temperature in the presence of a catalyst to produce equipment handling, observing the surroundings and
ammonia. problem solving.
If we're gonna follow the principles while using this
equation we will be able to transform the nitrogen gas References
ChE 111 – Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Altarejos
1. Hierarchy of Process Design. from https://www.twi-
(n.d.). Retrieved from global.com/technical-knowledge/f
https://www.ou.edu/class/che- aqs/what-is-chemical-engineering
design/a-design/The
%20Hierarchy%20of%20Process
%20Design.pdf
2. Chemical Engineering Unit
Appendix:
Operations. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://classes.engineering.wustl. sample equation: N²(g) + 3H²(g) → 2NH³(g)
edu/2009/fall/che473/files/Manua
l.pdf
3. TWI Global. (n.d.). What is
Chemical Engineering? Retrieved
