INTRO TO CHE

INTRODUCTION TO CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

1. Definition and Scope of Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is a discipline that integrates chemistry, physics, mathematics,

biology, and economics to develop, design, operate, and optimize processes that

convert raw materials into useful products and energy on a large scale. Its focus lies not

only on chemical reactions but also on process safety, efficiency, sustainability, and

innovation.

Key Definitions:

• Alfred White: “Chemical Engineering, based on a triple foundation of

mathematics, physics and chemistry, is concerned with the development of

processes and the design and operation of plants in which materials undergo

changes in properties.”

• AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers): “Chemical Engineering is the

application of the principles of physical sciences together with economics and

human relations to processes and process equipment in which matter is treated

to effect a change in state, energy content and composition.”

2. Historical Background and Evolution

• Ancient Era: Early applications such as Roman cement production (300 B.C.),

fermentation for wine and bread, and metallurgy for tools and weapons.

• Industrial Revolution (18th–19th Century): Large-scale production of chemicals

(e.g., sulfuric acid, ammonia, dyes) and the rise of chemical factories created the

need for systematic process design.

• Early 20th Century: The term Chemical Engineering became formally recognized

at MIT (1910s) when process engineering emerged as a separate field distinct from

chemistry and mechanical engineering.

• Modern Developments:

o Expansion into petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and

polymers.

o 21st century focus on nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy transition

(renewables, hydrogen, nuclear fusion), environmental protection, and

digital transformation.

ChE 1102 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering Student’s Handout

3. Roles and Responsibilities of a Chemical Engineer

Core Responsibilities:

• Scale up laboratory experiments to industrial-level production.

• Design, construct, and operate chemical plants.

• Optimize processes for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

• Develop new products, technologies, and sustainable processes.

• Conduct environmental and economic assessments for feasibility.

Essential Skills:

• Strong foundation in math, physics, and chemistry.

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Interpersonal and communication skills (teamwork, leadership, technical writing).

• Digital literacy: Aspen Plus, HYSYS, MATLAB, Python, CAD, machine learning.

• Awareness of global issues: climate change, energy demand, resource scarcity.

4. Major Areas of Work for Chemical Engineers

Field Description & Examples

Research &

Development (R&D)

Innovating new processes and materials, e.g., biodegradable

plastics, nanomaterials, novel drug delivery systems.

Environmental

Engineering

Pollution prevention, waste minimization, carbon capture, and

water treatment technologies.

Process Engineering Troubleshooting, optimization, and automation of production

processes.

Production

Engineering

Daily plant operation, meeting safety, quality, and productivity

targets.

Project Management Overseeing plant design, equipment installation, commissioning,

and start-up.

Consultancy Advising industries on design, operations, safety, and

compliance with regulations.

ChE 1102 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering Student’s Handout

Field Description & Examples

Education &

Academia Teaching, publishing research, supervising future engineers.

Quality Control Ensuring raw materials and products meet industry standards

and regulations.

Sales & Marketing

Engineering

Bridging technical expertise with customer support, promoting

products, equipment, and technologies.

5. Core Tools in Chemical Engineering

1. Mass and Energy Balances – Ensures conservation principles for process design.

2. Thermodynamics and Reaction Kinetics – Evaluates feasibility, efficiency, and

reaction rates.

3. Unit Operations and Transport Phenomena – Focuses on separations, heat transfer,