Introduction
Chemical engineering is the engineering field concerned with processes in which materials experience the necessary shift. In structure, energy content or physical state, means of manufacturing, with and with the resulting goods and heir use for practical purposes, this description of chemical engineering is, to a sufficient degree, general, covering largely physical as well as chemical systems, materials, products, and applications of them! And then, Somehow, it makes it sound like an arid company, and it’s not the kind of stuff.
Claim to enthuse talented young people to come to university to take part in the community toward chemical engineering as a profession (1).
1. What is chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering combines the three essential natural sciences chemistry, physics, and biology along with mathematics to address the world’s needs by creating unknown technology and improving existing technology. It deals with converting basic raw material into various products that will be helpful to research and development of non-renewable resources. Chemical engineers develop operation as plants and machinery in industries (2).
The development of novel or tailored materials for a wide range of applications, including but not limited to foods, cosmetics, pharmaceutical ingredients, petrochemicals, polymers, microelectronics, biomedical devices, paper, dyes, drugs, fertilizers, and foods, is a critical aspect of research and innovation.
From a chemical engineering perspective, there are several novel research areas and trends in the petroleum industry, industrial cooperation programs, and sustainable applications with a focus on environmental protection:
1. Green fuels and alternative energy sources: Chemical engineers are working on the development of cleaner and more sustainable fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. They are also researching advanced energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.
2. Carbon capture and storage (CCS): To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, chemical engineers are involved in CCS technologies. This includes the capture of CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants, followed by safe transportation and storage in geological formations.
3. Waste-to-energy processes: Innovative methods for converting waste materials, including plastics and organic waste, into valuable energy sources are being explored. Chemical engineers play a vital role in designing and optimizing these processes.
4. Upcycling and circular economy: Chemical engineers are developing processes to upcycle waste materials into higher-value products. This aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability.
5. Advanced catalysis and process optimization: Research in catalyst development and process optimization aims to make industrial processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. This includes reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and maximizing yield.
6. Sustainable materials: Chemical engineers are researching sustainable materials and polymers, including biodegradable plastics and materials made from renewable resources. These materials can replace traditional, non-environmentally friendly alternatives.
7. Water treatment and management: Sustainable water management and treatment technologies are critical in the petroleum industry. Chemical engineers are working on innovative solutions for water purification, reuse, and minimizing the environmental impact of water-intensive processes.
8. Industrial cooperation programs: Collaborative efforts between industries, governments, and research institutions are essential to drive sustainability initiatives. Chemical engineers often serve as intermediaries, facilitating these cooperative programs to exchange knowledge and best practices.
9. Environmental regulations and compliance: Chemical engineers are involved in understanding and complying with stringent environmental regulations. They work on developing and implementing processes that meet or exceed these requirements while minimizing their environmental footprint.
10. Life cycle analysis (LCA): Conducting LCA is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of industrial processes and products. Chemical engineers use LCA to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to reduce environmental harm.
11. Process intensification: This involves making processes more compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Chemical engineers develop innovative techniques and equipment to achieve these goals.
12. Data analytics and AI: Using data analytics and artificial intelligence, chemical engineers optimize processes and predict potential environmental impacts. This proactive approach helps in minimizing adverse effects.
In summary, chemical engineers are at the forefront of efforts to make the petroleum industry more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient. They are involved in a wide range of research areas and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve these goals while ensuring industrial growth and cooperation programs are aligned with environmental protection and sustainability.
Chemical Engineering helps in recreating or producing the multiple usage of modern technologies such as fuel cell, hydrogen power and nanotechnologies and partially of derived from chemical engineering. It is providing clean water and sanitation it advancing healthcare centers for developing injects to cure disease. It serves in researching and producing foods to feed our increasing population (3).
It designs greener products and processes to finding another way to generate energy by
• Exploring new technologies
• Developing industrial strategies
• Understanding processes and products
• Investigating social and environmental effects.
2. When was chemical engineering started?
Until the onset of the 18th century’s Industrial Revolution, industrial chemicals and consumer goods like soap were primarily manufactured using batch processing methods. In 1888, MIT chemistry professor Lewis M. Norton, influenced by advancements in German universities and inspired by lectures from George E. Davis at Manchester Technical School in the UK regarding British chemical industry practices, introduced the world’s first 4°year chemistry engineering curriculum known as “Course.” Consequently, the field of chemical engineering has been intertwined with process industries for centuries (4).
India has consistently played a significant role in various national endeavors. Dr. H.L. Roy’s visionary approach in 1921, when he incorporated chemical engineering into the curriculum of the then Bengal National College, which serves as the precursor to today’s Jadavpur University, has left a lasting impact (5).
3. Courses offered in chemical engineering (UG) in Stanford University
Chemical engineering necessitates a solid grounding in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics as its foundational knowledge. Building upon this foundation, chemical engineers delve into the realms of thermodynamics, transport processes, and chemical kinetics. Additionally, they explore various specialized subjects such as the Chemical Engineering Profession, Chemical Process Modeling, Dynamics, and Control, Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Polymers for Clean Energy and Water, Biochemical Engineering, Kinetics and Reactor Design, Environmental Microbiology I, Biochemistry I, and Chemical Engineering Laboratory A (5, 6).
4. Courses offered in chemical engineering in Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Chemical engineering education encompasses a wide spectrum of courses, including but not limited to Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering Thermodynamics, Molecular Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Process Pathways, Chemical Engineering Projects Laboratory, Energy Engineering Projects Laboratory, Chemical-Biological Engineering Laboratory, Chemical-Biological Engineering Laboratory I: Introduction to Lab Experiments, Introduction to Sustainable Energy, Fluid Mechanics, Transport Processes, Nanoscale Energy Transport Processes, Separation Processes, Introduction to Modeling and Simulation, Numerical Methods Applied to Chemical Engineering, and Modern Control Design (6, 7).
5. Courses offered in chemical engineering (UG) in Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
Key subjects encompass advanced topics in fluid dynamics, mass transfer, heat transfer, process dynamics and control, and mathematical techniques within the field of chemical engineering.
Elective courses include options like machine architecture optimization methods, process modeling and simulation, industrial emission management, oil refining engineering, advanced thermodynamics, multiphase flow, river engineering, functional fluid delivery processes, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
These courses find applications in various domains such as chemical species analysis, microscale energy distribution, material manufacturing, power generation in process industries, product production using industrial engineering principles, advancements in biochemical research, intelligent real-time methods, modern separation techniques, and petrochemical processing (4, 6, 7).
6. Courses offered in chemical engineering (UG) in RV College of Engineering Bangalore
It was established in 1982. The Department of Chemical Engineering has transformed significantly from its origins as a center offering an undergraduate engineering program. Since 2002, it has evolved into a dynamic research center, and its vision is to continue expanding to meet the growing demands in the fields of materials and chemical processes. The department is currently engaged in several high-technology projects that create a conducive environment for the comprehensive development of researchers, students, and faculty members.
The department’s academic offerings encompass a range of courses, including but not limited to topics such as momentum, mass transfer, heat transfer, process dynamics and control, reaction engineering, sustainable technology, fuel cell technology, risk and safety management, transport phenomena, chemical engineering design using SolidWorks, process simulation, wastewater management and conservation, pilot plant studies. Additionally, the department actively fosters collaboration between the industry and academia, with a focus on enhancing the quality of education and aligning it with industry requirements.
The impact of this industry–academia interaction is manifold, delivering benefits to both students and faculty members. Students receive mentorship from industry experts, gain exposure to emerging technologies, and access state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment. Faculty members can engage in collaborative research that addresses industry and societal challenges while immersing themselves in the industrial work culture.
Within the department’s Industry-Institute Interaction Cell, various activities are conducted, including industrial visits, guest lectures by domain experts, curriculum development tailored to industry needs, and the establishment of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for mutual benefit.
Research areas in chemical engineering encompass a wide range of domains:
1. Reactions and catalysis: Focusing on understanding reactions and finding optimal pathways for the production of biofuels and other valuable substances.
2. Biomolecular engineering: Exploring the application of biological chemistry principles to fields like medicine and beyond.
3. Cellular engineering: Investigating the chemical mechanisms underlying cell behavior and harnessing cell processing capabilities.
4. Computation and simulation: Enhancing experiments and guiding theoretical work through precise calculations and simulations.
5. Nanotechnology: Utilizing novel chemical behaviors at the nanoscale for various applications.
6. Materials and ingredients: Developing new properties for materials to enable innovative applications.
7. Soft matter and polymers: Studying the behavior of complex fluids and polymers.
8. Sustainable energy: Researching sustainable methods for energy production and storage.
9. Microfabrication: Creating ultra-compact electronic devices and precision diagnostic instruments.
10. Biomass hydrogen production: Developing a one-step process for generating pure hydrogen from biomass using enhanced steam reforming by sorption.
11. Biodiesel production: Investigating the impact of ultrasound on transesterification reactions for biodiesel production, both in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems.
12. Air quality monitoring: Employing air monitoring techniques to detect and quantify airborne pollutants, particularly in hazardous waste facilities, as a critical component of safety and health programs (4). A comprehensive research survey was conducted within the domains of Water Research (WR), Waste Management (WM), Chemical Engineering Science (CES), and Chemical Engineering Journal (CEJ).
This survey employed a multifaceted analysis approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods, in conjunction with lexical analysis. The quantitative dimension of the research specifically focused on various parameters as shown in Figure 1 and Table 1 encompassing word counts, contributor numbers, references, and page counts. The overarching objective was to discern commonalities and recurrent patterns among these research papers (1, 3, 5, 6, 8).
Figure 1. Graph of manuscript publications in various areas in chemical engineering journals.
Table 1. Details of manuscripts in various chemical engineering journals.
The future scope of Chemical Engineering is set to encompass a variety of activities:
1. Development and production of chemical processes and equipment: Chemical engineering will continue to focus on creating and manufacturing efficient chemical processes and equipment.
2. Optimization and regulation of industrial operations and management: Chemical engineers will play a pivotal role in optimizing and managing industrial operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
3. Fundamental and applied molecular research: Extensive research at both fundamental and applied levels will be essential for comprehensive industrial management, monitoring, and pollution control (6–8).
In various specialized fields within chemical engineering:
Petroleum industry
• Chemical engineers will be integral to producing petroleum products such as Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, and Heating oil, with a distinction between onshore and offshore operations.
• Leading multinational companies like Reliance, Exxon, Essar, Shell, and others will continue to seek chemical engineering expertise.
From a chemical engineering perspective, there are several novel research areas and trends in the petroleum industry, industrial cooperation programs, and sustainable applications with a focus on environmental protection:
1. Green fuels and alternative energy sources: Chemical engineers are working on the development of cleaner and more sustainable fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. They are also researching advanced energy storage systems and renewable energy technologies.
2. Carbon capture and storage (CCS): To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, chemical engineers are involved in CCS technologies. This includes the capture of CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants, followed by safe transportation and storage in geological formations.
3. Waste-to-energy processes: Innovative methods for converting waste materials, including plastics and organic waste, into valuable energy sources are being explored. Chemical engineers play a vital role in designing and optimizing these processes.
4. Upcycling and circular economy: Chemical engineers are developing processes to upcycle waste materials into higher-value products. This aligns with the principles of the circular economy, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
5. Advanced catalysis and process optimization: Research in catalyst development and process optimization aims to make industrial processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. This includes reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and maximizing yield.
6. Sustainable materials: Chemical engineers are researching sustainable materials and polymers, including biodegradable plastics and materials made from renewable resources. These materials can replace traditional, non-environmentally friendly alternatives.
7. Water treatment and management: Sustainable water management and treatment technologies are critical in the petroleum industry. Chemical engineers are working on innovative solutions for water purification, reuse, and minimizing the environmental impact of water-intensive processes.
8. Industrial cooperation programs: Collaborative efforts between industries, governments, and research institutions are essential to drive sustainability initiatives. Chemical engineers often serve as intermediaries, facilitating these cooperative programs to exchange knowledge and best practices.
9. Environmental regulations and compliance: Chemical engineers are involved in understanding and complying with stringent environmental regulations. They work on developing and implementing processes that meet or exceed these requirements while minimizing their environmental footprint.
10. Life cycle analysis (LCA): Conducting LCA is crucial for assessing the environmental impact of industrial processes and products. Chemical engineers use LCA to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to reduce environmental harm.
11. Process intensification: This involves making processes more compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Chemical engineers develop innovative techniques and equipment to achieve these goals.
12. Data analytics and AI: Using data analytics and artificial intelligence, chemical engineers optimize processes and predict potential environmental impacts. This proactive approach helps in minimizing adverse effects.
Chemical engineers are at the forefront of efforts to make the petroleum industry more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and efficient. They are involved in a wide range of research areas and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve these goals while ensuring industrial growth and cooperation programs are aligned with environmental protection and sustainability (6).
Environmental management
1. Chemical engineers will focus on reducing pollution in air, water, and food manufacturing processes.
2. Many chemical industries will rely on chemical engineers to minimize pollutant production, particularly in areas like water treatment and air pollution control.
Biotechnology and pharma industries
• Chemical engineers will continue to be indispensable in both production and research within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Their pivotal role in the development of treatments for a wide range of diseases will remain essential.
Electronics
• Companies like IBM and Intel will hire chemical engineers for research related to semiconductor manufacturing and doping processes.
• Opportunities in recycling and alternative energy will also emerge for chemical engineers.
Other industries
• Chemical engineers will continue to contribute to various industries such as pulp and paper, plastics, metals, food and beverages, fibers, and polymers.
• They will have a significant role in major mineral industries like alumina/aluminum, steel, copper, lead, and gold production (2, 6, 8).
Combustion
• Chemical engineers will be involved in large industrial furnace operations, including steel production and power generation from coal or gas, as well as energy recovery.
Energy production
• Chemical engineers will hold a pivotal position in energy production, encompassing tasks such as sampling from drilling operations, devising techniques for crude oil processing, and studying the effects of additives on consumers, employees, and the environment.
• The outlook for chemical engineering is marked by prospects of innovation and sustainability across an extensive array of industries (3).
Conclusion
This article has explored a comprehensive range of prospects within the field of chemical engineering, shedding light on its transformative potential across numerous sectors. From sustainable energy solutions to innovative material design and advanced process optimization, chemical engineering stands as a cornerstone of technological advancement in the modern world. The dynamic nature of chemical engineering, a field that thrives on the inquisitive spirit of discovery and the commitment to improve the world around us, with an unwavering dedication to pushing the envelope and a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, would make its journey continue to inspire and shape our future.
References
1. Zacharof M, Charalambidou A. An exploration of the sub-register of chemical engineering research papers published in English. Publications. (2018) 6:30. doi: 10.3390/publications6030030
2. Lucas J. What Is Chemical Engineering? | Live Science. (2020). Available online at: https://www.livescience.com/48134-what-is-chemical-engineering.html (accessed August 11, 2020).
5. Mashelkar RA, Rajan JV. Chemical engineering developments in India. In: Peppas NA editor. One Hundred Years of Chemical Engineering: From Lewis M. Norton (MIT 1888) to Present. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands (1989). p. 153–221.
6. Perkins J. Chemical engineering – the first 100 years. In: Darton R, Prince R, Wood D editors. Chemical Engineering: Visions of the World. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science (2003). p. 11–40.
8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Undergraduate Programs – MIT Chemical Engineering. (2020). Available online at: https://cheme.mit.edu/academics/undergraduate-students/undergraduate-programs/ (accessed August 11, 2020).