Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers design and coordinate the construction
and operation of manufacturing facilities and processes which
convert raw materials into every-day products such as petrol,
toothpaste, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
Chemical engineers may perform the following tasks:
- seek new and more efficient processes and materials, or
improve or find new uses for existing materials
- design methods and equipment to control and contain the
processes that transform basic materials into useful
products
- make sure of the safe, efficient and environmentally
friendly operation of equipment and test products at various
stages of production to check the quality
- design and build pilot plants to indicate how full-scale
plants will operate when built
- make plans and specifications for full-scale production
plants, taking into account available technology, the cost
and size of equipment and storage space, market needs,
transport methods and disposal of surplus substances
- review current methods of production for cost
efficiency, environmental friendliness, maximum output and
product quality
- identify faults in the day-to-day operation of process
plants (e.g. oil refining, steel making, water treatment)
and take corrective action
- prepare reports, feasibility studies and cost analyses
of processes
- provide product process information to sales and
marketing personnel or customers
- direct and coordinate the work of maintenance and
construction tradespeople or process plant operators
- provide advice on economical methods of converting raw
materials.
Chemical engineers may specialise in the following diverse
fields:
Bioprocess involving pharmaceuticals and the food
and drink industries.
Chemical Process involving the fertiliser industry
including pesticides and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and
specialty chemicals.
Combustion involving large industrial furnaces such
as those for steel manufacture or for power generation from
coal or gas.
Environmental involving waste and water treatment,
environmental regulations and recycling.
Minerals involving major minerals industries such as
alumina/aluminium, steel, copper, lead and gold.
Petrochemicals involving the conversion of oil and
gas into plastics, synthetic rubber and similar end uses.
Petroleum involving the production of oil, gas and
LPG from onshore and offshore fields.
Process Control involving the instrumentation and
control systems which enable a manufacturing process to run
smoothly, safely and efficiently.
Project Delivery involving the construction of a
process plant, converting the design into an efficient safe
operating plant.
With experience and sometimes further training, chemical
engineers may advance to become business, technical, financial
or works managers, personnel directors or managing directors
of large companies.
Chemical engineers usually work standard hours, but may be
called to meet demanding deadlines. Those with
responsibilities for continuous process plants may be on call
24 hours a day. Some may work shifts during the commissioning
of new plants.
Workplaces range from laboratories and processing plants to
engineering design offices and research institutions.
Required Skills - Chemical Engineer
- enjoy technical and engineering work
- willing to adhere to safety requirements
- able to identify, analyse and solve problems
- good communication skills
- good at computing and design
- practical and creative
- able to work independently
- able to accept responsibility
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