Chemical engineering, traditionally speaking, is about the design and operation of chemical plants. It is a combination of industrially relavant chemistry and many physical process such as fluid motion, energy transfer and diffusion of chemicals. It has evolved into an inter-disciplinary filed that combines biology with engineering and technology. Difference between chemical technology and chemical engineering. Chemical technology was precursor of chemical engineering. It was recipe based manufacture of useful goods at an industrial scale and was more an art than science. So people studied, in spearate strams, how to make paper, dyes, plastics etc. Chemal engineering was born out of the abstractions taken from the manufacturing prcesses of many products, so, for instance, heating something or separating two chemicals was common to many technologies, so they came to be studied and designed in their own right. Chemical engineering does include chemistry but only about 10-20 per cent. Chemical engineering, traditionally speaking, is about the design and operation of chemical plants but it is now an interdisciplinary field. As technology moves ahead by leaps and bounds, those studying chemical engineering today have to deal with new topics such as surface science, nanomaterials (nanotechnology), energy science, and biological processes of industrial importance. Many elements of these areas are taught in chemical engineering, and chemical engineers now look at some of these fundamental things instead of large-scale (industrial) plants… “The discipline has evolved by subsuming these newer things and also by pursuing the understanding of problems with more and more of science, at smaller and smaller levels. A modern curriculum has far more fundamental stuff than the more application-oriented curriculum of yesteryears.” This interaction between sister sciences has thrown open new professional vistas for chemical engineers, beyond traditional employers such as chemical, paints, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, polymers (plastics), glass, cement and steel and aluminium industries. More information about Chemical Engineering or Branches of Engineering log on to India Academic
Posts Tagged ‘Engineering’
Nanotechnology, Genetic Engineering & Robotics ? Doomsday or Miracle?
Advances in nanotechnology have proven that incredible progress is not only possible today and in the future, it is pretty well inevitable. Fantastic advances in nanotechnologic medical research have resulted in life saving techniques that were unheard of even a decade ago. Genetic engineering research and development provides a means of revolutionizing agricultural output by enhancing crop yields while encouraging a decrease in the necessity for pesticides. It also holds out a promise of attaining newer, improved species of plants and animals, the ability to someday replace or supplement reproduction with cloning and the hope that cures will be developed for many fatal and debilitating diseases, which can only result in increased life spans and improved quality of life. Robotic engineers firmly believe that development of a truly intelligent machine that is capable of performing most tasks better than humans will be perfected within our lifetime. They envision a time when a highly organized system of machines will perform all tasks with little or no human input. It is not hard to imagine the revolutionary advancements that are possible if nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics combine their expertise in future technological advancements. Either the result will be a utopian world free of disease or pestilence or a jumbled chaos of grey goo and confusion. Regardless of the outcome, it is inevitable that the future holds profound changes because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics, whether the accomplishments are made on their own or as a result of a coordinated effort. Along with the imminent progression, however, we must also be aware of the philosophical, moral and ethical issues that will come about as a result of biological change. In addition to the potential threat from the unleashed power of nanotechnology based scientific advancements, there is also the promise of an improved future for mankind and the world in which he dwells. The line of demarcation is thin and easily crossed and therefore great care and planning must go hand in hand with technological advances. Naysayers are quick to point out the many pitfalls of unbridled nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics research and implementation; however, to the chagrin of futurists, these non-progressive individuals fail to fully conceive of the many benefits these scientific advancements can and will provide. Progressive thinkers are quick to embrace the very real possibility of incredibly low-cost solar power, cures for debilitating disease via intensification of the human immune system, the ability to clean up our environment and the overall improvement of human existence that is not only possible but entirely plausible in the very near future because of nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics. So, are nanotechnology, genetic engineering and robotics to be feared as an impending doomsday event or should they be embraced as miracles of the future? Only by carefully reviewing the past while embracing the future will we be able to tell. After all, if we are willing to build an artificial brain, we must be willing to construct one that is able to see what we cannot.
Posted in Nanotechnology 
Tags: Doomsday, Engineering, Genetic, Miracle, Nanotechnology, Robotics 
No Comments »Why All the Engineering and Accounting Jobs?
I couldn’t help but notice that there is a run on Engineering and Accounting jobs in the market right now. I decided to do a little research to see if I was imagining this and here is what I came up with: After speaking with employers and examining job descriptions It didn’t take long to realize that the mad rush to fill accounting positions can be traced back to the high profile accounting scandals at companies such as Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco. In response to these scandals Congress enacted the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, also known as the Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002. Sarbanes Oxley established 11 new stringent standards for company boards, management, as well as public accounting firms. Rulings on requirements of Sarbanes Oxley come from the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of this legislation as well as an overall climate of corporate regulation companies are placing a premium on finding quality accounting candidates, specifically those candidates that have experience with Sarbanes Oxley compliance. The generous supply of Engineering jobs on the market can be traced back to several different factors. According to The Engineer of 2020: by the National Academy of Engineering the engineering field is and will continue to be driven by breakthrough technologies specifically Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Materials Science and Photonics, Information and Communications Technology, Information Management, and Logistics. In this time of innovation in this country where technological advancements occur so rapidly the need for quality engineers is apparent. Competitive advantages are won or lost on the ability to drive innovation. Another important factor to consider is the pool of candidates available for high level engineering jobs in this country. According to the National Science Board, International students account for nearly half the US doctorates awarded in engineering and computer science. In addition, more than 35% of US engineering and computer science university faculty are foreign-born. According to the Journal of Engineering Education many nations are seeking to reap the benefits of advanced education, including strong positive effects on GDP growth. They are not only trying to attract international students to their countries they are trying to lure top talent as well. Those countries like China and India that used to feed American schools with engineering students are now making a concerted effort to keep those students home or to return home after getting their education. This new competition may be a factor on the pool of quality candidates for engineering jobs in this country. One thing is for sure, if I were advising a young person today I would say get that accounting degree or that engineering degree and better yet get an advanced degree. You will be in high demand.