Chemical Engineers are considered engineering generalists because of their unique ability to understand and exploit chemical change. They draw on the principles of chemistry, mathematics, and physics and their familiarity with all forms of matter and energy and their manipulation to develop and produce a diverse range of products. Examples include ultra-strong fibers, fabrics, adhesives and composites for vehicles, and optical or spectroscopic properties for opto-electronic devices. Chemical Engineers develop processes, design equipment, and provide technical and management services for plants that convert raw materials into a wide range of end products. They trouble-shoot problems in industrial processing plants and ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible plant operations.
Chemical Engineers often direct the activities of workers who operate/control such equipment as condensers, absorption and evaporation towers, kilns, pumps, valves, boilers, compressors, grinders, pipelines, electro-magnets, and centrifuges to effect required chemical or physical change. Thus, Chemical Engineers work wherever there is a process of conversion (e.g., petroleum refining, oil sands extraction, energy conversion, polymer processing, metal extraction and refining, and power generation).
One of these processes is the refining of petroleum or natural gas. For example, during the refining process, two of the 42 gallons in each barrel of oil are chemicals used to manufacture other products. These chemicals, known as petrochemicals, are primarily composed of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. When the molecules of these ingredients are changed and shifted in various combinations, hundreds of chemical products are produced for utilization in commonly used items.
These products include ammonia, polyethylene, and polypropylene, which are employed to make such items as appliance and automotive parts, luggage, plastic toys, and containers. Other products made from petrochemicals are fibers to make clothes, paints, and even surfboards. Chemical Engineers work in nearly all phases of the production of these petrochemicals and their chemical products.
According to a 2005 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting annual salary for a Chemical Engineer with a bachelor's degree was US Dollars 53,813. For one with a master's degree the average starting pay was US Dollars 57,260, and for one with a Ph.D., the starting salary was US Dollars 79,591.
Yearly salaries in May 2004 for Chemical Engineers ranged from a low of US Dollars 49,030 to a high of US Dollars 107,530. For experienced Chemical Engineers it is not uncommon to have incomes ranging from US Dollars 90,000 to US Dollars 130,000 or more.
Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article. Webworldarticles.com is a free articles resource thus practically any visitor can submit an article. However if you notice any copyrighted material, please contact us and we will remove the article(s) in discussion right away.
This article was sent to us by:
David Kingston at
08032010
1. Community relations coordinator duties and responsibilities
All articles in this directory are property of their respective authors. Additionally, read our Privacy Policy
© 2010 WebWorldarticles.com - All Rights Reserved. Partners: Gunblade Saga