Chemical Engineer
Job overview
Knowledge of chemistry, physics and chemical engineering enables chemical engineers to design and operate processes for the production of chemicals, plastics, minerals etc.
What do people do in this job?
Chemical engineers design, operate and manage plants where raw materials are processed into intermediate or final products of increased value.
Duties include:-?
Chemical engineers conduct the necessary research into the processes forming the basis of the chemical manufacturing industry.
They are also responsible for building experimental plants, testing the processes discovered, gathering design particulars, solving practical problems, and eventually starting up the plants.
The economic viability of a project must be determined before it can proceed from the experimental to the commercial stage.
Viability studies are carried out by chemical engineers in close co-operation with financial and marketing specialists.
Chemical engineers?' ?extensive knowledge of the processes involved is vital in the manufacturing process.
Because of their intimate knowledge of the materials involved in the processes, chemical engineers?' ?expert contributions are required in the manufacture of equipment and in the construction and layout of the factory.
Chemical engineers are responsible for testing and commissioning plant units, and training operating staff.
After successful start-up and commissioning, they assume full responsibility for the efficient and cost-effective running of the factory.
This includes manpower planning, raw material and product inventory, production conditions, product quality, production rate, running expenses, process improvements etc.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
This work requires a complete command of the chemistry involved, good man-management and communication skills, and the ability to anticipate and solve problems.
What qualifications are needed?
An initial aptitude for, and interest in, chemistry, physics and mathematics is the starting point, leading to a BSc degree which should be strengthened further by postgraduate qualifications in the field of chemistry and chemical processes. ?Added to this a general insight into mechanical processes would be an advantage.
