Over the years with the great expansion of scientific
knowledge, the basis of applying science particularly chemistry to develop
technology has increased tremendously. This has lead to the development of the
profession of chemical Engineering.
Chemical Engineering involves the design and maintenance of
chemical plants and the development of chemical processes for converting raw
materials or chemicals into valuable forms including those to remove chemicals
from waste materials, to enable large-scale manufacture. It combines knowledge
of Chemistry and Engineering for the production of chemicals and related
by-products. This branch of engineering is a varied field, covering areas from
biotechnology and nanotechnology to mineral processing. It covers various fields
of chemical technology in mineral based industries, petrochemical plants,
pharmaceuticals, synthetic fibres, petroleum refining plants etc. Chemical
engineers design and operate chemical plants and improve methods of
production.
Chemical Engineering is the apt career for those who have an
aptitude and interest to work with chemicals. However Chemical Engineering is
different from chemical technology. The former is concerned with the designing,
supervision, construction, installation and operation of plants and equipments
for manufacturing chemical products and developing new methods of production
while the latter deals with the actual production of substances with new
properties which require new methods of production in the fields of petroleum
refining, fertilizer technology, processing of food and agricultural products,
paints and dyes; recycling metals, glass and plastics; cosmetics, mineral based
industries and prevention and control of environmental
hazards.
The work of Chemical Engineers, the most versatile of all
engineers, involve the invention, development, design, operation and management
of processes in industries. So they combine the work of several fields such as
those of chemists, industrial engineers, materials engineers as well as
electrical engineers. Chemical engineers are responsible for the availability of
modern high-quality materials that are essential for running an industrial
economy. They design equipments and operate chemical plants as well as determine
the problems and find the best methods of production.
The scope for chemical engineers is tend to grow in future
due to industrial expansion and the related scarcity of resources needed. They
may be demand as they work to create synthetic replacements for those natural
materials and resources that are in short supply. Overall chemical engineers
could make very important contributions for the improvement and maintenance of
the quality of life.
Eligibility & Course Areas
To become a chemical engineer one should have a graduate
degree (B.E / B.Tech) or postgraduate degree (M.E) in Chemical Engineering.
There are both degree as well as diploma courses. One can go for the 3 year
diploma course after the 10th standard (SSC).
The basic eligibility criteria for a BE / B.Tech is 10+2 or
equivalent examination, with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Duration : BE / B.Tech courses are of 4 years' duration.
Academic Programme : The focus of the BE/B.Tech programmes
in Chemical Engineering is on Industrial Chemistry, Polymer Technology, Polymer
Processing, Polymer Testing, Polymer Synthesis etc. The ME level course
generally offers specialized training and research in the areas like computer
aided plant design, petroleum refining, fertilizer technology, processing of
food and agricultural products, synthetic food, petrochemicals, synthetic
fibres, coal and mineral based industries etc.
Selection : Selection to the graduate courses ( BE / B.Tech
) is based on merit i.e the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through
entrance exams. Entrance to the IIT's is through JEE (Joint Entrance Exam) and for other major institutions
through AIEEE (All India Engineering/ Architecture Entrance
Examination) OR their own separate entrance exams and other state level and
national level exams. There is also the AMIE (Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of
Engineers) which enables working people in the private and public sector, or
diploma holders to acquire a Bachelor's degree through distance education for
career advancement.
Personal Skills : A successful chemical engineer must posses
strong technical ability and high motivation. Excellent analytical,
communication and teamwork skills is a necessity and the candidate should be
hardworking, good at organizing and solving problems. It is also necessary to
like working with tools, drawing sketches of complex things and operations, and
conceptualising forms and structures. Good computer skill is also essential as
they use computer technology to optimize all phases of research and production.
As the knowledge and duties of chemical engineers overlap many fields, they must
be aware of all aspects of chemicals manufacturing and how it affects the
environment, the safety of workers and customers.
Job Prospects & Career Options
Since Chemical engineering is a vast field, the job
prospectus and career options of a chemical engineer is varied and different.
Chemical engineers play a key role in industries, mostly in the manufacturing
field. Their work area varies from petroleum and petrochemicals to food,
materials, specialty chemicals, plastics, power production, environmental
control, waste management and biotechnology.
As it is a varied field Chemical engineers could specialise
in a particular chemical processess such as oxidation or polymerisation or in a
specific product such as plastic or rubber. Besides designing equipments and
plants, testing manufacturing processes and supervising production; they also
study the properties and effects of dangerous chemicals, device process of
neutralising them and also on the development acceptable substitutes. As such
their work can be dangerous.
Wide employment opportunities await chemical engineers both
in the public sector as well as the private sector. They can seek jobs in areas
such as processing, operations or manufacturing, research and development,
design and construction, finance and teaching. They may also pursue a management
degree after B.Tech and take on marketing jobs. Candidates with an additional
management degree are sought by private industries. In process industries they
could work in positions such as a supervisor or manager, technical specialist,
project manager or project engineers.
Among the manufacturing industries, pharmaceuticals provide
the best opportunities for chemical engineers. In the government sector,
chemical engineers are employed to solve environmental problems such as waste
and water treatment, environmental regulations and recycling; on energy sector
such as energy conservation and research on alternate energy sources and
health-related research projects, defense establishments and atomic power
plants. They are also employed in service industries such as scientific research
and development services, particularly in energy and the developing fields of
biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Other work areas of chemical engineers include food
processing, coal preparation and mineral processing, explosives manufacturing,
chemical process industries such as fertiliser industry, including pesticides
and herbicides, caustic soda, glass and specialty chemicals, dyes and dyestuff,
paint, lubricants, steel and aluminum production. They are also employed in a
variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as
those producing electronics, photographic equipment, clothing, pulp and paper
and even in the development of aircrafts.
Remuneration
Due to rapid industrialisation, chemical engineers have
gained a position among the top money makers. The earnings depend on the
industries employing chemical engineers such as Central or State government
departments or private concerns. Working experience, qualifications, ability are
important factors in determining the pay level. Those who are working in the
private sector are well paid. Fresher's can get a starting salary of Rs. 9,000
to Rs. 13,000 per month excluding other allowances. In the government sector,
the salary range of diploma holders is Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month.
Lecturers in colleges get a starting salary of Rs 12,000-Rs 13,000 a month. With
more experience or as an established independent consultant one could earn more.
Senior engineers can earn anywhere in between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 a month.
Institutes
IIT's or Indian institute of Technology in New Delhi,
Mumbai, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur are the most prestigious Engineering
institutions in India. Other main Engineering colleges include Birla Institute
of Technology (BITS) - (Pilani and Ranchi.), Delhi College of Engineering,
Delhi., University of Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttar Pradesh etc and the various NIT's
(Formerly Regional engineering colleges) in different states.
Institutes offering chemical engineering courses can be had
from the following..
Details and contacts of Polytechnics in different states,
conducting Diploma courses is available at the following
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering
- Diploma in Chemical Technology
- Diploma in Petrochemical Technology
- Diploma in Refinery & Petro Chemical Technology
- Post Diploma in Petro Chemical Technology
Details of institutes offering engineering courses through
correspondence can be had from the following
Associate Membership Examination of the Institute of Engineers
(AMIE)
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