Page 14 - Chemical process engineering design and economics

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The Structure of Processes and

Process Engineering

The activities of most engineering disciplines are easily identifiable by the public,
but the activities of chemical engineers are less understood. The public recognizes
that the chemical engineer is somehow associated with the production of chemi-
cals, but often does not know the difference between chemists and chemical engi-
neers. What is the distinguishing feature of chemical engineering? Briefly, chemi-
cal engineering is the development, design, and operation of various kinds of
processes. Most chemical engineering activities, in one way or another, are proc-
ess oriented.
The chemical engineer may work in three types of organizations. One is the
operating company, such as DuPont and Dow Chemical, whose main concern is to
produce products. These companies are also engaged in developing new proc-
esses. If a new plant for an old improved process, or a plant for a recently devel-
oped process is being considered, a plant construction organization, the second
company type, such as the C.E. Lummus Corp. or the Forster Wheeler Corp., will

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