Page 8 - Chemical process engineering design and economics

Preface

Chemical engineers develop, design, and operate processes that are vital to
our society. Hardigg* states: "I consider engineering to be understandable by the
general public by speaking about the four great ideas of engineering: structures,
machines, networks, and processes." Processes are what distinguish chemical from
other engineering disciplines. Nevertheless, designing chemical plants requires
contributions from other branches of engineering. Before taking process design,
students' thinking has been compartmentalized into several distinct subjects. Now,
they must be trained to think more globally than before. This is not an easy transi-
tion. One of my students said that process design is a new way of thinking for him.
I have found it informative to read employment ads to keep abreast of skills re-
quired of process engineers. An ad from General Dynamics* in San Diego, CA,
states, "We are interested in chemical engineers with plant operations and/or proc-
ess engineering experience because they develop the total process perspective and
problem-solving skill we need."
The book is designed mostly for a senior course in process design. It could
be used for entry-level process engineers in industry or for a refresher course. The
book could also be used before learning to use process simulation software. Before
enrolling in process design, the student must have some knowledge of chemical
engineering prerequisites: mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport

* Hardigg, V, ASEE Prism, p.26, April 1999.
f
Chemical and Engineering News, January 29, 1990.
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