Chemical versus Process - Engineering

Edwards Finance > General Engineering

Q. Chemical versus Process - Engineering. Is there a difference? One a subset of the other?

A. -Relies on each individual's definitions, but I'd say that they are two largely overlapping fields, but each has unique subject areas. To my mind, process engineering can involve traditional chemical reaction, thermodynamic, etc. processes, but could also involve mechanical, geologic, logistical, or businesses processes. They common thread here being there is a dynamic process involved that is studied, where despite different contexts, ideas like "steady-state" can be usefully applied. (Reminds me that I have explained chemical engineering to folks as the engineering of verbs, while traditional mechanical and civil engineering are the engineering of nouns. But that's a separate topic). "Chemical" engineering, well, I honestly can't think of an example of something I'd consider chemical engineering that isn't also process engineering. As an aside from the real world, I can offer that having gone through a recent job search, I can state with certainty that "Process" engineers are often required to have degrees in areas other than chemical engineering. -This depends on where you are from. In the US, a chemical engineer may do process engineering, design engineering, control engineering, etc. In other areas, each of those is a specialty unto itself. Process engineering is a position in a company which deals with improving processes. Chemical engineering is a discipline in college. One may fill a process engineering position with a chemical engineer. (In the US)

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