Questions Regarding Chemical Engineering

[ceran]

Hey there,

I am currently a second year chemical engineering student, and was wondering for those of you who are chemical engineers or have studied chemical engineering, what do you currently do? It seems like a very interesting field, and I have been doing quite well in my classes, but I live in Alberta and the only available jobs seem to be in oil and gas. (I was more interested in things like chemical production, and research and development of new products and processes.)

For those of you who are chemical engineers, (or engineers in oil and gas), do you like what you are doing? Also, if I was to get a Master's degree (which I plan on doing), would this improve my opportunities? Thanks.

 

[kliang1234]

Can anyone answer this? I'm curious as well.
Thanks

 

[edgepflow]

Often times you will design a process. This will involve preparing a process flow diagragm (PFD). The PFD will list the mass flow rates, pressures, temperatures, and other process parameters. The PFD is solved by performing mass and energy balances (thermodynamics). You will determine the reaction rates for chemical reactions. You may also work with mechanical engineers to determine pipe line sizes, heat exchanger sizes, tank and vessel sizes, and instrumentation specifications.