Use of computers in chemical engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of computers and electronic devices in the fields of chemical and petroleum engineering. Participants explore the extent to which these technologies are utilized in various engineering tasks, including simulations, data analysis, and control systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the use of computers in chemical and petroleum engineering, indicating a preference for less mechanical work.
  • A chemical process engineer shares that they use computers daily for modeling and simulating chemical factories, emphasizing the importance of simulations before real-world implementation.
  • This engineer notes that while some jobs in the field may not involve computers, there are many roles that do, and individuals can choose their career paths accordingly.
  • A senior chemical engineering student mentions frequent use of computers for simulations, calculations, and data analysis, highlighting the utility of tools like Excel in their studies and internships.
  • Another participant reiterates the importance of simulation programming, mentioning that it often requires a strong foundation in mathematics and computer programming, particularly in areas like Physical Chemistry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that computers play a significant role in chemical and petroleum engineering, particularly in modeling and simulations. However, there are differing views on the extent of computer use in various job roles, with some suggesting that certain positions may involve minimal computer interaction.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion is influenced by individual career choices and preferences, which may lead to varying experiences with computer usage in the field.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in chemical or petroleum engineering, especially those with an interest in computer applications within these fields.

nabeel89
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I have a passion for computers/ electronics, but i am going for either chemical or petroleum engineering. I want to ask how much do chemical and petroleum engineers use computers and other electronic devices for their work ?

I don't want to do something which involves most of mechanical work. Is my knowledge limited??

thanx...
 
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I'm a chemical process engineer, and I use the computer every day. I make computer models of big chemical factories, I sometimes run detailed simulations of parts of the factory (reactors, separation columns, other pieces of equipment).

My work does not include control systems, but that's even harder to simulate... and always it is simulated before it is built in real.

And then when it is built in real, the control systems are again hooked up to computers. Somebody must write the software, somebody must attach wiring to all the sensors (thermometers, flow meters, pressure meters, chromatographs and other composition-analysis tools).

Of course there are jobs in chemical engineering and petroleum engineering that are totally without computers. But this is a career choice. Nobody is going to force you to walk around in an overall on a site fixing stuff if you rather program stuff or solder some wiring. :D

The answer is a bit late - I only recently joined this forum. Hope it helps.
 
I am a senior chemical engineering student, and I use computers for simulating, calculating, optimizing all the time (homework and internships). As a chemical engineer you do a lot of data analysis as well, which requires computers. Excel is your friend.
 
nabeel89 said:
I have a passion for computers/ electronics, but i am going for either chemical or petroleum engineering. I want to ask how much do chemical and petroleum engineers use computers and other electronic devices for their work ?

I don't want to do something which involves most of mechanical work. Is my knowledge limited??

thanx...

Lots of simulation programmers out there however this usually a lot of math and computer programming knowledge - e.g. Physical Chemistry.
 

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