Use of computers in chemical engineering

AI Thread Summary
Chemical and petroleum engineers heavily rely on computers and electronic devices in their work. Daily tasks often involve creating computer models of chemical processes, running simulations of equipment like reactors and separation columns, and performing data analysis. While some roles may not require extensive computer use, many positions involve significant interaction with software for simulations, calculations, and optimization. Control systems, which are crucial in real-world applications, also depend on computer programming and wiring for sensors. Those with a passion for computers can find fulfilling roles in these fields that minimize mechanical work, focusing instead on programming and data analysis, although a solid understanding of math and programming is essential.
nabeel89
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
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...
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Chemical Engineer New to Physics Forums
Replies
1
Views
330
Did you become a chemical engineer for the money?
Replies
8
Views
7K
Understanding the Role of Chemical Engineers: Tools, Processes, and Impact
Replies
8
Views
6K
How Can a Multidisciplinary Engineer Advance Fertilizer Production Techniques?
Replies
2
Views
654
Questions About Chemical Engineering at UC San Diego
Replies
4
Views
5K
Chemist unwillingly turned chemical engineer
Replies
3
Views
426
Technical or cosmetic studies of foam such as used in skin-care
Replies
1
Views
1K
A chemical engineering student. How are you?
Replies
1
Views
509
Engineering Building a peripheral for obtaining data from water
Replies
4
Views
2K
Book of T-S diagrams, or the like
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top