In these same plants, chemical changes are used to rearrange the structure of the molecules to provide increased yields of high octane gasoline. Other employers of chemical engineers include pulp and paper mills, and manufacturers of chemicals, fertilizers, foods, pharmaceutical products, paints, adhesives, and plastics. Many technical positions in the nuclear, mineral and metallurgical industries are also staffed by chemical engineers. Chemical engineers are concerned with environmental protection through measures to protect air and water from pollution, and with energy conversion processes and conservation. Other chemical engineering endeavours include work in the growing fields of biotechnology, biomedicine, industrial hygiene, hazardous waste treatment and electronic materials processing.
Chemical engineering is a very broad field.
It overlaps significantly with other branches of engineering, as well as with chemistry and biochemistry, but the blend of subject material and emphasis on a broad range of physical and chemical processes make it a distinct and unique discipline. W ork Activities of Chemical Engineers Chemical engineers take part in a wide range of activities as a result of the broad base of their training. A major function of the chemical engineer is the design of new plants or equipment. He or she may also take part in project engineering. This includes the procurement of equipment, the establishing of a construction schedule for a new plant, the coordination of the work of other engineers during construction, the evaluation of bids and awarding of contracts, and the supervision of plant erection and startup.