Unit 1: Introduction to Chemical Engineering and Technology
Short Questions
1. Difference between laminar and turbulent flow:
Laminar Flow: Smooth and orderly, layers of fluid slide past one
another without mixing.
Turbulent Flow: Chaotic and irregular with eddies and vortices.
Key Difference: Laminar occurs at lower velocities, while turbulent
occurs at higher velocities.
2. Life-saving application involving chemical engineers:
Chemical engineers contribute to designing ventilators, oxygen
concentrators, and manufacturing essential drugs, such as insulin
and vaccines.
3. Process flow diagram (PFD):
PFD visually represents major equipment and processes in a
chemical plant. It shows the relationships and flow paths of
materials and energy.
4. What are chemical engineers, and how are they different from
other engineers?
Chemical Engineers: Solve problems related to material
transformation using principles of chemistry, physics, and
mathematics.
Difference: They focus on processes involving chemical reactions
and mass/energy transfer, unlike civil or mechanical engineers
who deal with structures and machines.
5. Continuous process (example):
Definition: A production process where materials flow
continuously through the system.
Example: Oil refining – crude oil enters, and products like gasoline
are continuously produced.
6. History and evolution of chemical engineering:
History: Began in the late 19th century with the industrial
revolution.
Evolution: Progressed from batch processes to advanced
automation and sustainability-focused designs.
Long Questions
1. Simplified process diagrams:
Examples: Block Flow Diagram (BFD) and Process Flow Diagram
(PFD).
Explanation: PFD includes major equipment, flow streams, and
operating conditions.
Example: A simple distillation process where a mixture is
separated into components.
2. Energy from fusion:
Fusion energy mimics the sun’s energy generation process.
Chemical engineers contribute to materials that can withstand
extreme temperatures and in designing reactors.
3. Mass transfer operations:
Distillation: Separates mixtures based on boiling points.
Drying: Removes moisture from solids or gases.
Filtration: Separates solids from liquids using a filter.
4. Fundamental topics for chemical engineers:
Thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process control, mass and
heat transfer, materials science, environmental engineering, and
economics.
5. Why chemical engineers are universal engineers:
They apply multidisciplinary knowledge, enabling them to work in
diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and food
processing.
6. Symbols in PFD:
Examples: Heat exchanger (two parallel lines), pump (circle with a
triangle), and mixer (two intersecting lines).
7. Grand challenges solved by chemical engineers:
Examples:
Development of clean water technologies.
Efficient fertilizer production.
8. Historical achievements:
Development of Haber-Bosch process for ammonia.
Production of synthetic polymers like nylon.
Advances in drug manufacturing.
9. Chemical engineers in medicine:
They contribute to drug synthesis, vaccine production, and
medical devices like drug delivery systems.
