Applications and practice of chemical engineering

Chemical engineers use computers to manage automated systems in plants.

Chemical engineers "develop economic ways of using materials and energy" as opposed to chemists who are more interested in the basic composition of materials and synthesizing products from such. Chemical engineers use chemistry and engineering to turn raw materials into useable products, such as medicine, petrochemicals and plastics. They are also involved in waste management and research. Both applied and research facets make extensive use of computers.
A chemical engineer may be involved in industry or university research where he is tasked in designing and performing experiments to create new and better ways of production, controlling pollution, conserving resources and making these processes safer. He may be involved in designing and constructing plants as a project engineer. In this field, the chemical engineer uses his knowledge in selecting plant equipment and the optimum method of production to minimize costs and increase profitability. After its construction, he may help in upgrading its equipment. He may also be involved in its daily operations.