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Vining Wolff
Most young engineers learn the foundational math required for employment as a process/chemical engineer, but not the actual requirements of the job. This course is to give you more insight and a better understanding of what a process/chemical engineer is required to do when they get out into industry. It will teach you the acronyms, the stages of design development, cover most the tasks and deliverables (i.e. drawings and documents) that a process engineer is required to complete as part of an engineering design. I will walk you through examples, starting with a SOW and Design Basis, that form the basis of a simple project, to show you what is typically required of a process/chemical engineer in industry. I will give you insight into the role and some guidance to help you with your career from the point of view of a senior process engineer who has been working since 1990 and mentors/ has mentored many engineers. This course is meant to better prepare you for the job as process/chemical engineer, including the challenges that you will face, the skills you will need beyond just the math you leanr in school. For those in project management, this course will also give you a better understanding of how the process engineer fits into the various stages of a project, the sequence of development and how the various documents are tied to one another.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ccvjzu/process
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Learn what the job of being a process engineer entails. our role, responsibilities, along with the tasks, calculations, the documents we develop/handle/issue.
- Prepare process engineers for the documents they need to do and produce during a project from prefeasibility phase to detailed engineering.
- Give examples of the tools used, sample calculations, rules of thumb and focus on the key skills all process engineers require.
- Take students through a sample project, which includes scope change and hour estimates and other aspects not taught in school (ora, hazop, narratives)
- Learn what the job of being a process engineer entails. our role, responsibilities, along with the tasks, calculations, the documents we develop/handle/issue.
- Prepare process engineers for the documents they need to do and produce during a project from prefeasibility phase to detailed engineering.
- Give examples of the tools used, sample calculations, rules of thumb and focus on the key skills all process engineers require.
- Take students through a sample project, which includes scope change and hour estimates and other aspects not taught in school (ora, hazop, narratives)
Syllabus
The Role of a process engineer, the tasks, calculations and documents we are responsible for as part of an overall engineering design
Introduction and Course Summary
Read more
Syllabus
The Role of a process engineer, the tasks, calculations and documents we are responsible for as part of an overall engineering design
Introduction and Course Summary
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers acronyms and deliverables, such as drawings and documents, that process engineers use, which helps learners familiarize themselves with industry standards
Explores the stages of design development, which provides a comprehensive understanding of project workflows from pre-feasibility to detailed engineering
Includes a sample project with scope change and hour estimates, offering practical experience beyond theoretical knowledge typically taught in school
Examines topics like HAZOP and narratives, which are essential for understanding risk assessment and communication in process engineering projects
Discusses the role of a process engineer, including tasks, calculations, and document handling, which is crucial for understanding responsibilities in engineering design
Features a section on career guidance from a senior process engineer, which offers valuable insights and mentorship for navigating the profession
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Reviews summary
Practical guide for process engineering jobs
According to learners, this course serves as an positive excellent bridge between academic knowledge and the practical demands of a process engineering career. Students particularly value the positive real-world examples and insights shared by the positive experienced instructor. The course is praised for covering positive essential industry documents and tasks, including neutral PFDs, P&IDs, HAZOP, and PSVs. Many feel it provides a positive solid foundation for recent graduates or those with limited industry exposure, effectively preparing them for the job. However, some reviewers note that while the course covers a neutral wide range of topics, the warning depth in certain technical areas, like detailed calculations or software integration, is occasionally lacking. Inconsistent warning presentation quality, specifically audio issues, was also mentioned by a few students.
Most valuable for those new to the field.
"Highly recommend for recent grads."
"The content itself is useful for someone with zero industry experience..."
"I think learners with some prior internship experience might find parts redundant. Good foundation, but not for advanced engineers."
Instructor shares valuable real-world experience.
"The instructor's real-world examples and experience shine through."
"The depth of practical knowledge shared by the instructor is invaluable."
"The instructor's experience is evident throughout."
Focuses on key documents and deliverables.
"It covers essential documents and calculations you actually use on the job."
"I especially appreciated the sections on scope change and estimating hours, which are crucial but never taught in school."
"The focus on industry documents like Design Basis, Narratives, and Line Lists was super helpful."
Excellent for bridging university and industry.
"This course is exactly what I needed to bridge the gap between university theory and industry practice."
"Fantastic course for demystifying the day-to-day of a process engineer."
"This course genuinely prepares you for stepping into an engineering role."
Presentation quality varies, with audio issues.
"the presentation quality is inconsistent. Some videos have poor audio, and the visuals are sometimes hard to read."
"The audio issues in some lectures are very distracting."
Some technical topics lack detailed depth.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the sizing calculations. Could use more detailed examples on simulation integration..."
"It's mostly a high-level overview. I was hoping for more in-depth technical details on specific equipment sizing or advanced simulations."
"While it mentions many topics, the depth is lacking. It's more like a glossary of terms... than actual 'how-to' training."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Process/Chemical Engineering 101 - Preparing you for the Job with these
activities:
Review Chemical Engineering Fundamentals
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of core chemical engineering principles to better grasp the practical applications discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Thermodynamics
Show steps
-
Review textbooks and notes from your undergraduate chemical engineering courses.
-
Work through practice problems related to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
-
Identify areas where your understanding is weak and focus your review on those topics.
Read 'Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers'
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with industry-standard rules of thumb to enhance your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities as a process engineer.
View
Alter Ego: A Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers'.
-
Browse the table of contents and identify sections relevant to the course topics.
-
Read through selected rules of thumb and consider how they apply to real-world scenarios.
Design a Simple Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PFD development by creating a diagram for a basic chemical process, reinforcing your understanding of equipment tagging and process flow.
Show steps
-
Select a simple chemical process, such as distillation or heat exchange.
-
Identify the major equipment and process streams involved.
-
Create a PFD using appropriate symbols and conventions.
-
Label all equipment and process streams clearly.
-
Review your PFD for accuracy and completeness.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Sample Equipment Datasheet
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with equipment datasheets by creating one for a common process component, such as a pump or heat exchanger.
Show steps
-
Choose a piece of process equipment, such as a centrifugal pump.
-
Research the key parameters and specifications required for the datasheet.
-
Create a datasheet template using a spreadsheet or word processor.
-
Populate the datasheet with realistic values based on your research.
-
Review your datasheet for accuracy and completeness.
Write a Process Narrative for a Unit Operation
Show steps
Practice your technical writing skills by creating a clear and concise process narrative for a specific unit operation, such as distillation or absorption.
Show steps
-
Select a unit operation, such as distillation.
-
Research the process and its key operating parameters.
-
Write a narrative that describes the process in a clear and concise manner.
-
Include information on the process inputs, outputs, and operating conditions.
-
Review your narrative for clarity and accuracy.
Study 'Chemical Engineering Design' by Towler and Sinnott
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of chemical engineering design principles by studying a comprehensive textbook on the subject.
View
Chemical Engineering Design: Principles,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Chemical Engineering Design' by Towler and Sinnott.
-
Review the chapters related to process design, equipment sizing, and cost estimation.
-
Work through the example problems and case studies provided in the book.
Explore Online Process Simulation Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your skills in process simulation by following online tutorials for software packages like Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD.
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials for process simulation software.
-
Follow the tutorials to learn how to create and simulate process models.
-
Experiment with different process configurations and operating conditions.
Review Chemical Engineering Fundamentals
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of core chemical engineering principles to better grasp the practical applications discussed in the course.
Browse courses on
Thermodynamics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review textbooks and notes from your undergraduate chemical engineering courses.
- Work through practice problems related to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.
- Identify areas where your understanding is weak and focus your review on those topics.
Read 'Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers'
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with industry-standard rules of thumb to enhance your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities as a process engineer.
View
Alter Ego: A Novel
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers'.
- Browse the table of contents and identify sections relevant to the course topics.
- Read through selected rules of thumb and consider how they apply to real-world scenarios.
Design a Simple Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of PFD development by creating a diagram for a basic chemical process, reinforcing your understanding of equipment tagging and process flow.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a simple chemical process, such as distillation or heat exchange.
- Identify the major equipment and process streams involved.
- Create a PFD using appropriate symbols and conventions.
- Label all equipment and process streams clearly.
- Review your PFD for accuracy and completeness.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Sample Equipment Datasheet
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience with equipment datasheets by creating one for a common process component, such as a pump or heat exchanger.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a piece of process equipment, such as a centrifugal pump.
- Research the key parameters and specifications required for the datasheet.
- Create a datasheet template using a spreadsheet or word processor.
- Populate the datasheet with realistic values based on your research.
- Review your datasheet for accuracy and completeness.
Write a Process Narrative for a Unit Operation
Show steps
Practice your technical writing skills by creating a clear and concise process narrative for a specific unit operation, such as distillation or absorption.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a unit operation, such as distillation.
- Research the process and its key operating parameters.
- Write a narrative that describes the process in a clear and concise manner.
- Include information on the process inputs, outputs, and operating conditions.
- Review your narrative for clarity and accuracy.
Study 'Chemical Engineering Design' by Towler and Sinnott
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of chemical engineering design principles by studying a comprehensive textbook on the subject.
View
Chemical Engineering Design: Principles,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Chemical Engineering Design' by Towler and Sinnott.
- Review the chapters related to process design, equipment sizing, and cost estimation.
- Work through the example problems and case studies provided in the book.
Explore Online Process Simulation Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your skills in process simulation by following online tutorials for software packages like Aspen HYSYS or CHEMCAD.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials for process simulation software.
- Follow the tutorials to learn how to create and simulate process models.
- Experiment with different process configurations and operating conditions.
Career center
Learners who complete Process/Chemical Engineering 101 - Preparing you for the Job will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Process Engineer
Process Engineer
A process engineer focuses on the design, implementation, control, and optimization of industrial processes. This course directly prepares individuals for the role of a process engineer by providing insight into the tasks, calculations, and documents they will handle. The course also covers essential elements like scope of work, design basis, simulations, and process flow diagrams, mirroring the daily activities of a process engineer. The content on HAZOP, LOPA, and transient analysis are particularly useful, as are the sections on commissioning, operations manuals, and standard operating procedures.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes. This course offers practical knowledge about what a chemical engineer is required to do in the industry, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real world application. With its focus on engineering design, the course content on process flow diagrams, simulations, and equipment sizing proves indispensable. This course will be beneficial to those chemical engineers who want to learn more about the daily tasks and deliverables of design work.
Commissioning Specialist
Commissioning Specialist
Commissioning specialists oversee the startup and initial operation of new or modified industrial facilities. This course is relevant as it covers topics directly related to the commissioning phase, such as issue for construction documents, handover procedures, and site support. The course is particularly relevant to a commissioning specialist who needs to prepare operations manuals and standard operating procedures. The information on as-built documentation is also helpful.
Project Engineer
Project Engineer
Project engineers manage and coordinate engineering projects from conception to completion. A course such as this offers project engineers valuable insight into the process engineering aspects of projects. Learning about the documents, design stages, and deliverables that a process engineer handles, as well as understanding the impact of scope changes, will improve project coordination. For example, the information on issue for construction stage and post issue for construction will be helpful.
Design Engineer
Design Engineer
Design engineers create technical designs for various products and systems. This course is perfectly aligned to offer value to a design engineer, as it covers design stages, deliverables, and the documents that a process engineer typically produces. The sections covering simulations, heat exchangers, and system pressure protection provide a strong foundation for design work. A design engineer will develop familiarity with crucial acronyms used in design engineering.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee the day to day operations of a facility and focus on reducing costs. This course provides a better and improved understanding of how a process engineer fits into the various stages of a project, the sequence of development, and how the various documents are tied to one another.
Process Safety Engineer
Process Safety Engineer
A process safety engineer focuses on identifying and mitigating hazards associated with industrial processes. This course is relevant to process safety engineers as it emphasizes safety in design, system pressure protection, and hazard analysis. The material covering HAZOP, LOPA, and pressure safety valves (PSVs) directly applies to the responsibilities of a process safety engineer. This course may be particularly useful to those who are newly entering the field of process safety.
Consulting Engineer
Consulting Engineer
Consulting engineers provide expert advice and guidance on engineering projects. This course may be helpful to consulting engineers by providing a comprehensive overview of process engineering principles and practices. Understanding engineering acronyms, design phases, and document deliverables can enhance their consulting capabilities. The course benefits those who want to provide well informed advice as consulting engineers.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers improve efficiency and reduce costs in manufacturing processes. The course may offer a better understanding of process engineering tasks, calculations, and documents involved in manufacturing settings. This course will be most useful to help you to gain critical insights into the deliverables associated with manufacturing processes. This is especially true of the section on issues during construction.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality assurance engineers ensure that products and processes meet specific standards. This course may be useful to quality assurance engineers by providing insight into the engineering design process and potential issues that could affect product or process quality. An understanding of the deliverables, such as documentation, improves the engineer's ability to asses quality. The material on scope change is particularly relevant.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers work to protect the environment through the design of solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful to environmental engineers by providing insight into industrial processes and the potential environmental impacts. This may come into play when studying flare systems, incinerators, and combustors. This course is applicable to those who want to learn about the deliverables associated with environmental protection.
Sustainability Engineer
Sustainability Engineer
Sustainability engineers focus on designing processes and products that minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. This course may be helpful by providing information on how process engineers contribute to the design and optimization of systems. The content on heat recovery, steam packages, and energy efficiency could inform sustainable design practices. A sustainability engineer may also be concerned with the material on flare systems.
Research and Development Engineer
Research and Development Engineer
Research and development engineers conduct research and develop new products and processes. This course may provide a better understanding of the practical aspects of process engineering, which can inform the development of new technologies. The information on simulations, equipment design, and process optimization could be valuable in research settings. This may be especially true when applied to unique industries.
Technical Sales Engineer
Technical Sales Engineer
Technical sales engineers sell complex technical products and services to businesses. This course may be helpful to technical sales engineers by providing a better understanding of process engineering principles. By understanding the deliverables and processes, you will be able to better explain and market the value of your products to clients. The sections on documentation and design phases could prove useful.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret data to identify trends and insights that can improve business decisions. This course may be helpful to a data analyst who works in the chemical engineering field. It can do so by providing them with a better understanding of the foundational math and requirements of the job, along with the acronyms, the stages of design development, and the tasks and deliverables
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ccvjzu/process
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Process/Chemical Engineering 101 - Preparing you for the Job.
Comprehensive guide to chemical engineering design, covering principles, practices, and economics. It provides a structured approach to plant and process design, from initial concept to detailed engineering. It useful resource for understanding the design process and the various factors that influence it, and it expands on the course's overview of design development stages.
Save
Compilation of practical rules of thumb, shortcuts, and experience-based knowledge used by chemical engineers in the field. It provides quick and easy solutions to common engineering problems. It valuable reference for quickly estimating parameters and making preliminary design decisions. This book adds breadth to the course by providing real-world insights and practical guidance beyond theoretical concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ccvjzu/process
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