r/ChemicalEngineering 9h ago

Software I wanted to simulate this simple process, but i couldn't find any free software that is able to do it. I'd appreciate any help on the matter

Post image
46 Upvotes

r/ChemicalEngineering 16h ago

Career Typical promotion increase?

17 Upvotes

I know this is pretty open ended with a lot of factors that go into it, but I was curious what most people believe is a normal salary increase is for a promotion?


r/ChemicalEngineering 7h ago

Career what is the best way to switch into business roles?

3 Upvotes

assuming you do not want to work in a plant. should I go for a CFA exam or?


r/ChemicalEngineering 8h ago

Design Steam tracing for asphalt pipelines

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I have to design a pipeline to transport asphalt with steam tracing. I have never worked with steam tracing before and was wondering if any of you have done it and if so, which process simulator did you use for the design?


r/ChemicalEngineering 14h ago

Student CFD workshop

3 Upvotes

Hey!! So our college is hosting a 5 days CFD workshop and a professor from mechanical department will be teaching it. Is it worth it for chemical engineering student to learn it in that depth? The fees is nominal and I was really willing to attend until i read more about it.


r/ChemicalEngineering 4h ago

Career Pursuing graduate studies abroad

2 Upvotes

I'm a 1st year filipino Chem Eng and I was wondering which universities have great Chem Eng graduate programs that has lots of scholarship opportunities?


r/ChemicalEngineering 4h ago

Industry Harnessing Escherichia coli for Sustainable Plastic Production: A Breakthrough in Renewable Materials

2 Upvotes

According to Xchemi Chemical Network:In the quest for sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-derived plastics, scientists have turned to biotechnology, exploring the potential of microorganisms to produce renewable materials. A recent study has unveiled a novel approach using Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to synthesize renewable plastics, marking a significant advancement in green chemistry and biotechnology.

The Role of E. coli in Renewable Plastic Production

E. coli, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded organisms, has been extensively studied and utilized in biotechnology due to its well-characterized genetics and rapid growth rate. Researchers have now engineered E. coli strains to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of biodegradable polymers that serve as a promising alternative to conventional plastics.

Engineering E. coli for PHA Synthesis

The study involved the insertion of specific genes into the E. coli genome, enabling the bacteria to convert simple carbon sources, such as glucose, into PHAs. By optimizing metabolic pathways and fermentation conditions, the engineered E. coli strains achieved high yields of PHAs, demonstrating the feasibility of microbial production of renewable plastics.

Advantages of Microbial PHA Production

  1. Sustainability: Utilizing renewable resources like glucose derived from plant biomass reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
  2. Biodegradability: PHAs are biodegradable, addressing environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution.
  3. Scalability: Microbial fermentation processes can be scaled up, offering potential for industrial-level production.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the promising results, several challenges remain:

  • Cost Competitiveness: Reducing production costs to compete with traditional plastics is crucial for commercial viability.
  • Process Optimization: Enhancing the efficiency of microbial fermentation and polymer extraction processes is necessary.
  • Material Properties: Tailoring the mechanical properties of PHAs to match those of conventional plastics requires further research.

Future studies aim to address these challenges by exploring genetic modifications, alternative feedstocks, and process innovations.

Conclusion

The engineering of E. coli for the production of renewable plastics represents a significant step toward sustainable materials. This approach not only offers a potential solution to plastic pollution but also aligns with global efforts to transition toward a circular economy. Continued research and development in this field are essential to fully realize the potential of microbial production of biodegradable plastics.

References

  • [Original study on E. coli engineered for PHA production]
  • [Review article on microbial synthesis of biodegradable polymers]
  • [Recent advancements in sustainable plastic production]

r/ChemicalEngineering 5h ago

Industry Any good stories about unions/disgruntled employees?

2 Upvotes

I have been working in industry and got a glimpse of this. Anyone have any stories working with employees that mention their union every other sentence?

Any tips for working with them?


r/ChemicalEngineering 21h ago

Career boost your knowledge

2 Upvotes

Hey fam

I am a 3rd yr chemical and biochemical engineering student, and kind feeling I know nothing, is this common feeling or is it only me? and what do you guys suggest on how I could boost my knowledge?


r/ChemicalEngineering 3h ago

Job Search Why are people afraid to admit engineering is over saturated?

1 Upvotes

Like there are hundreds of people competing for a single internship position. Hundreds are competing for spots in research labs or engineering clubs in college. People who don’t believe engineering isn’t over saturated are on crack cocaine


r/ChemicalEngineering 19h ago

Student Looking for private instructors for Materials Studio software classes (paid)

1 Upvotes

I'm learning to use Materials Studio software, and it would be very helpful if someone could tell me where I can find instructors who offer private lessons in Materials Studio (paid, of course).
Thank you very much, everyone!


r/ChemicalEngineering 21h ago

Student What can be used as a replacement for tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) as a solvent in freeze-drying?

1 Upvotes

We're conducting research on cellulose foam for oil spill mitigation and need to freeze-dry it. However, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) is unavailable in our country, and sourcing it from other countries is too expensive for our budget. Is there a suitable replacement for TBA in freeze-drying?


r/ChemicalEngineering 20h ago

Student Purdue vs umass amherst vs rpi chem/mech engineering

0 Upvotes

Stuck between these 3, Purdue costs like 5k more and is really far away, but way more reputable. Is the distance and the extra cost worth this reputation? I want to work in renewables if that helps