essential skills - chemical engineers

8/9/2019 Essential Skills - Chemical Engineers

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NOC 2134

Tasks Complexity Level Examples

Typical

Most Complex

2 to 4

5

Chemical Engineers

read e-mails daily, typically from co-workers orclients confirming meeting arrangements,responding to questions or enquiring about thestatus and content of projects. (2)

may refer to guidelines issued by HealthCanada and by the United States Department ofHealth and Human Services to verify that a newproduct manufacturing procedure meets therequired standards and, if not, to identify whatneeds to be done to meet them. (3)

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Essential Skills

Chemical Engineers

IntroductionChemical engineers research, design, and develop chemical processes and equipment,oversee the operation and maintenance of industrial chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical,resource, pulp, and food processing plants and perform duties related to chemical qualitycontrol, environmental protection and biochemical or biotechnical engineering. Chemicalengineers are employed in a wide range of manufacturing and processing industries,consulting firms, government, research and educational institutions.

The most important Essential Skillsfor Chemical Engineers are:

NumeracyProblem SolvingCritical Thinking

Document Sections

Reading TextDocument UseWritingNumeracyOral CommunicationThinking Skills

Problem SolvingDecision MakingCritical ThinkingJob Task Planning and OrganizingSignificant Use of MemoryFinding Information

Working with OthersComputer UseContinuous LearningNotes

A. Reading Text

ential Skills - Chemical Engineers http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/english/ShowProfile.aspx?v=316

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read federal and provincial environmentalregulations with respect to liquid and gaswaste, soil contamination and the disposal ofresidual materials. They refer to suchregulations to ensure that their chemicalprocesses and procedures are meetingapplicable standards. (3)

read equipment installation and operatingmanuals. They may read operatingspecifications in manuals to assess equipmentsuitability for tasks and plan for equipmentinstallation and commissioning. (3)

review reports on manufacturing processes toidentify successes and problems. They use theinformation contained in these reports todecide what further actions are required. Forinstance, they may read a validation failurereport outlining a potential problem with ablending process, resulting in a reduction inproduct quality at the end of the batch. (3)

read reports from chemists documenting testresults on chemical products and processes.For example, they may read a report on usingcaptisol modified cyclodextrin to improvesolubility and stability of insoluble drugs. Theymust review and evaluate the complex data andanalyses contained in each report to decidewhether or not they will support the report'sconclusions or take action on itsrecommendations. (4)

read a wide range of academic journals and

trade publications such as ChemicalEngineering, Water Environment Research orTablets and Capsules to stay abreast of newchemical equipment, products and processes.They select and read relevant articles to studyalternative solutions to particular problems.They also refer to these articles when creatingtest trials, developing theories or searchingsupportive evidence for recommendations. (4)

may assess the quality and accuracy ofscientific articles on new chemical products orprocesses before they are published in

academic journals. For instance, an engineermay be asked to review an article on theadvantages of using non-ionic polymers asprecipitants. Each of these assessmentsinvolves carefully reading a dense and complexarticle containing specialized terminologyintended for a scientific audience, and makinghigh-level inferences to provide critique in thelight of industrial and governmental regulationsand concerns. The results of the evaluation aresummarized in a short paper and given toeditorial staff for consideration. (5)

Reading Summary


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Typical

Most Complex

1 to 4

5

Chemical Engineers

scan container labels to identify enclosedchemical products, handling instructions andhazards. (1)read lists of health or environmental standardsto be met by engineering projects. (1)interpret a variety of icons to locate andnavigate through manufacturing company,professional association, university,governmental and research institute websites.(2)may review monthly labour and materialperformance tables to identify upward and

downward trending in quality, defects orefficiency. (2)scan process schematics to understand thevarious chemical processes used in themanufacturing of products and to identify howsuch processes could be improved. Forexample, they may refer to a drawing showinghow caustic soda is used in the manufacturingof shampoo to identify process stages andchemical reactions. (3)analyze graphical representations of chemicaltest results to identify inconsistencies in dataand potential correlations between variables.

This analysis may lead them to select a certainvariable for inclusion in a determinationprocess or to further refine the methodologicalapproach for subsequent test trials. (3)use information in Material Safety Data Sheetsand technical data sheets for a variety ofpurposes. They locate information about thecomposition, molecular weights, exposurelimits and handling hazards of chemicalproducts in order to determine the bestchemical product to use, design environmentalcontrols, or inform workers about safe chemicalhandling practices. Chemical engineers must

often integrate data from several sources. (3)review the scale drawings for manufacturing orprocessing plants to assess the appropriatenessand safety of the design. They takemeasurements from structural and mechanical

The symbol is explained in the Use of Symbolssection.

Type of Text

Purpose for ReadingTo scan for specific

information/To

locate information

To skim for overall

meaning, to get the

'gist'

To read the full text

to understand or to

learn

To read the full text

to critique or to

evaluate

Forms

Labels Notes, Letters,

Memos

Manuals,

Specifications,

Regulations

Reports, Books,

Journals

B. Document Use


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system drawings to check that new and existingequipment can be set up efficiently. (4)may complete cross-functional evaluationforms before signing off quality assuranceinvestigations. When a deviation from theStandard Operating Procedure (SOP) has beenbrought to their attention, they have to identifyparameters (up to thirty) for investigation andeach parameter requires the completion of a

SOP checklist. At each level of each checklist,chemical engineers have to review andintegrate information from several supportingdocuments. (5)


Read signs, labels or lists.

Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or enteringwords, phrases, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks

varies depending on what was reported.

Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses,sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies dependingon what was reported.

Read tables, schedules or other table-like text (e.g., read work shift schedules).

Create tables, schedules or other table-like text.

Enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.

Plot information on graphs (e.g. line, pie, bar).

Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.

Interpret information on graphs or charts.

Construct or draw graphs or charts.

Recognize common angles such as 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees.

Draw, sketch or form common shapes such as circles, triangles, spheres, rectangles,

squares, etc.

Interpret scale drawings (e.g. blueprints or maps).

Take measurements from scale drawings.

Examples

make sketches and hand-drawnschematic representations toillustrate proposed chemicalprocesses.create tables to analyse dataextracted from test results withrespect to such research issues as

pH levels in the drinking water, oildegradation due to fuelcontaminates, concentration oforganic compounds in bloodsamples or the loss of a chemical

through the formulations process.design tables to present information to management on proposed changes tochemical equipment, including expected costs, throughput times, target dates andshort and long term benefits.construct graphs to identify trends in test results over time and relationshipsbetween measured parameters such as cost and recovery. They include thesegraphs in recommendation reports to justify the development of new operatingprocedures for chemical quality control or environmental protection.

Document Use Summary


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Read schematic drawings (e.g. electrical schematics).

Create schematic drawings.

Make sketches.

Obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons (e.g., computer toolbars).


Typical

Most Complex

2 to 4

5

Chemical Engineers

write e-mail to other engineers, often withattached files and links to information posted atInternet sites. (2)write short memos to staff to give instructionsregarding the operation and maintenance of

chemical equipment. For example, they provideinstructions to supervisors concerning ashutdown. (2)write letters to the federal governmentjustifying why pollution ratings recorded in theNational Pollution Reporting Inventory (NPRI)have changed by more than ten percent overthe last reading. These letters must use anestablished format and contain an explanationof contributing factors such as excess rain ornew equipment. (3)update the procedures to be used bytechnicians when implementing new mixing

formulas or manufacturing processes forproducts. These procedures can be oneparagraph or several pages in length,depending on the task or process. In largemanufacturing companies, chemical engineersmay have up to one hundred procedures tokeep current, and all or most may need to beupdated when a manufacturing process isaltered. (3)draft documents recommending the purchase ofnew equipment and submit them tomanagement or clients for approval. Theselengthy documents generally include a costanalysis for various equipment options,environmental, health and safety assessments,a description of all specifications, an evaluationof several suppliers and a justification of thesupplier chosen. (4)write detailed reports for various clienteles. Forexample, chemical process engineers writechemical process trial reports for theoperations team and edit summary versions formanagement. These reports provide adescription of the trial objectives and testingprocedures, a discussion of test results and aset of conclusions. Chemical engineeringconsultants write preliminary, progress andfinal reports for their clients addressing thespecific technical, process, environmental andresource management issues under study. (4)may write articles for scientific journals,

C. Writing


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conference proceedings or other researchpublications. The articles usually involveexplaining the research protocols, describingthe difficulties encountered in conducting theinvestigation and applying scientific principlesto analyze data. The writing must present adetailed discussion of results obtained andcomment on their statistical significance. Forexample, a chemical engineer might report on

series of experiments which explore the use ofhydrofluorocarbons (HFC) as an alternativeblowing agent for extruded polystyrene. (5)

Writing Summary

Task Complexity Level

Chemical Engineers

prepare expense reports for out of town businesstravel, taking into account the number of days andkilometres travelled, a per kilometre rate, thechargeable unit costs for the room and meals andthe applicable taxes. (Money Math), (2)establish and monitor schedules and budgets forshort and long term projects involving the testingand approval of chemical products and processes.They ensure that expenses incurred for humanresources, materials and equipment are fullycovered by the budget and that projects are

progressing within timelines. They frequently haveto adjust schedules and budgets because ofunexpected events or unforeseen problems.(Scheduling, Budgeting & Accounting Math), (4)time processes, such as the process of formulating

Money Math

2

Scheduling,

Budgeting &

Accounting Math

4

Measurement and

Calculation Math

1 to 5

Data Analysis

Math

1 to 5

1 to 4


Length

Purpose for Writing

To

organize/to

remember

To keep a

record/to

document

To

inform/to

request

information

To

persuade/to

justify a

request

To present

an analysis

or

comparison

To

present

an

evaluationor critique

To

entertain

Text

requiring

less than

one

paragraph

of new

text

Text

rarely

requiring

more than

one

paragraph

Longer

text

D. Numeracy


Examples

MathSkills


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and injecting a compound, to ensure that it can beaccomplished within certain time limits.(Measurement and Calculation Math), (1)calculate and measure out the liquid volumes thatneed to be added when preparing chemical mixturesor solutions. They perform these calculations usingratios, rates and percentages. (Measurement andCalculation Math), (2)plan the placement of new equipment using scale

drawings. This involves measuring scale distances,converting them to actual distances and calculatingareas, volumes and perimeters. (Measurement andCalculation Math), (3)use specialized measuring instruments and methodsto monitor the values of one or more parametersduring lab experiments and trial production runs.For example, a chemical engineer may calculate thepercentage of solid contaminants in fluids byconducting a gravimetric analysis. (Measurementand Calculation Math), (4)use advanced mathematical methods and controlalgorithms to model chemical reactions and

chemical processing equipment. For instance, theymay set the parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller using the LaplaceTransform or compute the convolution of atime-delayed signal using the Fast FourierTransform (FFT). (Measurement and CalculationMath), (5)compare readings of such variables as temperatureor chlorine concentration to acceptable ranges.(Data Analysis Math), (1)analyse monthly data on labour and materialperformance to identify problem areas whichdeserve further investigation and to depict trends

over time in quality, defects or efficiency. (DataAnalysis Math), (2)analyse data on the composition of chemicalfeedstocks to determine the best product for eachprocess or operation. For example, they maycompare the percentage by weight of calciumhydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, dolomite,magnesium oxide and crystalline silica in DolomiticHydrated Lime to similar data found for severalalternative products. (Data Analysis Math), (3)may choose a number of variables related to aprocess and evaluate the relative effect of eachvariable through an analysis of variance. For

example, for the injection molding process, theymay identify the main variables that affect thedensity of an extrusion foamed polystyreneamongst the blowing agent composition, thetemperature of the molten polymer and the resingrade. (Data Analysis Math), (4)identify optimal measurements and testingstrategies, potential sources of bias andmethodological techniques to detect the presence ofchemicals. For example, they may use the flashpoint technique to detect the presence of fuelcontaminants in lubricating oil or develop a test tomeasure the concentration of organic compounds in

blood samples. Once test results have beencollected, they have to perform statistical testing tomeasure the confidence level of results. (DataAnalysis Math), (5)estimate the time required to prepare a presentation

Numerical

Estimation


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for management or clients, based on experience.(Numerical Estimation), (1)estimate their quarterly budgets for site or plantmaintenance based on past requirements. Mostinformation is known however there must be anallowance given for unexpected equipmentbreakdowns. (Numerical Estimation), (2)estimate the number of extended trial runs requiredto obtain a valid statistical correlation between

various data. Many factors are involved in theestimate and a fair degree of precision is requiredto ensure the scientific validity of results.(Numerical Estimation), (3)estimate the potential costs and benefits ofproposed industrial processes. For example, theymay estimate the cost of building and operating afacility for composting the sludge from waste watertreatment as part of an economic feasibility study.Estimating operating costs can be a challenge dueto the unknown quantity and characteristics of thesludge to be treated by the facility. (NumericalEstimation), (4)

Number Concepts Whole Numbers Read and write, count, round off, add or subtract,

multiply or divide whole numbers.For example, writing days travelled on an expense

report; counting the number of control valvesrequired for a process; multiplying trial runs whenpreparing budgets.

Integers Read and write, add or subtract, multiply or divideintegers.For example, monitoring budget deviations.

Rational Numbers -Fractions

Read and write, add or subtract fractions, multiply ordivide by a fraction, multiply or divide fractions.For example, reading floor plan measurements infractions of an inch from scale drawings; subtractingthe dimensions of new equipment from floor plandimensions to ensure sufficient clearance.

Rational Numbers -

Decimals

Read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals,

multiply or divide by a decimal, multiply or dividedecimals.For example, reading molecular weights on MaterialSafety Data Sheets; calculating labour costs for sitemaintenance using hourly rates.

Rational Numbers -Percent

Read and write percents, calculate the percent onenumber is of another, calculate a percent of anumber.For example, reading and writing the percentage byweight of calcium hydroxide in chemical feedstock;calculating the percentage of active ingredients in atablet.

Equivalent Rational

Numbers

Convert between fractions and decimals or

percentages.Convert between decimals and percentages.expressing component vapour pressure as a fractionor percentage of total pressure.

Other Real Numbers Use powers and roots, scientific notation, significant

Summary

a. Mathematical Foundations Used



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digits.For example, reading the exposure limits of chemicalcomponents expressed in mg/m3; reporting onlyhundreds of micrograms in chemical analysis reports.

Patterns andRelations

Equations andFormulae

Solve problems by constructing and solving equationswith one unknown.

Use formulae by inserting quantities for variables andsolving.Write, simplify and solve two variable algebraicproblems.Write, simplify and solve quadratic equations.For example, constructing a formula to calculate therequired volume for the precipitation of a solute as afunction of its molecular weight; resolving a systemof differential equations to simulate the injectioncycle of a moulding process; solving systems ofequations with multiple unknowns using numerical orcomputational methods.

Use of Rate, Ratio and

Proportion

Use a rate showing comparison between two

quantities with different units.Use a ratio showing comparison between twoquantities with the same units.Use a proportion showing comparison between tworatios or rates in order to solve problems.For example, mixing chemical solutions to an mg/mlconcentration; comparing the duration of twoprocesses using a ratio; scaling chemical componentsfor different production volumes.

Using scale drawings.

Shape and SpatialSense Measurement

ConversionsPerform measurement conversions.For example, converting foreign product andequipment dimensions and capacities from Imperialto SI measuring units.

Areas, Perimeters,Volumes

Calculate areas.Calculate perimeters.Calculate volumes.For example, calculating the available floor space fornew equipment; calculating the liquid volume whenmixing solutions.

Geometry Use geometry.

For example, calculating the slope angle from fieldmeasurements to ascertain optimum drainage.

Trigonometry Use trigonometry.For example, using trigonometry to decompose theresponse of a fluid to a deformation into real andimaginary components.

Recognizing common angles.

Drawing, sketching and forming common forms andfigures.

Statistics andProbability

Summary Calculations Calculate averages.Calculate rates other than percentages.


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Calculate proportions or ratios.For example, calculating averages across sets ofreadings of variables such as temperature, pH orchlorine concentration; determining specific gravityor bulk density by calculating the mass/volume ratio;calculating cost in dollars per unit; calculating theproportions of budget amounts assigned to labour,materials and equipment.

Statistics and

Probability

Use descriptive statistics (e.g. collecting, classifying,

analyzing and interpreting data).For example, calculating medians, means, standarddeviations and confidence intervals when analysingthe results of tests to detect the presence ofchemicals; using linear regression to derive a simplemathematical model between two variables, such astemperature and pressure, monitored during achemical reaction; designing experiments usingaccepted practices such as the analysis of variance toprovide the required information while minimizing thenumber of trials.

Using tables, schedules or other table-like text.

Using graphical presentations.


In their heads.

Using a pen and paper.

Using a calculator.

Using a computer.


Time. For example, using a clock, a watch, a stopwatch or an instrument timer.

Weight or mass. For example, using a scale.

Distance or dimension. For example, using a tape measure, a ruler or a micrometer.

Liquid volume. For example, using a test tube, a graduated cylinder, a syringe or aflow meter.

Temperature. For example, using a thermometer, an infrared sensor or athermocouple.

Pressure. For example, using a gauge or a transducer.

Angles. For example, using a protractor or calliper.

pH, surface tension or viscosity. For example, using a wide range of specialized

b. How Calculations are Performed

c. Measurement Instruments Used


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measuring equipment.

Resistance and amperage. For example, using an ammeter or multimeter.

Use the SI (metric) measurement system.

Using the imperial measurement system.

E. Oral Communication


Typical

Most Complex

1 to 4

4

Chemical Engineers

talk to suppliers to obtain quotes and specificationsheets on raw materials. (1)speak to technicians, technologists, tradespeople,maintenance workers and process operators togive routine instructions and exchange information

about site operation and maintenance. (1)interact with other engineers and scientists toshare information on testing equipment, materialsand data, or to discuss budget, staffingrequirements, scheduling and deadlines forcommon projects. (2)communicate with chemists and other laboratoryworkers to monitor the progress in testingoperations, to clarify test results and to ensurethat everyone is staying within established testingparameters so as to generate useable data. (3)participate in regular meetings with staff to discussa wide range of topics including environment,

health, safety, production and quality. At thesemeetings, they may present information onincreases or decreases in yields, process orproduction incidents, and quality control results.(3)facilitate meetings to review technical reportsproposing changes to chemical processes,equipment or products to resolve issues related toenvironmental protection. They present theirfindings and recommendations in a concise andpersuasive manner and then open the floor toquestions. There may be a variety of stakeholdersinvolved in the meeting such as clients, plant

managers and chemical engineers from partnerorganizations, research institutes, educationalinstitutions, consulting firms, professionalassociations or government departments. (4)lead problem-solving and process improvementsessions with small and large groups ofemployees. The chemical engineer's role is tomonitor and support the group, through a varietyof exercises and settings, in discovering andanalyzing problems and developing solutions. Atthe end of each session, the engineer facilitatesthe synthesis of information and guides the groupin the development of a series of process

improvement recommendations which can bepresented to clients, plant managers andco-workers. The engineer's team building andmanagement skills may be evaluated based on thesuccess of these meetings. (4)


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In person.

Using a telephone.

Others e.g. video conferencing, public address system.

Some of the equipment used in processing plants can be quite noisy creating difficultenvironments for oral communication.

Environmental Factors Affecting Communication

Oral Communication Summary

Modes of Communication Used


Type

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part I)

To greetTo take

messages

To

provide/receive

information,

explanation,

direction

To seek, obtain

information

To co-ordinate

work with that

of others

To

reassure,

comfort

Listening (little or no

interaction)

Speaking (little or nointeraction)

Interact with

co-workers

Interact with those

you supervise or

direct

Interact with

supervisor/manager

Interact with peers

and colleagues from

other organization

Interact with

customers/clients/

public

Interact with

suppliers, servicers

Participate in group

discussion

Present information

to a small group

Present information

to a large group


Type

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part II)To discuss

(exchange

information,

opinions)

To persuadeTo facilitate,

animate

To instruct,

instill

understanding,

knowledge

To negotiate,

resolve conflict

To

entertain


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F. Thinking Skills

1. Problem Solving

Tasks Complexity Level ExamplesTypical

Most Complex

2 to 4

4

Chemical Engineers

encounter human resource problems in theirproject teams such as skill shortages. They meetwith senior management to outline the issue andfind solutions. For example, they may discusswhether funding can be made available to recruitteam members with the expertise needed. (2)discover that projects as designed do not meettheir objectives. For example, they may realize

near the end of a process validation project thatthe number of trials left will not be sufficient tocreate a statistically valid analysis. They estimatethe number of extended trial runs required toobtain a valid correlation between the data and askmanagement or clients to extend the life of theproject. If they cannot obtain a project extension,they have to find ways of extrapolating existingdata to increase their validity. (3)may receive complaints that governmentalregulations are not being met. For example, plantemployees may complain that specific chemicalprocesses do not respect current health and safetyregulations. In such instances, engineers promptlymeet with the workers, the union stewards andsupervisors. They listen carefully to the workers'complaints and to the other parties' points of viewon the matter. They guide the group in coming up

Listening (little or no

interaction)

Speaking (little or no

interaction)

Interact with

co-workers

Interact with those

you supervise or

direct

Interact with

supervisor/manager

Interact with peers

and colleagues from

other organization

Interact with

customers/clients/

public

Interact with

suppliers, servicers

Participate in group

discussion

Present informationto a small group

Present information

to a large group

Other InformationChemical Engineers in bilingual communities may be required to speak in both official languages.


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with a workable solution that will satisfy healthand safety regulations. (3)may observe in processing plants that batchquality is decreasing or has reached unacceptablelevels that will result in batch failure. They reviewall inputs to the process, check schematicdiagrams of the plant's piping, discuss processeswith operators and co-workers and reviewmaintenance records. They identify the source of

the failure and determine protocols required to testthe validity of any changes made. They ensure thatall operating and maintenance protocols requiringrevision are updated and that appropriate trainingoccurs. (4)

Typical

Most Complex

2 to 3

3

Chemical Engineers

select software to simulate chemical reactions orprocessing conditions, predict potential problemsand test solutions. For each available option, theyhave to review underlying hypotheses prior tomaking their decision. (2)decide which jobs to assign to the variousengineers, technicians and technologists on staff.They make their decisions based on individualstrengths and weaknesses, experiences andabilities to meet deadlines. (2)choose types of graphs to use to displayinformation relevant to chemical processes orproducts. They consider the strengths andlimitations of each graph for expressing particulartypes of data, the message they want to emphasizeand the level of technical expertise of theiraudience. (2)decide which chemical product to use for various

projects. Their decisions are based on a review ofinformation found in Material Safety Data Sheetsand technical data sheets relating to thecomposition, molecular weights, exposure limits,handling hazards and other characteristics ofchemical products. A selection error may havesignificant cost implications. (3)decide how end users and maintenance employeeswill be trained to use new equipment safely andefficiently. Before making their decisions, theyhave to study several options for trainingresources, location, duration and delivery based oncost and availability. They may have to take into

account employee overtime needs in terms ofoff-shift training or replacement. Past trainingdecisions provide only limited guidance since theydo not relate to the same equipment. (3)

Complexity Level

Description

2. Decision Making


3. Critical ThinkingTasks Complexity Level ExamplesTypical

2 to 4

Chemical Engineers


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Most Complex

4 evaluate the conformity of a chemical productwith specifications submitted to the supplier.They review quality control reports and performstatistical analyses of data to verify aspectssuch as the colour, viscosity and purity of theproduct. They may refuse a product as a resultof their evaluation. (2)evaluate the performance of salaried employees

using pre-established evaluation grids. As partof the assessment, they determine the extent towhich employees have met their various projectobjectives and respected health, safety andenvironmental policies and procedures. Theirconclusions may lead to recommendations fornew job assignments, further training or salaryincreases. (2)assess the appropriateness of the installationand configuration of new equipment. Theirassessments are based on a review of drawingsrepresenting the equipment layout; estimationof expected downtime; and a detailed analysis

of how the changes will affect equipment usersand maintenance employees. (3)assess the adverse health, personnel safety andenvironmental effects of proposed processtechnologies. They have to review all the laws,regulations, standards and industry codesrelevant to this process technology. They haveto estimate the increased or reduced emissionswhich this technology would generate. Theythen have to determine if adequate measurescould be designed to address the noise level,dust and heat generation, physical exertion andergonomic issues resulting from the

implementation of this process technology. (4)evaluate the adequacy of measures proposed toremedy a decrease in the quality of chemicalproducts. When a deviation from acceptableranges has been brought to their attention,they identify several parameters and requestthat each of them be investigated by their staff.Once the investigation has been conducted,they review all supporting documents to ensurethat all factors have been evaluated, that thesource of the problem has been identified andthat plans have been designed to providecorrective actions and preventative measures

for the future. (4)may be asked to judge the quali ty andcompleteness of articles for publication injournals and trade magazines. For instance, achemical engineer may be asked by a peer toreview an article on the advantages of usingnon-ionic polymers as precipitants. Theengineer evaluates the article based on thesoundness of the methodological approach, thevalidity of research outcomes, the consistencyof explanations and results obtained, the clarityof text and the appropriateness of conclusionsmade in the light of health, safety and

environmental regulations. (4)

4. Job Task Planning and Organizing


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Complexity Level Description4 Own job planning and organizing

Chemical engineers work in a dynamic environment with manyconflicting demands on their time. Their work is team-orientedso that they must integrate their own tasks and workschedules with those of a team of engineers and scientists todevelop and monitor action plans, processes and proceduresto optimize production, maintain or improve quality and

address health, safety and environmental protection issues.Their ability to work on several projects at the same time anddetermine priorities is critical to their jobs. Breakdowns,emergencies and changing corporate priorities can affect theirwork resulting in their re-prioritizing and re-sequencing of jobtasks.

Planning and organizing for others

Chemical engineers may contribute expertise to long-term andstrategic planning for their organizations and play a centralrole in organizing, planning and scheduling day to dayoperations in chemical processing units or plants. They arealso responsible for training and assigning tasks to techniciansand technologists assisting them with the operation andmaintenance of such facilities.

5. Significant Use of Memory

Examples

remember security codes to access several computers.

remember formulations to prepare regularly used chemical mixtures.

remember toxic properties of chemicals to take precautionary steps.

recall the names of the many engineers, scientists, technicians and technologistsworking with them to facilitate communication.

remember the acceptable range of values for each parameter to be controlledduring process experiments.

6. Finding Information


Typical

Most Complex

1 to 4

4

Chemical Engineers

refer to textbooks to find formulas such asevaporation and heat transfer formulas. (1)refer to chemical abstracts, Material SafetyData Sheets and manufacturers' data sheets tofind technical information about chemicalproducts. They may refer to several sourceswhen selecting a product for a project. (3)find solutions to manufacturing and chemicalprocessing problems by reading researchpapers and technical reports. They need tocritically evaluate, analyse, synthesize andintegrate information from a wide range ofsources, including the Internet, to developinnovative solutions. (4)


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G. Working with Others

3 Chemical engineers perform some tasks independently but moregenerally work with a team of technicians, technologists, engineers,chemists and other scientists. They may work independently whensimulating changes to a process or analyzing test data, but theirother tasks are carried out with team members. They work closelywith management to realize corporate objectives. They collaboratewith process operators and maintenance personnel to enhanceprocesses, improve operating parameters and complete shutdownmaintenance. They coordinate their own work with that of otherengineers and scientists to perform experiments and trials onchemical materials, engineering processes and equipment and tofind solutions to problems related to optimization, quality control,health, safety or environmental protection. They consult andcollaborate with a variety of stakeholders such as manufacturers,research institutes, educational institutions, consulting firms, lawfirms, national and provincial professional associations or guilds andgovernment departments to ascertain that chemical products,equipment and processes are safe and in conformity with standards.They supervise technicians and technologists in the operation andmaintenance of chemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, resource, pulp,and food or other processing units or plants. They may also mentorengineering students and junior engineers in internship programsand cooperative initiatives as well as on work teams.


Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.

Have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.

Monitor the work performance of others.

Inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.

Orient new employees.

Make hiring recommendations.

Make hiring decisions.

Select contractors and suppliers.

Assign routine tasks to other workers.

Assign new or unusual tasks to other workers.

Identify training that is required by, or would be useful for, other workers.

Deal with other workers' grievances or complaints.


Typical 2 to 4Chemical Engineers

Participation in Supervisory or Leadership Activities

H. Computer Use


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MostComplex

4 use Internet exploration software. For example,they use Internet Explorer or Netscape to locatechemical manufacturer websites and searchscientific articles on chemical engineeringtopics. (2)use communications software. For example,they use Outlook or WebMail to send e-mailmessages with attached documents to project

team members on their distribution list. (2)use word processing software. For example,they use Word to write lengthy operating,maintenance and investigation reports. Tocreate these reports, they import tables andgraphics from other applications and useformatting features such as page numbering,heading levels, indices, columns and footnotes.(3)use database management software. Forexample, they use Access or FoxPro to createdata entry forms, enter and retrieve data fromtrial test runs and run data queries, interfacing

the database with a spreadsheet to observetrending. (3)use spreadsheet software. For example, theyuse Excel to create scheduling and budgetingspreadsheets, establish project timelines,monitor the progress of project activities andtasks and track project expenditures. (3)use graphics software. For example, they usePowerPoint to design presentations formanagement or clients which outline processchanges and analyze production data. To createthese presentations, they import processlayouts drawn with Visio, photographs

prepared with Photoshop, as well as wordprocessing files and spreadsheet tablesgenerated with other software. (4)may use statistical analysis software. Forexample, they may use KaleidaGraph orSigmaPlot to analyse trial or test results, plotlinear functions, calculate means, medians,standard deviations, confidence intervals andperform linear regressions. (4)may use specialized and industry-specificsimulation and modeling software. Forexample, they may use software to simulatespecific processes, such as the biological

treatment of waste water, to predict potentialproblems and to test solutions. (4)

Complexity Level Description4

Chemical engineers are required to continually update their skillsand knowledge of chemical products, equipment and processes tokeep up with technological progress and changes in health, safetyand environmental regulations. On a day-to-day basis, they acquirenew learning by discussing with co-workers and colleagues and byreading information found in scientific journals, newsletters,

magazines, textbooks, CD-ROMs and websites, as well as in researchreports and governmental publications. Chemical engineers aregoverned by the engineering society or guild of the province inwhich they practice. They may be required to develop their ownlearning plan and attend conferences, seminars, workshops or

I. Continuous Learning

Forinformationon research,definitions,

and scalingprocesses ofEssentialSkillsProfiles,


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university courses.

How Learning Occurs

Learning may be acquired:

As part of regular work activity.

From co-workers.

Through training offered in the workplace.

Through reading or other forms of self-studyat work.on worker's own time.using materials available through work.using materials obtained through a professional association orunion.using materials obtained on worker's own initiative.

Through off-site trainingduring working hours at no cost to the worker.partially subsidized.with costs paid by the worker.


J. Other Information

In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, ourinterviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.

Physical Aspects

Chemical Engineers are required to sit and analyse data for a portion oftheir time. They stand, walk, bend and crouch to observe machinery ortesting equipment. Chemical Engineers use upper limb coordination toenter data onto computers, operate cameras and video equipment andmove testing materials in and out of machines. Chemical Engineersrequire medium strength to move and lift various pieces of equipment.Depending on product, manufacturing process, or field of practice,chemical engineers may depend on colour, smell or touch to carry outchemical assays or complete quality control tests.

Attitudes

In order to find solutions to problems related to the optimization ofchemical processes and to the safety of chemical products, chemicalengineers must be detail-oriented, mathematically inclined and creativeteam players who are able to capitalize on co-workers' skills andknowledge and to synthesize information from a wide range of sources.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills

Computer software programs are increasingly used by chemical

pleaseconsult theReaders'Guide toEssentialSkillsProfiles.


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engineers to simulate chemical processes, predict potential problemsand test solutions. The constant evolution in automation will place anincreasing demand on them to continue to develop high-level computerskills, while maintaining the necessary critical analysis skills required toevaluate simulation results. Moreover, as chemical engineers becomemore involved in multi-disciplinary teams with physicians, chemists andother scientists, they will need enhanced skills in oral communication,writing and working with others.

K. Notes

This profile is based on interviews with job incumbents across Canada and validatedthrough consultation with industry experts across the country.

Date Modified: 2012-09-20


essential skills - chemical engineers

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