What is Chemical and Bioengineering?
Definition
Chemical and Bioengineering, also known as process engineering, is the engineering discipline that deals with the development and optimization of processes for material transformation. This involves changes in the composition, type, or properties of substances. This transformation is carried out purposefully in several steps and can encompass chemical, physical, as well as biological processes. The goal is to produce products that exhibit specific properties and qualities. A major focus is placed on the efficiency of the processes to make them economically viable and sustainable.
Process Flow
The process of material transformation is typically divided into two main phases:
Upstream processes: These involve the preparation and treatment of raw materials. This includes steps such as grinding, mixing, dissolving, separating, or general preparation of the starting materials.
Downstream processes: These comprise the processing and refinement of intermediate and final products. This includes separation of product mixtures, purification, drying, and packaging.
A more illustrative explanation, please?
Process engineering can be illustratively compared to a kitchen or a laboratory. In a kitchen, ingredients (raw materials) are transformed into dishes (products) through various cooking techniques (processes). Here, the individual steps must be precisely coordinated to achieve a successful final product. Upstream steps include, for example, washing and cutting ingredients, while downstream steps might involve removing spice bags, garnishing with chives, or simply plating and serving.
However, a significant aspect of process engineering is the so-called scale-up, which is the transfer of processes from small laboratory or pilot plants (private kitchen) to large-scale industrial production facilities (canteen/cafeteria). This step is particularly challenging because processes do not always behave linearly and require special adjustments to function safely, efficiently, and economically on a larger scale.
Process engineering is a key technology used in many industries, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, food technology, and environmental engineering. It enables the efficient and sustainable production of products that are indispensable to our daily lives.
Overview of the different areas of process engineering
What exactly is Chemical and Bioengineering? What is it like to study it at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH)?
If you want to find out, watch the following interview films, for example, the two interviews with five students of the Chemical and Bioengineering degree program at TUHH or the individual interviews.
Vico provides insights into his bachelor’s thesis on aerogels and his motivation for studying Chemical and Bioengineering.
Fernando, a research associate at the Institute of Technical Biocatalysis at TUHH, explains what the “Chemical and Bioengineering” degree program at TUHH entails.
Victoria studied Bio-Process Engineering (now Bio- and Chemical Engineering) at the Hamburg University of Technology and is a gifted scout. She talks about why she decided to study at a technical university and what she likes so much about Bio-Process Engineering.