The American Institution of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) defines chemical engineering as a branch of engineering that is concerned with the application of physical and natural sciences that is gained through study, experience, and practice with good judgment to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of humankind. Thus, the discipline involves all aspects of the industrial processes that, in the broadest sense, convert raw materials into higher-value products using combinations of physical, chemical, thermal, biochemical and mechanical changes. Chemical engineers apply their specialised knowledge in the petroleum, food, minerals processing, power generation and the paper and pulp industries, water and effluent treatment, and environmental engineering activities, including air pollution control. Like those in other engineering disciplines, chemical engineers are involved in research and development, techno-economic evaluation, equipment and plant design, process control and optimisation, construction, commissioning, operation and management, and the marketing and distribution of the final products.

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