Chemical Engineering on Google News

Article Title: Engineering a Better Biofuel

Publication: Washington University in St. Louis, theSource
Date: August 10, 2016
Fuzhong Zhang and his team of researchers from the Department of
Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at Washington
University in St. Louis, have found a method to use E. coli bacteria
more efficiently. E. coli has chemical properties that are able to be used
in the production of biofuels and pharmaceuticals. One major problem
in the processing of E. coli has been the creation of a less usable
byproduct, straight-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in large amounts compared
to the desired product, branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA). SCFA and
BCFA are difficult to separate, meaning it requires a high amount of
energy, which leads to an expensive fuel. Zhang has found low-cost
methods to obtain at least 80% purity of BCFA, making the fuel much
higher quality. In the production of these branched chain fuels, other
chemicals can also be produced and isolated, one of which has served
effectively as an anti-tumor compound. Obtaining the compound at the
same time as BCFA fuel creates a more cost-effective method to
producing both products.
Chemical Engineering on Google Books
Title: Chemical Engineering: The Essential Reference
Publisher: McGraw Hill Education
Date: 2013
This book offers information necessary to solving problems within the
chemical engineering industry. It does not address theoretical
concepts or mathematic proofs, but rather serves as a resource to
problems faced by a chemical engineer in industry. This reference can
be utilized by beginners and experienced engineers alike. It has an
introductory section, which offers basic calculation techniques and
information necessary when using thermodynamics, fluid mechanics,
and heat and mass transfer. Data is provided in tables and figures to
be used in calculation. In addition to this, it offers more advanced
information in topics such as purchasing equipment and project
management. In addition to information needed specifically for solving
chemical engineering problems, this publication also offers material on
legal issues, such as patents and copyrights, and as well as ethics of
the profession.