The Role of Chemical Engineering in Cement Industry

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that uses principles of chemistry, physics,

mathematics, and economics to efficiently use, produce, transform, and transport chemicals, materials,
and energy. A chemical engineer designs large-scale processes that convert chemicals, raw materials,
living cells, microorganisms, and energy into useful forms and products.

Chemical engineers are involved in many aspects of plant design and operation, including safety
and hazard assessments, process design and analysis, control engineering, chemical reaction engineering,
construction specification, and operating instructions.

Cement is a mixture of chemical compounds that are hydraulic, meaning that if mixed in water in
a certain amount will bind other materials into a mass unit that can solidify and harden. In general, cement
can be defined as an adhesive material that can glue solid parts into a strong and compact form.
In the cement industry, chemical engineers play a role in the design and maintenance of chemical
engineering processes. Chemical engineers are able to change the process to be simpler or more
complicated to get high-quality cement. Chemical engineers must understand the processes that will be
effective for making cement, starting with limestone, and also the process tools that must be used.

There are several things that chemical engineers do in a cement plant. The process of cement
manufacturing includes many physical and chemical processes (like, grinding, drying,
hydration/dehydration, transportation, others). The roles of chemical engineers include, but not limited
to, design, manage, and control these processes, as well as quality control of materials at all stages of
production. In addition, chemical engineers also work in labs and can be the director of the whole plant
and different departments. So, chemical engineers play key roles in a cement manufacturing plant.

Chemical engineers are also responsible for the research and development that has happended
over the years which has given the construction industry some improved and fascinating products, most
importantly chemical admixtures like plasticizers, super-plasicizers, air-entraining agents and some others
which allow construction of structures in marine and harsh environments (mostly arid regions and
underground).

In conclusion, a chemical engineers have knowledge about the basic operation principles of kiln
and mills, Basic understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, size reduction processes, chemistry
of cement, Proficiency in computer systems those dealing with the control strategy of cement
manufacturing process, To be able to climb stacks and other high points for doing measurements, To be
able to enter confined areas for inspection and sampling, Strong analytical skill and should be innovative.
That is why chemical engineers are suitable to work at cement industry.