internet resource guide for chemical...

Internet Resource Guide for Chemical

Engineers

Written by: Blake Burger

February 9th, 2015

Table of Contents

Contents of this Guide Page 3

Audience of this Guide Page 3

Assumptions of this Guide Page 3

Organization of this Guide Page 4

Tips of this Guide Page 4

Researching in the Private Sector Page 5

Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data Page 6

SciFinder Scholar Page 7

Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, Eighth Edition Page 8

Researching in the Government Sector Page 9

Statistical Abstract of the United States Page 10

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications Page 11-12

Getting Connected Page 13

American Institute of Chemical Engineers Page 14

United States Patent and Trademark Office Page 15

Engineering Dictionary Page 16

Contents of this Guide

This guide contains eight resources for Chemical Engineers to use for many different purposes.

A professional journal, an index of periodicals, a handbook, The Statistical Abstract of the

United States, The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, a professional organization,

patents and intellectual property of the United States, and a specialized dictionary are all

included below and summarized for convenience.

Audience of this Guide

This guide is written for all individuals with an undergraduate degree (minimum) in Chemical

Engineering. Specifically, this guide is geared towards recent graduates in search of information

gathering sites. Many Chemical Engineering students in a masters or doctoral program may find

this useful in their research projects, and many engineers new on the job may need to do

further research in their areas of expertise.

As a secondary audience, more advanced Chemical Engineers may use this guide to inform

themselves about new sources of information. It is very important for all Chemical Engineers to

stay updated on the newest research topics and where to find them.

While this guide contains extensive vocabulary in reference to Chemical Engineering, it is

strongly recommended for young students to try and comprehend some of the terms in this

guide; these resources will be in their future, and becoming familiar with these early will

provide a huge benefit near the end of schooling.

Assumptions of this Guide

Much of the vocabulary in this guide assumes a general understanding of Chemical Engineering

topics. The readers of this document should be interested in research and/or new procedures

related to this field; a general interest of involvement in the Chemical Engineering community is

also assumed.

Organization of this Guide

This guide is organized into three sections. The first section (Researching in the Private Sector)

includes sources for gathering information published by private companies and research

groups. The second section (Researching in the Government Sector) includes sources for

gathering information published by the government sector. The final section (Getting

Connected) includes various sources such as The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, The

United States’ Patent and Trademark Office, and a specialized dictionary; these offer one

opportunities to get involved with other engineers.

Tips of this Guide

Read about the contents, audience, assumptions, and organization in order to read this

document efficiently and with the correct purpose.

The links inside the document may become “dead” at any point. A quick Google Search

may provide proficiency while finding the sources discussed in this guide.

Each source discussed below has a different purpose to Chemical Engineers. Be sure to

read the subtitle of each entry, as this provides the type of source provided.

Researching in the Private Sector

The Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data

Professional Journal

Location:

http://pubs.acs.org/journal/jceaax

Accessibility:

Abstracts of articles are available, but payment is required to view all articles. All articles

are downloadable as .pdf, .html, or can be ordered for reprinting.

Editor and Publisher:

Joan F. Brennecke, Ph.D.

ACS Publications

Abstract:

The Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data is a professional journal focusing on data

obtained from experimental or computational research. This collection focuses primarily on

phase behavior, transport phenomena, and physical and thermodynamic properties of well-

defined materials and complex mixtures, but this journal does not provide data on natural

adsorption since the composition of these materials is not generally known. The scope of this

journal covers topics that include thermophysical properties of quantum chemistry, molecular

simulation, molecular calculations, and experimental techniques. As a chemical engineer, one

must frequently define the properties of a system or group of systems by referencing equations

of state, reaction rate equations, and transport equations; this journal can be used to research

new methods one can use to define systems of specific components.

Tips:

While navigating this journal, one should be careful not to click any links relocating

the researcher back to the publisher, ACS Publications, which contains many

professional journals.

One looking for articles on a specific topic may use the yellow search bar in the

upper right hand corner; one searching for a specific volume and page may use the

citation tab, and one may use the “Subject Search” tab to choose from a long

predetermined list of topics the article covers.

SciFinder Scholar

Index of Periodicals

Location:

https://scifinder.cas.org

Or go to “libraries.psu.edu”

Click on “databases” on the search bar

Click “C,”

Choose “Chemical Abstracts” and follow the link to SciFinder Scholar.

Accessibility:

Access to this index of periodicals is limited to individuals with a user account. This

account comes free to Penn State students, faculty, and staff with registration, but others must

purchase an accessibility plan at http://www.cas.org.

Abstract:

SciFinder Scholar is a database of journal articles related to primary research of

chemicals and chemical reactions. These articles have origins from Chemical Abstracts (1907-

present), Medline, the CA Registry File, CAS Reacts, and ChemCats. As a Chemical Engineer, one

must identify various reaction properties given certain conditions. SciFinder Scholar provides

one the ability to research publications using these reactions for various experiments. These

articles define the conditions of the reaction and provide various properties at those

conditions.

Tips:

Scifinder Scholar allows one to search chemicals and/or their reactions using various

criteria. Under the explore tab, one can choose from “References,” “Substances,” or

“Reactions.” If one would like to research a molecule by structure or a reaction by a

structural diagram, there is an online drawing tool provided.

Scifinder Scholar provides the ability to save searches. If one must search a complex

topic, or a topic with a lot of hits, it may be more efficient to save the search. Saved

searches can be found under the “Saved Searches” tab.

Scifinder Scholar provides a place to organize thoughts. One can draw structures,

chemical reactions, and link papers in a large white space. This feature can be found

under the “SciPlanner” tab.

Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, Eighth Edition

Handbook

Location:

Can be found on amazon.com

ISBN#: 978-0702040429

Accessibility:

This handbook can be purchased online at the current prices: $155.02 new, $129.95

used, or unknown for a Kindle version.

Authors:

Don Green and Robert Perry

Abstract:

Perry’s Chemcial Engineers’ Handbook allows one access to a wealth of information used

by Chemical Engineers every day. This handbook features tables for unit conversion, a generous

section about chemical and physical data, and descriptions encompassing the newest

technologies of the field. The newest version of this book has information covering related

mathematics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, fluid and particle reaction kinetics,

process control, process economics, transport of fluids, heat transfer equipment, psychrometry,

evaporative cooling, solid drying, distillation, and many other topics about procedure

development and optimization. Any Chemical Engineer can use this book to look up physical

values, obtain help with calculations, and read up on process techniques and procedures.

Tips:

This book is to be used only with common chemical engineering practices and

procedures; this book is provided to sum up information already known to Chemical

Engineers. There are also some tables on common chemicals one encounters. This

book will be useless for outdated, rarer topics.

Researching in the Government Sector

Geography and Environment

Statistical Abstract of the United States

Location:

Specific Document: https://www.census.gov/prod/2011pubs/12statab/geo.pdf

Enitre Census: https://www.census.gov/prod/www/statistical_abstract.html

Accessibility:

This census allows access to anyone. It is also available in print.

Abstract:

The “Statistical Abstract of the United States” is a collection of many different surveys

conducted in United States. Topics include population, health and nutrition, elections, labor

force and employment earnings, prices, science and technology, agriculture, manufactures,

transportation etcetera; the census is also sorted by year as well. Even though a standard

Chemical Engineer may need to rarely use these documents, some of them may be useful for

various different applications. For instance, if a Chemical Engineer wants to design a new

process with a particular emission, that engineer may look at Geography and Environment in

order to see pollution statistics for said chemical. The engineer can then decide whether to

make inert chemicals out of the byproduct (which is more expensive), or the engineer can

choose to ignore that chemical’s pollution if it is insignificant. Further exploration of this

resource may be needed to use it to its full potential.

Tips:

In order to make accurate decisions based on the data provided, it may be required to

go back several years in order to collect more data.

Some of the surveys present statistical averages dating back several years. Careful

consideration must be taken to ensure accurate interpretation of the data given.

The documents are made of various tables and charts with many footnotes. Careful

consideration must be taken while reading and interpreting the data.

Some of the vocabulary used inside a particular census is defined above it; it may be

useful to read the introduction section before proceeding to the data.

Characterization of Catalyst Materials for Production of Aerospace Fuels

Catalog of U.S. Government Publications

Location:

Specific Document:

http://catalog.gpo.gov/F/GXVF8UP66HQEQJRL1AC91YM4H38N5HXY6ACYSP1M2CNBT3

TVYD-31461?func=full-set-set&set_number=005024&set_entry=000001&format=999

Entire Catalog: http://catalog.gpo.gov/F?RN=479657531

Accessibility:

This catalog allows full access to everyone.

Authors:

Lauren M. Best (Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio) Ana B. De La Ree (United

Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio), Robyn L. Bradford (Central

State University, Wilberforce, Ohio), Aloysius F. Hepp (Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio)

Abstract:

The Catalog of U.S. Government Publications provides articles published by the

government on various topics. The home screen is designed around a sophisticated search bar,

which allows one to search based on “Title,” “Author,” or “Subject.” One can also perform an

advanced search, which allows that person to select how the information is displayed; this

feature is mainly used for search results with a lot of hits. The specific publication presents a full

overview about the analysis and classification of selective eight-carbon to eighteen-carbon

paraffin catalysts. Of the catalysts tested, there is a chart at the end of the document displaying

the results of the analysis. Throughout the article, there are sections that improve the

accessibility to different information, such as “Introduction,” “Experimental,” “Methods,”

“Results and Discussion,” and “Conclusion”. Many other similar articles provided by the

government can be used by Chemical Engineers in order to obtain useable data.

Tips:

In the upper right hand corner of the home page, there is a tab-bar allowing one to

select the level of searching to be done: basic, advanced, expert, browse, and new titles.

As more efficiency is developed, it is recommended to use the other search methods

provided.

There is a link on the main page allowing one to find the nearest Federal Depository

Library.

The bookshelf allows one to save all important searches during the same session.

Getting Connected

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)

Professional Association

Location:

http://www.aiche.org/

Accessibility:

It is free to view the website, but in order to become a member, one must pay a fee

ranging from free to $199; the price increases as one becomes more advanced in the Chemical

Engineering career path, and undergraduate students are the only people that can join for free.

Contact:

http://www.aiche.org/contact

Abstract:

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (commonly called AIChE) is an

organization of Chemical Engineers spanning all across the United States. This organization

hosts conferences on various related topics; these meetings usually last about three days and

occur every two months on average. The topics in meeting include “Chemicals and Materials,”

“Chemical Eng. Practice,” “Process Safety,” “Biological Engineering,” “Energy,” “Sustainability &

Environment,” and “Professional Development.” Included in this organization is a strict code of

ethics every member must follow; topics including whistle blowing, honesty, integrity, and

professionalism are included in the code. The website also includes links to databases for

research, to a list of job postings, and to CEP magazine; only a few resources have been named.

All Chemical Engineers should consider joining AIChE due to the vast amount of networking

potentials available and backing by society.

Tips:

The website is packed with information and can become quickly overwhelming when

choosing what to explore first. It is advised to use the tabs at the top labeled “Topics,”

“Events & Resources,” and “People & Community” in order to navigate toward one’s

particular interests.

Overviews are provided about each of the three major categories stated in the tip

above. These can be used to gain an understanding of the subtopics in each section.

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Patents and Intellectual Property

Location:

http://patft.uspto.gov/

Accessibility:

Patents are viewable by anyone.

Abstract:

Chemical Engineers have an extremely high rate of scientific breakthroughs and thus

patents. The United States Patent and Trademark Office is the place to go and search for

current patents. If one is not sure whether a particular area of Chemical Engineering has been

researched, he or she can use the search bar to find a specific topic and view an expansive list

of current patents. Not only can one view the most up-to-date government patents, but he or

she can check up on attorneys, apply for patents, find help about using the site, and report

problems. Chemical Engineers should use this source in order to view existing patents and file

for patents of their own.

Tips:

There are many, many patents, and so scrolling through a list of patents is

impossible. One must know the topic of the patent in order to locate it.

There are three columns to choose from; the first one is for researchers, the middle

one is for all users, and the right-most column is for applicants.

Engineering Dictionary

Specialized Dictionary

Location:

http://www.engineering-dictionary.com/

Accessibility:

This dictionary allows access to anybody.

Abstract:

In many, many different jobs Chemical Engineers have to work with different

assortments of engineers and other kinds of engineers must work with Chemical Engineers. It is

obvious the terminology is different between different engineers based on schooling and

majors, and so the “Engineering Dictionary” helps bridge the gap between jargons. Chemical

Engineers cover significantly different topics than others, and so this dictionary will increase

familiarity of other engineering majors and their terms. This dictionary covers much of the

vocabulary in all concentrations of engineering and is strongly recommended in heavy team-

based environments for both Chemical Engineers and non-Chemical Engineers. (How to

navigate the dictionary)

Tips:

The list of vocabulary words is extensive, and so words starting with different letters

are placed on different pages. Do not hope to scroll down the list of A’s and come to

the B’s; the link for each letter is at the top of each page.

The list of vocabulary words is extensive, and so do not attempt to use this dictionary in

reverse, that is looking for a definition and finding the associated word.

internet resource guide for chemical...

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