Welcome to the latest in a series of AIChE blog posts profiling process engineers, a diverse group of professionals spanning multiple industries and regions. In this series, we profile process engineers who work in a wide range of fields, including petrochemicals, pharma, bulk chemicals, food, and other process-intensive industries.
Are you a member and process engineer interested in being profiled? We’d love to hear from you via this volunteer opportunity. Please also check out our online discussion group specifically for process engineers. You can find out about these initiatives and join our efforts by visiting aiche.org/cpe.
This month, we introduce you to Manish Aggarwal, Senior Engineer at Aspen Technology. He discusses the path that led to his career in process engineering and his transition to software development, overcoming challenges, and the importance of his work.
Tell us a bit about your work as a process engineer.
In my role as a process engineer specializing in petrochemical, refinery units, and utility systems, I was deeply involved in designing, optimizing, and implementing process solutions across various phases of project development. Over 13 years, I developed front-end engineering designs (FEED), detailed licensor packages, and basic engineering packages, collaborating in diverse project management arrangements such as EPC, EPCC, EPCM, LSTK, and PMC. My work utilized advanced simulation tools like Pro-II and ASPEN-HYSYS and ASPEN PIMS, enabling me to enhance process efficiencies and ensure robust system designs. A significant part of my job was to maintain the integrity and safety of chemical processes, focusing on reducing environmental impact and advancing sustainability goals. This included developing energy-efficient designs, minimizing waste and emissions, and integrating safety management systems into every project phase. By ensuring that all engineering practices adhered to stringent safety and environmental regulations, I contributed to safer workplace operations and more sustainable industrial practices, which are crucial in today’s environmentally conscious market.
This alignment of engineering solutions with sustainability goals was deeply fulfilling, as it resonated with my personal values of responsibility towards the planet and future generations.
Why did you become a process engineer?
My decision to pursue a career as a process engineer stemmed from a keen interest in the application of science and mathematics to solve real-world problems. Chemical engineering, with its blend of physics, chemistry, and economics, presented the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact on the industrial processes that are important to solve problems of the modern society. What drove me towards this profession was not just the intellectual challenge but also the chance to contribute to sustainable development. In this role, I was able to develop processes that not only optimized production but also prioritized safety and environmental stewardship. By implementing cleaner technology and safer processes, I worked towards minimizing the ecological footprint of operations. This alignment of engineering solutions with sustainability goals was deeply fulfilling, as it resonated with my personal values of responsibility towards the planet and future generations.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your role as a process engineer?
Throughout my career as a process engineer, I encountered numerous challenges that required innovative solutions and strategic thinking. One of the primary challenges was designing processes that not only met the functional requirements, but were also safe, reliable, and sustainable. Balancing these aspects often meant rethinking traditional practices and technologies in favor of more sustainable and safer alternatives. Additionally, managing projects across global teams posed significant logistical and communication challenges, requiring meticulous coordination and management skills. The regulatory landscape also presented ongoing challenges, as staying compliant with evolving environmental and safety standards was essential for the continuation and acceptance of projects. Overcoming these obstacles often involved a deep understanding of both engineering principles and regulatory frameworks, as well as a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental protection in every project I handled.
In my current position, I leverage my process engineering background to enhance software functionalities that help users simulate and optimize processes more efficiently, making a direct impact on productivity and sustainability in the industry.
How is your work as a process engineer critical to your current job assignment or industry?
The expertise I developed as a process engineer is critical to my current role in software development for process modeling. The in-depth understanding of chemical processes and engineering principles allows me to contribute to the development of software tools that provide solutions for process optimization. This transition from a hands-on engineering role to a focus on software tools for engineering applications demonstrates the importance of foundational engineering skills across different facets of the industry. In my current position, I leverage my process engineering background to enhance software functionalities that help users simulate and optimize processes more efficiently, making a direct impact on productivity and sustainability in the industry.
What do you think is most important about what you did as a process engineer?
The most important aspect of my tenure as a process engineer was my dedication to enhancing the safety and sustainability of chemical processes. Through careful design, rigorous safety analysis, and implementation of sustainable practices, I ensured that the projects I worked on not only met but often exceeded environmental and safety standards. This focus was critical not only in mitigating the risks associated with chemical engineering but also in advancing industry norms towards more sustainable practices. My efforts often involved introducing innovative technologies and methodologies that reduced waste, lowered emissions, and conserved resources while maintaining economic viability. These initiatives not only improved the immediate operational settings but also set a precedent for responsible engineering practices that could be emulated across the industry. The ability to effect such changes was profoundly impactful, providing a sense of accomplishment and a clear demonstration of how engineering can contribute positively to broader societal goals.
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