University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

Comparative Study between

Mechanical Engineering
And
Chemical Engineering

_______________________________

In Partial Fulfillment of
The Requirement for Technical Writing
(Engl4)

By:
Romel Leo B. Alojado
Lee Robin G. Diana
Jeffrey Marvin E. Villasis

BSME-2/BSChE-2

Mrs. Herma Punay

Table of Contents

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Transmittal Letter

Acknowledgment

Abstract

I. Introduction
Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Hypothesis
Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitation

Definition of Terms

II. Review of Related Literature

10

III. Methods

16

IV. Results and Discussion

18

V. Conclusion and Recommendation

19

Bibliography

21

ENGR. JOSEPHINE C. GELLECANAO

College of Engineering and Architecture

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
University of San Agustin
Iloilo City
Dear Dean Gellecanao:
Here is a technical report entitled Comparative Study between Mechanical
Engineering and Chemical engineering. This report is in compliance with the
requirement of the course English 104 (Technical Writing), written under the
supervision of Ms. Herma Punay during the second semester of Academic Year
2015-2016.
Discussed in this report are the comparisons between the fields of Mechanical
Engineering and Chemical Engineering, their advantages and disadvantages of
joining together in a certain task, the possibilities of helping to the worlds rising
crisis, and the misconceptions between which on is better. It is worth noting that we
prove the misconceptions about which one of the field can do more help in the
worlds rising crisis. Also, the researchers would like to suggest to the readers to
have an open mind about putting bias in everything that they will read.
Should you have some questions or comments about the information and data
presented herein, please relay them to the undersigned.

Very respectfully yours,

Jeffrey Marvin E. Villasis
09308833856

Romel Leo B. Alojado

09499172884

Lee Robin G. Diana

09058956913
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
The authors sincerely recognize the inspiration and the help or the
completion of the report:
First and foremost, to the Almighty God, for the gift of wisdom and strength
that he bestowed to make their study possible.
To their parents who have been supportive with their studies. For their
outpouring love and support to them.
To Mrs. Herma Punay, for guiding them all the way through out their study,
and for her undying patience shown to the researchers.
To Engr. Josephine C. Gellecanao, for being supportive throughout their
research, and for motivating them to do their best in their study.
To the respondents, for being helpful and welcoming with the processes in
their study.
To all their friends, for understanding the hardships the researchers have
gone through to accomplish the research.

Thanks a million! Without their help, support and prayers, this report would
not be have been possible.

R.L.B.A
J.M.E.V
L.R.G.D
ABSTRACT

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
This technical report entitled Comparative Study between the fields of
Mechanical Engineeing and Chemical Engineering dealt with the comparison
between the two said fields of engineering. This study will test the possibility of two
fields working together to answer the worlds rising crisis.

This study was conducted to prove the misconception about which

profession, mechanical or chemical engineering is more preferable. This study
would be a great help to those aspiring Mechanical and Chemical Engineers in the
future because they will have the knowledge to reject biasness and judgment in
choosing between the two fields.

The data and information used in the study were taken from some reliable
sites in the internet and books about Mechanical and Chemical Engineering. Aside
from those secondary sources, the researchers incorporated their own knowledge
about the said matter which they learned from past subjects and courses. Also a
survey was conducted using questionnaires and checklists in order to compute the
statistics of the said topic.

In the results on the survey that was conducted, statistics showed that
majority of the respondents believe that Mechanical Engineering and Chemical
Engineering are vital to the society, that one cannot function well without the
support of the other.

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

Background of the Study

In the rising development of the world today, many of the industries are rising.
With these emerging industries comes with the rise of Mechanical engineers and
Chemical Engineers. With the powerful responsibility they hold in the society, it is
often concluded with a competition between the two fields. It is indeed important to
know first the role of both fields in the societ and their role in engineering.
Chemical Engineers design and produce the systems, machinery, and facilities
that use chemical reaction to create products according to the profession in which a
knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and other natural sciences gained by the
study, experiments, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop
economic ways of using materials and energy. Mechanical engineers design
systems, equipment, and products that rely on motion. They are involved with
seeking new knowledge through research, creative design and development and
with the construction, control, management and sales of the devices and systems
needed by the society. (Nairaland, 2010)
In this study, the researchers would like to prove the misconception about which
profession, mechanical and chemical engineering, is more preferable. Thus, this
study is entitled a comparative study between the fields of mechanical engineering
and chemical engineering.

Statement of the Problem

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
This study was conducted to prove the misconception about which profession,
mechanical or chemical engineering is more preferable.
This study aimed to answer the following questions:
1. How do the jobs of Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering differ?
2. In what aspects in can Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
work
together?
3. How wide is the scope of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering in terms of
economic development?
4. How does the technological solutions contributed by the Engineers in
Mechanical and
Chemical Engineering help in todays crisis? Does the solutions really played
their part in
our society?

Hypothesis
There is no significant difference between the fields of mechanical engineering
and chemical engineering. Each of the field is vital to the society and if one is
missing, the other cannot work at its full potential function.

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Significance of the Study
The results of the study will be helpful to the following:
Students. This study will make students more knowledgeable on choosing
their courses in college. It will also help them understand whether they are suited
for an engineering course.
Engineering students. This study will deepen the knowledge of engineering
students in their chosen field.
Teachers.This study will give a great opportunity to teachers for them to
share their knowledge and skills to engineering students and for their profession, it
will also be a guide for them to improve their skills on working in industries.
Other researchers. This study can be a chance for other researchers to know
and appreciate engineering and engineering-related professions. It could also help
them develop their hidden skills needed in engineering and for them to think
engineering as their possible course.

Scope and Limitation

This study has been made to find out the program of University of San Agustin
on understanding the roles of each field in engineering and how College of
Engineering and Architecture students get involved in the said subject matter. The
study provides information about how knowledgeable the students are in the topic.
College of Engineering and Architecture students specifically those taking BS
Chemical Engineering and BS Mechanical Engineering shall be the respondents of
the study. Thus, this study is only limited for those students who are taking up the
said courses and for those students who are planning to take up the said courses.

Definition of Terms

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Chemical Engineering. Chemical Engineering is a branch of science that applies
physical

sciences

and

life

sciences

together

with applied

mathematics and economics to produce, transform, transport, and properly use

chemicals, materials and energy. Essentially, chemical engineers design large-scale
processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms and
energy into useful forms and products. In the study, Chemical Engineering was used
in comparison with the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Crisis. A crisis is any event that is, or is expected to lead to, an unstable and
dangerous situation affecting an individual, group, community, or whole society. In
the study, crisis was used as the medium where in Mechanical and Chemical
Engineering can work fully in order to contribute best its own responsibilities in all
kinds of aspects.

Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies

the

principles

of engineering, physics,

and materials

science for

the

design,

analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch

of engineering that involves the design, production, and operation of machinery. In
the

study,

Mechanical

Engineering

is

used

in

comparison

Engineering.

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature
Chemical Engineering

with

Chemical

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
According to Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, chemical engineers work in
manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and
paper,

petrochemicals,

food

processing,

specialty

chemicals,

polymers,

biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.

Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on their knowledge of mathematics
and science, particularly chemistry, to overcome technical problems safely and
economically. And, of course, they draw upon and apply their engineering
knowledge to solve any technical challenges they encounter. Dont make the
mistake of thinking that chemical engineers only make things. Their expertise is
also applied in the area of law, education, publishing, finance, and medicine, as well
as many other fields that require technical training. Specifically, chemical engineers
improve food processing techniques, and methods of producing fertilizers, to
increase the quantity and quality of available food. They also construct the
synthetic fibers that make our clothes more comfortable and water resistant; they
develop methods to mass-produce drugs, making them more affordable; and they
create safer, more efficient methods of refining petroleum products, making energy
and chemical sources more productive and cost effective. They also develop
solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control and remediation.
They process chemicals, which are used to make or improve just about everything
you see around you. (Maitland, 2014)

Chemical engineers, in order to be successful and creative, they should have the

10

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
following skills and the kind of person: Creative, Problem solvers, Team players, Lifelong learners, Organized, Inquisitive, Computer savvy, Leaders, Detail orientated,
Calm under pressure. (Maitland, 2014)

Chemical Engineer in Chemical Process Industries

The focus of companies in this industry is on the development, extraction,
isolation,
combination, and use of chemicals and chemical by-products. Chemical engineers
design and operate processes and systems to combine, transport, separate, handle,
recycle, and store them. This industry consists of several specialty areas:
Agricultural Chemicals; Catalysts; Specialty Chemicals; Industrial Gases; Paints,
Varnishes, Lacquers, Pigments, and Inks; Petrochemicals; Petroleum Products;
Plastics, Synthetic Resins, and Composites; Polymers; Pulp and Paper; Rubber and
Rubber Products; Soaps, Detergents, Perfumes, Fats, Oils, and Cosmetics; and
Synthetic Fibers, Textiles, and Films. (Maitland, 2014)

Chemical Engineer in Research and Development

Seek out new and more efficient ways of using and producing existing products.
Explores and develops new processes and products and determines their usefulness
and applicability. (Maitland, 2014)

Chemical Engineer in Biotechnology

11

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
This area uses living cells, materials produced by cells, and biological
techniques developed through research to create products for use in other
industries. This field has produced antibiotics, insulin, interferon, artificial organs,
recombinant DNA, techniques for waste reduction and recycling, and hybrid plants
that are insect resistant. Chemical engineers develop and design the processes to
grow, handle, and harvest living organisms and their by-products. (Maitland, 2014)

Design and Construction

This field works with other industry sectors to design and build facilities, specify
machinery, and design and troubleshoot processes that allow companies to operate
safe and efficient plants chemical engineers are involved with process design and
project management and work closely with other engineering disciplines. (Maitland,
2014)

Mechanical Engineering
According to Sloan Career Cornerstone Center, mechanical engineers research,
design, develop, manufacture, and test tools, engines, machines, and other
mechanical devices. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering
disciplines. Engineers in this discipline work on power-producing machines such as
electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They
also work on power-using machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning
equipment, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators,
industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing. Mechanical
engineers also design tools that other engineers need for their work.

12

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
In addition, mechanical engineers work in manufacturing or agriculture production,
maintenance, or technical sales; many become administrators or managers.
Analysis, design, and synthesis are the key functions of mechanical engineers. The
question is often how devices and processes actually work. The first step is to
visualize what is happening and clearly state the problem. A mechanical engineer
will then use computer-based modeling, simulation, and visualization techniques to
test different solutions. Design is one of the most satisfying jobs for a mechanical
engineer. To design and build a new car, you must reckon with power, weight, size
and shape, materials, reliability, and safety. "Synthesis" is when you pull all the
factors together in a design that can be successfully manufactured. Design
problems are challenging because most are open-ended, without a single or best
answer. The field is notable for emphasizing versatility.(Maitland, 2014)
A mechanical engineering education is an excellent foundation for work in other
fields. Some mechanical engineers work on medical problems, such as the
mechanics of bones and joints, or the fluid dynamics of the circulatory system.
Mechanical engineers deal with economic issues, from the cost of a single
component, to the economic impact of a manufacturing plant. M.E.'s can be found
in sales, engineering management, and corporate management. Versatility is a
decided asset in a world that is undergoing constant economic, political, industrial,
and social change. Mechanical engineers are educated and positioned, not only to
adapt, but to define and direct change. (Maitland, 2014)
Fundamentally, mechanical engineers are involved with the mechanics of
motion and the transfer of energy from one form to another or one place to another.
Mechanical engineers design and build machines for industrial and consumer use --

13

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
virtually any machine you find, had a mechanical engineer involved with its
development and production. They design heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
systems to control the climate in homes, offices, and industrial plants, and develop
refrigeration systems for the food industry. Mechanical engineers also design heat
exchangers, key components in high-tech mechanical and electronic computer
equipment. (Maitland, 2014)

Mechanical Engineer in Applied Mechanics

Mechanics can be applied to anything, metal bars, rocks, water, the human
skeleton or complex systems such as buildings, automobiles, and machines. The
basic question is how things work and whether they work well. To find the answers,
a mechanical engineer uses knowledge of shock and vibration, dynamics and
motion, fracture and failure in components, and the behavior of high-tech materials.
(Maitland, 2014)

Mechanical Engineer in Fluids Engineering

There's a mechanical process involved in anything that flows air, water, heat
and cold, even the sand along our shores. Whatever the substance may be,
Mechanical engineers know how to describe and control its movement. Mechanical
engineers design fluid machines and system pumps, turbines, compressors, valves,
pipelines, biological devices, hydraulic systems, and the fluid systems in car
engines. The fluids engineer can be found in industries ranging from aerospace to
food, manufacturing, medicine, power, and transportation. (Maitland, 2014)

14

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

Mechanical Engineer in Bioengineering

Mechanical

Engineering

principles

are

used

to

design

and

perfect

biomechanical devices or systems. Almost any part of the human organism can be
described mechanically, whether it's a knee joint or the circulatory system. This
field involves artificial organs, biomechanics, biomaterials, bio-instrumentation,
biotransport processes, human factors, medical devices, biomedical modeling, and
biological systems. Bioprocess Engineering focuses on the processes, systems, and
equipment used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries everything
from cell cultures, to bioprocessing, to unit operations. M.E.'s in this field work
closely with biologists, chemists, and chemical engineers. (Maitland, 2014)

15

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

Chapter III
Methods
Research Design
The descriptive type of research was utilized in the study.

Descriptive survey

method is appropriate for data derived from simple observational, whether these
are actually physically observed through the use of a questionnaire or poll
techniques.
Participants
The respondents of the study are all students who are taking up Bachelor of Science
in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering in the University of San
Agustin who are enrolled during the second semester of Academic Year 2015-2016.
The respondents were only limited to provide more specific action, interpretation
and response to the finding of the study.
Instrument
A survey questionnaire was utilized in the study. The questionnaire still had to
undergo testing whether the study is reliable or not. We were guided by experts in
the field on surveying and statistics.
Procedure
The questionnaires were administered personally by the researchers during the
second semester of Academic Year 2015-2016 among the BS Chemical Engineering
and BS Mechanical Engineering students under the College of Engineering and
Architecture of the University of San Agustin. One hundred percent retrieval rating
of the questionnaire is the goal of this study to achieve. Some of the faculties in
both said fields. Other faculties were also interviewed for a better background
regarding the study and the field of Chemical Engineering and Mechanical
Engineering.

16

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

Questions

None at
all

1. Do you see any superiority between

the fields of Chemical Engineering and
Mechanical Engineering?
2. In the work aspect, do you think that in
the said fields, Chemical and Mechanical
Engineering, can work together as one?

3. Do you notice any bias with regards to

the fields between Chemical Engineering
and Mechanical Engineering?
4. In the economic aspect, do you think
on

field,

Chemical

or

Mechanical

Engineering, can contribute more help to

the worlds rising crisis?

17

At some
circumstanc
es

Always

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Chapter IV
Results and Discussion
Based on the data gathered during the experimentation, 40 percent of the
population of College of Engineering and Architecture believed that Chemical and
Mechanical engineering has superiority in some circumstances and 60 percent
believed that there is has no superiority among the said courses. On the other hand,
80 percent of the population believed that chemical and mechanical engineers can
work together as one and 20 percent believed that in some circumstances the two
different courses cannot work together. Moreover, 70 percent believed that they
have noticed biasedness between the two courses because others say that the
scope of work of chemical engineers are much broader than the mechanical
engineer, others also insist that the works of mechanical engineers are impossible
to chemical engineers. 30 percent of the population said they have not noticed any
biasedness between the said courses. Furthermore, a hundred percent of the
population believed that chemical and mechanical engineers can contribute to the
betterment of the society or the improvement of the economic status of our country
because they said, every course is unique and every course can help improve our
environment, can help sustain the beauty of nature and help uphold the economic
status of our country.

Chapter V
Conclusion and Recommendation
Conclusion

18

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Based on the result of the experimentation the researchers have formulated
the following conclusions:
1. Chemical and mechanical engineers have many similarities in many different
aspects because they have studied the same subjects all throughout the
college only that chemical engineers have focused deeply in the different
branches of chemistry and mechanical engineers have focused on the
machines.
2. Chemical and mechanical engineer can work together as a plant designer
because they could use their knowledge in thermodynamics, which they have
studied during college.
3. Difficulties which engineers, specifically chemical and mechanical engineers,
encounter in their work is how they are going to start their project if they do
not have a sufficient manpower needed in the projects. Also, how are they
going to fix the problem in the plant if some of the apparatus will encounter
some damages like corrosion and scaling.
4. In terms of economic development, the scope of chemical and mechanical
engineers are very wide because each of the courses is vital to one another
without the other one cannot work alone.
5. Technological advances greatly influence the chemical and mechanical
engineers because it makes their works easier and they need not to spend a
lot of time in a specific work which can be performed by the machine itself.

19

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
6. Mechanical and Chemical Engineering professions are vital to each others
field of work, that there must be no assumptions of seeing what is better or
nobler, because technically, both of them are making solutions in dealing
with the worlds issues and crisis.

Recommendation
Based on the results of the study, the researchers recommend to reject an
biasness that is instilled to the readers. Also, it is essential to treat the two said
fields as equal for they are vital in the society. The two should be treated balanced
with no superiority for they work hand in hand in order to compensate the worlds
rising crisis in any aspects.

Bibliography

20

University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016
Maitland, G(2014).Ten skills engineers should be talking about (Day 114). From
http://chemeblog.org/2014/09/18/ten-skills-chemical-engineers-should-betalking-about-day-114 Retrieved February 18, 2016
Chemical Engineering.(n.d.), from http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemicalengineering
Retrieved February 18, 2016
Difference Between a Mechanical Engineer and a Chemical Engineer .(n.d.).
http://work.chron.com/difference-between-mechanicalengineer-chemical-engineer-8382.html Retrieved February 18, 2016
Mechanical Engineering.(n.d.), from http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanicalengineering
Retrieved February 18, 2016
Nairaland Forum.(n.d.), from
http://www.nairaland.com/968145/chemical-engineering-versus-mechanicalengineering#11160852 Retrieved February 18, 2016

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University of San Agustin

College of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
A.Y. 2015-2016

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