8 Classic Chemical Engineering Books

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“Curiosity is the engine of achievement.”

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Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that involves transforming, producing, and utilizing materials, chemicals, and energy by applying principles from biochemistry, physics, microbiology, and applied mathematics. It’s one of the most fascinating parts of the science world and one that attracts plenty of students and professionals each and every academic year. Join us here at What We Reading as we pay homage to the science genre with the best chemical engineering books for casuals and experts alike! 

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Rules Of Thumb For Chemical Engineers – Carl Branan

Carl Branan offers one of the most comprehensive chemical engineering books in the world, Rules Of Thumb For Chemical Engineers. Recommended as a must-read by Chemstations, the book comes jam-packed with charts, tables, formulas and tables readers can use to help them with their next study. With an emphasis on gasification, it is an updated guide filled with easy-to-use methods that any scientist can use in their daily profession. 

Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook – Don Green And Marylee Southard

Filled with critical insights and data, Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook has been an invaluable resource for chemists since its first publication in 1950. Now in its ninth edition, Don Green and Marylee Southard present readers with an updated guide to everything from thermodynamics, and chemical reactors to process economics. It is still an essential read for engineers everywhere, with all the facts and figures they will rely on in the field. 

Distillation Design – Henry Kister

Henry Kister is one of the world’s leading experts on distillation, and he imparts all his years of wisdom to readers in Distillation Design. From reflux ratios to tray efficiencies, the book is a complete resource for understanding and conquering the process of distillation design. ‘Garbage in, garbage out’ is one of the most infamous quotes in chemical engineering, and Kister’s work ensures readers will always make a success of their experiments going forward. 

Engineers’ Practical Databook – Jay Smith

Still one of the best chemical engineering books for students, Jay Smith’s Engineers’ Practical Databook provides up-to-date formulas, data and charts for every mathematician and scientist. Unlike other science books, Smith doesn’t present the Engineers’ Practical Databook as another bulky academic textbook, but rather as an approachable guide that anyone can pick up and understand. From aerospace to fluid mechanics, it’s all the must-knows of chemical engineering presented in one place. 

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Chemical Engineering And Technology – Ian Goodwin

In Chemical Engineering and Technology, Ian Goodwin examines the new techniques across the field and how they can be applied. With detailed analysis and data from real-world examples, Goodwin offers a complete guide into how everything from transport phenomena to chemical reaction engineering can influence studies and findings across every level. 

Fundamentals Of Biochemical Engineering – A V N Swamy

Designed for undergraduate students of Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, A V N Swamy gives readers a perfect resource guide from the classroom to real-life practical applications. Delivered with helpful illustrations, Swamy emphasises the importance of the application of basic biological principles in biochemical engineering. The author also includes photographs, figures, reports and some of the most commonly-asked questions to help readers visualise their understanding. 

Transport Phenomena – Byron Bird, Warren Stewart, And Edwin Lightfoot

One of the best technical books for engineers, Transport Phenomena’s second edition comes with updated insights from its original first edition in 2002. Featuring compelling commentaries on everything from heat transfer and dimensional analysis, it is the ultimate guide on the process of Transport Phenomena. Authors Byron Bird, Warren Stewart and Edwin Lightfoot take a problem-solving approach for readers, aiming to help them understand principles around transfers and fluid flow. 

Chemical Engineering In Practice – John Edwards

John Edwards is not only an expert in engineering, but also a compelling author who presents some of the key ideas behind this part of the science world in his book, Chemical Engineering In Practice. Delivered with helpful insights and information, it is the perfect guide for students looking to make their way into process design. Presented with real-life simulation cases, Chemical Engineering in Practice helps you visualise chemical engineering as well as understand it.