Outline and Insights for the Basic Examination for Registered Chemical Engineers

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I plan to take the exam this year. I found some information tonight to share with all of you from Sichuan, so as to save everyone time spent searching for information. I also hope everyone will support the Haichuan Chemical Industry Forum. 1. Examination materials (Guangzhou): http://www.gzexam.com.cn/ks_ksxx/ks_bmtz/200806/t20080626_76561.htm 2. Someone’s experience: As long as the total score for both the morning and afternoon sessions is over 140, you pass. The key to review* is to have a clear understanding of all the basic concepts mentioned in the outline, and review* is also carried out based on this principle. Given the large number of questions, there is an average of two minutes per question in the morning; as a result, there are many simple conceptual questions. Even the calculation-based questions are not too complex – they can be solved in just one or two steps. Last year I used the review materials from Tianjin University; after comparing them with other review materials, I still found those from Tianjin University to be better – they were explained clearly and in detail, much more detailed than those published by the Chemical Industry Press, which were rather brief. 1. Basic exam: It seems that most candidates taking the basic exam struggle with the morning session; the afternoon session is relatively easier as they are already more familiar with the basic professional concepts. This morning, my biggest challenge was in mechanics: theoretical mechanics and material mechanics ； Perhaps these two subjects in the chemical engineering program are not used as much as fluid mechanics. Moreover, in many current chemical engineering programs, courses on theoretical mechanics and material mechanics are not offered specifically; they are only mentioned briefly in other related courses, which makes things more difficult. Next is advanced mathematics; it seems that there are many questions on ordinary differential equations in this subject. In fact, as long as one adopts the right strategy and focuses on the basics, it shouldn’t be too difficult. The key is to score at least 60 points in the morning exam, and then rely on our professional foundation courses to boost our scores. Since advanced mathematics accounts for a large portion of the total score – 24 points – we need to make an effort to do well in it. If we can score around 18 points in advanced mathematics, our overall score will be secure. Last year, it seemed that the advanced math exam focused less on simple differentiation and integration; there were hardly any questions related to linear algebra or spatial analytic geometry. I was really frustrated at that time, haha. General physics, general chemistry, and fluid mechanics are subjects we are quite familiar with; we must score as many points as possible in them – aiming for 8 to 9 points – so that we can have a minimum of 45 points in the morning session. For computer science, we can expect to score 6 points, as we haven’t studied Fortran and can only rely on our knowledge of Basic or C language to make estimates. The basic circuit theory covered in electrical engineering is something we find easy, so scoring over 6 points in that subject should not be a problem. Diodes, transistors, arithmetic circuits, and gate circuits – all of these mainly test conceptual understanding. Make sure you grasp the concepts clearly; if you’re unsure about the calculations, guess based on those concepts. Engineering economics is the most conceptual of all; it’s important to understand what those terms mean and what their implications are. For this part, I mainly relied on eliminating incorrect answers, and I think it’s no problem to score 6–7 points. Based on this calculation, we can theoretically get at least 64 points. It seems like that isn’t enough to pass, but remember that since it’s all multiple-choice questions, we can guess. For those questions we don’t understand, we can guess based on the meaning of the concepts. How is it possible not to get any of the 24 questions in Theoretical Mechanics and Material Mechanics right by guessing? There must be a time when talent shows up, right? Besides, what we are most familiar with is the afternoon session – as long as you score 77 points or more in the afternoon, you can pass. Of course, those who are extremely good at the basic courses are another matter; if they can score over 72 points in the morning, there’s no need for them to read this post, haha. Thermodynamics in the afternoon is my difficulty. Physical chemistry and principles of chemical engineering are our core subjects; if we can’t score high on the basic questions, it’s not the fault of the examiners – we need to look for answers within ourselves. These two subjects together account for 72 points, and with a 75% grading scale, we need to score at least 54 points. As for Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering Design, there’s no need to say more – material balance and heat balance are essential topics that will definitely be tested; it’s easy to score 10 points on them. Thermodynamics is another area that gives us trouble; let’s aim for half of the possible points, which is 6 points. With that, we already have 76 points, but we can’t give up because we still need to improve our scores in the afternoon. For pollution control and occupational regulations, as long as we’ve reviewed the relevant materials, it’s easy to score half of the possible points, That is, 6 points. So, it’s relatively easy to score over 80 points in the afternoon. For anything else you don’t understand, guess based on the concepts. By \"guessing\" I don’t mean making random guesses; rather, it involves using the concepts to rule out certain answer options. Last year, for many questions I didn’t understand, I used the elimination method to choose the right answer, and my success rate was quite high. That’s why I keep emphasizing the importance of understanding the concepts outlined in the syllabus! ! As long as one has browsed relevant materials and has an understanding of the concept of an outline, it is relatively easy to pass the basic exam. During the exam, one should quickly identify and solve the questions that are familiar and that can be answered easily first; the remaining questions can then be analyzed carefully to rule out incorrect answers. There is enough time in the morning session of the exam – although an average of 2 minutes is allocated to each question, the time spent on questions that cannot be answered is used instead for those that can be solved. Therefore, it’s important to try to identify the questions that can be answered and allocate appropriate time to solving them. Hehe, I wish all those who are taking the basic exam this year success in it. III. Basic Examination Syllabus (I) Subjects and Main Contents of the General Knowledge Examination (Morning Session) 1. Mathematics (20% of the examination score) 1.1 Spatial Analytic Geometry: Knowledge related to vector algebra, lines, planes, cylinders, rotational surfaces, quadratic surfaces, and spatial curves. 1.2 Differential Calculus: Knowledge of concepts such as limits, continuity, derivatives, differentials, partial derivatives, total differentials, and the applications of derivatives and differentials; mastery of basic formulas and familiarity with fundamental calculation methods. 1.3 Integral Calculus: Knowledge of indefinite integrals, definite integrals, extended integrals, double integrals, triple integrals, line integral of plane curves, and applications of integrals; mastery of basic formulas and calculation methods. 1.4 Infinite Series: Knowledge of series such as term series, power series, Taylor series, and Fourier series. 1.5 Differential Equations: knowledge of separable variable equations, first-order linear equations, equations that can be reduced in order, and linear equations with constant coefficients. 1.6 Probability and Mathematical Statistics: The section on probability theory covers topics such as random events and probabilities, classical probability, the distributions of one-dimensional random variables, and their numerical characteristics. In the field of mathematical statistics, basic knowledge in areas such as parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and simple regression analysis. 2. Thermodynamics (proportion of questions: 9%) 2.1 Gas state parameters, equilibrium state, ideal gas law, statistical explanations for the pressure and temperature of ideal gases. 2.2 Work, heat, and internal energy. 2.3 Energy according to the principle of equal distribution of energy among degrees of freedom, internal energy of an ideal gas, average number of collisions and mean free path, Maxwell’s velocity distribution law. 2.4 The first law of thermodynamics and its application to isobaric and adiabatic processes of ideal gases, molar heat capacity of gases, enthalpy. 2.5 Thermodynamic processes, cyclic processes. 2.6 Thermodynamic engine efficiency. 2.7 The second law of thermodynamics and its statistical meaning, reversible and irreversible processes, entropy. 3. General Chemistry (proportion of questions: 14%) 3.1 Structure of Matter and States of Matter: Distribution of electrons outside the atomic nucleus, electron configuration of atoms and ions, concepts of atomic orbitals and electron clouds, characteristics of ionic bonds, characteristics and types of covalent bonds. Molecular structural formulas, hybrid orbitals and molecular spatial configurations, polar and non-polar molecules, intermolecular forces and hydrogen bonds. Pressure division law and calculations. Vapor pressure of liquids, boiling point, heat of vaporization. The relationship between crystal type and material properties. 3.2 Solutions: Concentration of solutions and calculations. General properties and calculations of dilute non-electrolyte solutions, concept of osmotic pressure. The ionization equilibrium of electrolyte solutions, ionization constants and their calculation, the common-ion effect and buffer solutions, the ion product of water and pH, the hydrolysis equilibrium of salts and the acidity or alkalinity of solutions. Multi-phase ion equilibrium and the acidity and alkalinity of solutions, solubility product constants, concepts of solubility, and their calculations. 3.3 Periodicity: Structure of the periodic table: periods and groups, relationship between atomic structure and the periodic table. Properties of elements and the trends in the acidity and basicity of their oxides and hydrates. 3.4 Chemical reaction equations, reaction rates, and chemical equilibrium: the notation and calculation of chemical reaction equations, the concept of reaction heat, and the notation of thermochemical reaction equations. Methods of expressing chemical reaction rates, the influence of concentration and temperature on reaction rates, rate constants and reaction orders, activation energy, and the concept of catalysts. Characteristics of chemical equilibrium and expressions for equilibrium constants, principles and calculations of chemical equilibrium shifts, pressure and entropy in determining the direction of chemical reactions. 3.5 Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry Oxidizing agents and reducing agents, the writing and balancing of redox reaction equations. Composition and notation of galvanic cells, electrode reactions and cell reactions, standard electrode potentials, the Nernst equation and applications of electrode potentials, electrolysis and metal corrosion. 3.6 Organic Chemistry: Characteristics of organic compounds, classification and naming, functional groups, and molecular structural formulas. Important chemical reactions of organic compounds: addition, substitution, elimination, condensation, oxidation, addition polymerization, and polycondensation. Molecular formulas, properties, and uses of typical organic compounds: methane, ethane, benzene, toluene, ethanol, phenol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate, ethylamine, aniline, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyacrylates, engineering plastics (ABS), rubber, nylon 66. 4. Engineering Mechanics (proportion of questions: 15%) 4.1 Theoretical Mechanics 4.1.1 Statics: Equilibrium, rigid bodies, forces, constraints, statics axioms, force analysis, moment of a force about a point, moment of a force about an axis, couple theory, simplification of force systems, resultant force and resultant moment, equilibrium of force systems, equilibrium of mechanical systems (including planar statically determinate trusses), sliding friction, friction angle, self-locking, equilibrium of mechanical systems considering sliding friction, center of gravity. 4.1.2 Kinematics: equations of motion for points, trajectories, velocity and acceleration; translation of rigid bodies, rotational motion of rigid bodies about fixed axes, equations of rotation, angular velocity and acceleration; velocity and acceleration of any point within a rigid body. 4.1.3 Dynamics: Basic laws of dynamics, differential equations for particle motion, momentum, impulse, and the law of momentum. Conditions for momentum conservation, center of mass, theorem of motion of the center of mass, conditions for conservation of motion of the center of mass. Moment of momentum, law of moment of momentum, conditions for conservation of moment of momentum, differential equations for rotational motion of rigid bodies about a fixed axis, moment of inertia, radius of gyration, parallel axis theorem for moment of inertia, work, kinetic energy, potential energy, work-energy theorem, conservation of mechanical energy, inertial forces, simplification of the system of inertial forces acting on a rigid body, D’Alembert’s principle, differential equations for linear vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems, period of vibration, frequency and amplitude, constraints, degrees of freedom, generalized coordinates, virtual displacements, ideal constraints, principle of virtual displacements. 4.2 Mechanics of Materials (It is recommended to use the content of the \"Mechanics of Materials\" section in the examination syllabus for the \"Structures\" major, but the following contents should be simplified): 4.2.1 Axial forces and axial force diagrams, stresses in the cross-sections and inclined sections of tensioned and compressed members, strength criteria, Hooke’s law and displacement calculations, strain energy calculations. 4.2.2 Practical calculations of shear and compression, Hooke’s law for shear, and the theorem of equal shear stresses. 4.2.3 Calculation of external couple moments, torque and torque diagrams, torsional shear stress and strength conditions for circular shafts, calculation of torsional angles and stiffness conditions, calculation of torsional strain energy. 4.2.4 Moment of inertia and centroid, moments of inertia and products of inertia, parallel axis theorem, principal moments of inertia about the centroid. 4.2.5 Internal force equations of beams, shear force diagrams and bending moment diagrams, differential relationships among q, Q, and M, normal stress in bending and stress strength conditions, shear stress in bending and stress strength conditions, optimal cross-sections for beams, the concept of the bending center, integral methods for determining beam deformation, the superposition method, and Cauchy’s second theorem. 4.2.6 Numerical and graphical methods for analyzing plane stress states, principal stresses and maximum shear stress in a one-point stress state. Generalized Hooke’s law. Four common strength theories. 4.2.7 Obliquely curved surfaces, eccentric compression (or tension) combined with bending or compression-bending, combined with torsion-bending. 4.2.8 Formula for the critical force of slender compression members, scope of application of Euler’s formula, diagrams of critical stress and empirical formulas, stability verification of compression members. 5. Electrical Engineering (proportion of questions: 10%) (The main content of the examination for the \"Electrical Engineering\" subject is based on the provisions related to this subject in the examination syllabus for the \"Structural Engineering\" major.) 5.1 Electric fields and magnetic fields: Coulomb’s law, Gauss’s law, the law of loops, and the law of electromagnetic induction. 5.2 DC Circuits: Basic circuit elements, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, superposition principle, Thevenin’s theorem. 5.3 Sinusoidal AC Circuits: Three elements of sinusoidal quantities, RMS value, complex impedance, calculations for single-phase and three-phase circuits, power and power factor, series and parallel resonance. 5.4 Basic knowledge of safe electricity use. 5.5 Transient processes in RC and RL circuits: the three-element analysis method. 5.6 Transformers and motors: voltage, current, and impedance transformation of transformers, use of three-phase asynchronous motors, common relay-contactor control circuits. 5.7 Operational Amplifiers: Proportional, additive, subtractive, and integral operation circuits composed of ideal operational amplifiers. 5.8 Basic knowledge of frequency conversion and frequency modulation. 6. Fluid Mechanics (proportion of questions: 8%) (The main content of the examination on \"Fluid Mechanics\" is formulated according to the relevant provisions in the examination syllabus for the \"Structures\" major.) 6.1 Main physical properties of fluids. 6.2 Fluid statics. The concept of hydrostatic pressure. The distribution law of hydrostatic pressure under gravity, and the calculation of total pressure. 6.3 Fundamentals of fluid dynamics. It describes the concept of flow with fluids as the subject. Overall flow analysis of fluid motion, the continuity equation for a constant overall flow, the energy equation, and the momentum equation. 6.4 Fluid resistance and head loss. Two flow regimes of real fluids: laminar flow and turbulent flow. Characteristics of laminar and turbulent flow in circular tubes. Head loss along the flow path and local head loss. Basic concepts of boundary layer boundary layer and flow loss around bodies. 6.5 Flow from orifices and nozzles, steady flow in pressurized pipes. 6.6 Principle of similarity and dimensional analysis. 6.7 Measurement of fluid motion parameters (flow velocity, flow rate, pressure). 7. Computers and Numerical Methods (proportion of questions: 12%) (The main content of the exam for \"Computers and Numerical Methods\" is based on the content outlined for this subject in the examination syllabus for the \"Structures\" major, with some modifications.) 7.1 Basic Computer Knowledge: Composition and functions of hardware, composition and functions of software, number system conversion. 7.2 Windows operating system. 7.3 Computer Programming Languages: Program structure and basic rules, data, variables, arrays, pointers, assignment statements, input/output statements, transfer statements, conditional statements, selection statements, loop statements, functions, subroutines (or procedures), sequential files, random files. Note: Given the current circumstances, the FORTRAN language is temporarily used. 7.4 Numerical methods: errors, polynomial interpolation and curve fitting, spline interpolation, numerical differentiation, basic principles of numerical integration, Newton-Cotes formulas, composite integration, the Runge algorithm. The Euler method for ordinary differential equations, the improved Euler method, the Runge-Kutta method, iterative methods for solving equations, and the Newton-Raphson method. Gaussian elimination, square root method, and Thomas algorithm for solving systems of linear equations. 8. Concepts of Engineering Economics (proportion of questions: 6%) (Instead of the subject title “Engineering Economics” used in the ‘Structure’ major, the title “Concepts of Engineering Economics” is used; the examination content is revised based on university textbooks.) 8.1 Be familiar with the basic principles and methods. Evaluation methods for economic effects and comparability principles. Methods for estimating investment and production costs. Annual cost, expected value, failure analysis, present value, profit-consumption analysis, value and depreciation. 8.2 Be familiar with the selection of investment options. Methods for selecting various investment plans. 8.3 Be familiar with the economic analysis of equipment renewal. Principles of equipment renewal plans. Methods for determining the economic life of equipment. 8.4 Understand the methods of technical-economic forecasting. Basic concepts of forecasting and various forecasting techniques. 8.5 Understand investment risks and decision-making. The concepts of risk and decision-making. Various risk decision-making methods. 8.6 Understand the technical economics in research and development. Various evaluation methods for research and development projects. 9. Professional ethics (proportion of questions: 6%) 9.1 Be familiar with the professional ethics and codes of conduct for staff (relationships with colleagues, with the organization, and with users). (II) Subjects and main contents of the basic professional knowledge exam (afternoon session): 1. Physical Chemistry (20% of the exam questions): Master the basic theories and concepts, and be familiar with typical calculations and applications. 1.1 Properties of gas P, V, T (this item can be omitted if it was already covered in the \"Thermodynamics\" exam in the morning). 1.2 The First Law of Thermodynamics (same as above. ) 1.3 The Second Law of Thermodynamics (same as above). 1.4 Thermodynamics of multi-component systems (same as above, but this content is not covered in depth in the \"Thermodynamics\" exam in the morning). 1.5 Chemical equilibrium: Chemical equilibrium in ideal gas reactions, chemical equilibrium in real reactions. 1.6 Phase equilibrium: gas-liquid equilibrium in single-component and two-component systems, liquid-solid equilibrium in two-component systems, and three-component systems. 1.7 Electrochemistry: Electrolytic cells, galvanic cells and Faraday’s law, electrolyte solutions, galvanic cells, electrolysis and polarization. 1.8 Surface phenomena: surface tension, wetting phenomena, additional pressure on curved liquid surfaces and capillary phenomena, adsorption on solid surfaces, isothermal adsorption, adsorption on solution surfaces, surfactants. 1.9 Fundamentals of chemical kinetics: rate equations for chemical reactions, rate and mechanism of complex reactions, theory of reaction rates. 1.10 Kinetics of various special reactions: reactions in solution and multiphase reactions ； Photochemistry, catalysis. 1.11 Colloid chemistry. Colloidal dispersion systems and their basic properties, the stabilization and coagulation of lyophobic sols, emulsions, foams, suspensions, and aerosols, solutions of polymer compounds. 2. Principles of Chemical Engineering (50% of the exam score): Master the basic theories and concepts, be familiar with the calculations and applications of basic unit operations, and understand the process design for typical systems and unit equipment in chemical engineering (distillation systems and plate distillation columns, gas absorption systems and packed absorption towers, heat exchange systems and shell-and-tube heat exchangers, drying systems and dryers). (The portion of fluid mechanics already covered in the morning exam for the \"Fluid Mechanics\" course is not included again in the exam content for the \"Principles of Chemical Engineering\" course.) 2.1 Fluid transfer machinery: Liquid transfer equipment, centrifugal pumps, and other types of pumps. Gas delivery and compression equipment. 2.2 Separation of heterogeneous systems: fluidization and pneumatic conveying, sedimentation, filtration, fluidization, pneumatic conveying. 2.3 Liquid stirring: Mechanical stirring devices and mixing mechanisms: Performance of stirrers, stirring power, and scaling of stirrers. 2.4 Heat Transfer: Heat conduction, heat transfer between two fluids, convective heat transfer coefficients, thermal radiation, heat exchangers. 2.5 Evaporation: Evaporation equipment: single-effect evaporation, multi-effect evaporation. 2.6 Gas absorption: gas-liquid phase equilibrium, mass transfer mechanisms and absorption rates, calculation of absorption towers, packed towers and packing. 2.7 Distillation: gas-liquid equilibrium in binary systems, distillation methods, design calculations for binary system distillation, plate columns, and multi-component distillation. 2.8 Solid Drying: Properties of moist air and humidity charts, material balance in dryers, drying rate and drying time, dryers. 2.9 Liquid-liquid extraction: Concepts, the process and calculations of extraction operations, and extraction equipment. 2.10 Impregnation: Concepts, equipment, and calculation of the process. 3. Process Control (proportion of questions: 6%) 3.1 Understand the basic concepts of process control systems, be familiar with the components of automatic control, and be able to propose control scheme requirements based on process needs. 3.2 Be familiar with the characteristics of the controlled object. 3.3 Be familiar with the characteristics of process parameters and conversion techniques. Familiar with the measurement process, as well as the main measurement and conversion methods and principles of the four key process parameters (pressure, flow rate, temperature, and liquid level). Understand the basic working principles, characteristics, performance indicators, and application scenarios of common instruments, as well as error analysis. 3.4 Display Instruments Understand the measurement principle of automatic electronic potentiometers. Understand the basic components and usage of digital display instruments. 3.5 Automatic control instruments: Understand the input-output relationship characteristics, features, and applications of basic and commonly used control laws. 3.6 Actuators: Understand the basic components of actuators, as well as the structural features and applications of pneumatic diaphragm control valves. Understand the flow characteristics of control valves. Understand the air-open and air-close types of control valves, as well as the methods for selecting the forward and reverse action of controllers. 3.7 Be familiar with the process design schemes for simple control systems. 3.8 Understand the composition and characteristics of computer control systems, as well as the knowledge related to process control computer interfaces and the hardware and software technologies used in process control computers. 4. Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering Design (15% of the exam score) 4.1 Process Design: Understand the meaning, types, and classifications of process design and engineering design, as well as the tasks involved at different design stages and their main sequence. Understand the preliminary work, sequence of tasks, and specific requirements in chemical engineering design, including site selection, project proposals, feasibility studies, and design specifications. Understand the collection of basic data for chemical process design, the preparation of design plans, the contents and requirements of process calculations, and be familiar with the basic methods of material balance and energy balance. Understand the design of chemical process flows, identify the main tasks of such design (technical rationality), and learn the methods for designing process flows as well as how to draw process flow diagrams. Understand the plan and elevation layouts of the workshop, comprehend the basic aspects of equipment placement, as well as the basic requirements for workshop layout imposed by processes, architecture, and equipment, along with the factors that need to be taken into consideration comprehensively. Understand the general requirements and basic specifications for pipe layout diagrams and pipe layout design, and be familiar with the specifications, materials, properties, and uses of common pipe fittings as well as various types of pipes and valves. Understand the general engineering knowledge related to process design in related fields (chemical engineering equipment and machinery, process control, civil engineering, utility engineering, etc.), as well as the basic requirements for such design. Understand the content and requirements for writing process design specifications. 4.2 Process Design Safety: Be familiar with the safety factors involved in process design safety. Understand the basic contents and general requirements regarding fire protection, explosion prevention, poison prevention, and occupational safety and health, as well as the basic standards that must be followed. 4.3 Economic Analysis of Process Design: Understand the factors that need to be considered for the economic viability of process design, as well as its basic components and general requirements. Understand the requirements and criteria for evaluating design proposals, as well as the general methods of evaluation. 5. Prevention and control of chemical pollution (proportion of questions: 9%) 5.1 Principles of environmental pollution control: Be familiar with the basic principles of industrial pollution control and apply comprehensive knowledge. 5.2 Wastewater treatment: Understand the general methods of wastewater treatment. Understand the treatment technologies for heterogeneous wastewater, the biological treatment technologies for organic wastewater, and knowledge of incineration. 5.3 Waste Gas Treatment Understand the general methods for treating chemical industry waste gases. Understand the purification technologies for particulate pollutants in exhaust gases, as well as purification techniques such as absorption, adsorption, and catalytic conversion for gaseous pollutants, along with knowledge of incineration. 5.4 Waste Treatment Understand the general methods for the treatment and disposal of solid waste. Understand solid waste pretreatment technologies, sludge thickening and dewatering, as well as knowledge on solidification, pyrolysis, and incineration technologies. 5.5 Environmental Noise Control: Understanding the basic concepts of noise control, the properties of sound sources, the methods of representing sound pressure and sound speed, and the energy relationships in sound fields. Understand the general methods of noise control, as well as the basic concepts of sound absorption, sound insulation, and silencers. Understand the scope and requirements for noise control in various locations such as industrial zones and residential areas.