What is the difference between working in chemical processes for desulfurization and denitrification, and working in environmental engineering for these same purposes?

It’s too different. The general temperature and pressure in the chemical industry are quite high, especially the pressure. Moreover, the focus is usually on the recycling of sulfur, with the main consideration being whether the process requirements can be met. In terms of environmental protection, the focus is mainly on desulfurization and denitration of flue gases; these processes are usually carried out at atmospheric pressure. The volume of waste to be treated is generally smaller than that in the chemical industry, and the main concern is whether the emissions meet the specified standards.

There’s no difference; if it comes to manufacturing processes, the chemical industry is more than capable of handling them. Wet flue gas desulfurization is nothing but an absorption tower. Many desulfurization companies use processes learned from chemical engineering. There is no issue with the specialty.

Those studying chemical engineering are more suitable for desulfurization work than those studying environmental engineering

Share my own experience. I majored in chemical engineering and work on flue gas desulfurization and denitrification in thermal power plants; many of my colleagues are from environmental engineering. Both sides have their advantages, and they complement each other. Environmental systems engineering* covers the treatment of air, water, and solid waste; since gas treatment often involves water treatment as well (such as desulfurization wastewater), professionals in this field have a more comprehensive understanding and a stronger foundation in the treatment methods for different types of waste. The chemical engineering field offers a better understanding of process flows, which is particularly useful when process improvements and innovations are needed for desulfurization and denitrification. For instance, denitrification processes often involve liquid ammonia evaporation, urea pyrolysis, and hydrolysis – processes that are essentially phase changes and reactions in chemical engineering. Desulfurization processes also involve the adsorption of sulfur dioxide, which is related to gas-liquid absorption in chemical engineering. Therefore, the skills acquired in separation processes can certainly be put to good use in this area. Of course, the disadvantages of these two fields have been mentioned above as well: environmental engineering professionals lack an in-depth understanding of specific manufacturing processes, while chemical engineering professionals lack systematic knowledge, and therefore there is a need for exchanges of strengths between different fields. Hope this can help^_^

Thank you for answering. I’m actually quite torn about what to do after graduation

In fact, studying chemical desulfurization and denitrification does indeed offer more advantages than studying environmental engineering； Environmental engineering essentially involves the desulfurization and denitrification of boiler exhaust gases ； Low pressure in the chemical industry ； Familiar with desulfurization even under high pressure in Central Asia ； Gas desulfurization ； Desulfurization of transformed gas ； Desulfurization of purified gas ； Studied it in depth ； Flue gas desulfurization and denitration rely solely on the ammonia water method ； Calcium injection in the furnace and ammonia spray denitration ； It’s quite simple: why do environmental engineering companies prefer to hire people with expertise in environmental engineering? It’s because they only know about techniques related to desulfurization and denitration in environmental engineering ； And they basically do not carry out desulfurization or denitrification other than for flue gas ； Hehe

I also have a degree in chemical engineering, and I work in the field of desulfurization processes. Having studied chemical engineering, I am somewhat familiar with these processes and have a thorough understanding of them