Process Engineering Renewal 2

Foreword

This is a book that was eagerly awaited at a time when many manufacturing processes were being challenged in the name of the precautionary principle and/or ecology. Indeed, we have to move from a time when we manufactured without worrying too much about the quantity of raw materials, water or energy we used, to production that is economical and respectful of the environment.

To address this subject and make the shift to sustainable development in a timely manner, two process engineering specialists share their knowledge. Jean-Claude André – the pioneer of additive manufacturing, otherwise known as 3D printing – has followed all the developments in engineering research from the laboratory to the CNRS in Paris, for almost 50 years. Éric Schaer, a professor and researcher, is one of the members of the faculty and management of ENSIC (which largely hosts the LRGP – a joint research unit between the CNRS and the University of Lorraine – their home laboratory). Together, they share with us their vision of process engineering, and then help us to approach the future by mapping out highly relevant perspectives in both training and research.

The first volume of their book is devoted to a historical overview of the emergence of the discipline, from the chemical engineering of yesteryear to the process engineering of today. This retrospective is also a reasoned criticism of the status quo. Indeed, in view of the challenges facing our planet and the urgency of finally controlling ...