I want to build a large air pollution filter... what career/degree would I have to do that?

Question

I want to create a massive air pollution filter that are to be put on structures in large cities to help clean the air. What level of education is necessary to get the knowledge required to create something like that (B.S., Masters, etc.)? In what subject would I need to study? What would my title be in a career that involves that type of project?

Answer 1

You can't filter out most pollutants as they are gases. CO2, methane, nitric/ous oxides, etc.

The best way to remove pollutants is to not generate them in the first place.

Answer 2

You would want a degree in B.S. Chemical Engineering.

The topic would be sequestration of gases (such as CO2, SO3, NOx, HC, CO).  

Your title would be Chemical Engineer.

Possible jobs are in the Automobile industry, Petroleum industry, and Power Generation industry.

Keep in mind that the pollution in the air is almost entirely due to petroleum products.  We will effectively run out of petroleum products within the next 100 years, so even if nothing is done, the pollution will disappear on its own eventually.

There definitely is a job for you in the coal-fired electrical generation business - they are looking for engineers that can sequester CO2 into underground caverns - to reduce global warming.

Another job to prevent the air from getting polluted in the first place is to work in the nuclear powered electrical generation industry.  No global warming, no air pollution.  Waste disposal is a political problem - chemical engineering has already solved the technical challenges.

Answer 3

degrees do not allow you to make something.  They allow you to be hired.  

I have seen a small one that cleans the air and is very simple to build. If you do some research I bet you can figure out how to build one.  Start basic and do some experimenting and you will figure it out. Google is your friend.

I know some one with a degree in electrical engineering who couldn't even build a semi complex circuit on their own.

Answer 4

That depends on the nature of the filter.

If you want to build electrostatic precipitators, a degree in Electrical Engineering is a good choice.

If you want to build a catalytic filter, go for chemical engineering.

If you want to build a mechanical filtration or centrifuge, get a mechanical engineering degree.

In all of the above, your title would be "Professional Engineer" in North America, or "Chartered Engineer" in the UK.

Expect 4 years to get your B.Eng, and 4 years practical experience before you get your license - although that wouldn't stop you from designing your filter sooner.

If you haven't finished high school, aim for high marks in physics, chemistry, and calculus.

PS: A biologist (B.Sc) or environmental engineer might also be interested in using plants as filters on strategic rooftops etc.

Answer 5

Probably unemployed dreamer. No degree required. See your local coffee shop for an application.

The problem is that no one is going to pay you for that unless the government makes them install your systems. Considering that they have lobbyists to keep that from happening, I think your noble cause is unlikely to be a good career choice.

I suppose a degree in engineering would be the way to go.