Richard Herman Wilhelm (January 10, 1909 – August 6, 1968) was an American chemical engineer notable for developing a new method of fluid separation called chemical parametric pumping.[1] Wilhelm was also notable for pioneering in the development of fluid beds, which according to Princeton University "revolutionized the petroleum-cracking process".[2] Princeton University established Wilhelm Lectures in his honor.[3] Wilhelm was a member of the National Academy of Engineering[3] [4] Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,[2] and a chairman of the department of chemical engineering at Princeton University.[1] [2] Princeton University called Wilhelm "an authority on chemical reaction engineering".[2]
Wilhelm was born in New York City and received B.S in engineering, M.S. in chemical engineering and Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1931, 1932 and 1934, respectively.[4] He then spent his all of his career at Princeton University until his death in 1968, becoming chairman of chemical engineering department in 1954.[4]