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Chemical Processing

The chemical processing industry is where raw (bulk) materials undergo chemical conversion during their processing into finished products or products of value to other industries.

The chemical processing industry includes those manufacturing facilities whose products result from:

  • Chemical reactions between organic or inorganic materials, or both,
  • Separation, or purification of a natural product, extraction, with or without the aid of chemical reactions,
  • The preparation of specifically formulated mixtures of materials, either natural or synthetic.

While the chemical processing industry is primarily the realm of the chemical process engineer and the chemist, it also involves a wide range of other scientific, engineering, and economic specialists.

Chemical processing is a way of making changes to chemical compounds. Chemical processing is done to change the chemical structure of raw (bulk) materials to obtain products of value to other industries / in daily life.

These products include agrochemicals, petrochemicals, oleochemicals, ceramics, polymers, rubber, fragrances, flavors, and explosives.

Chemical processing plants use specialized equipment and technology in the manufacturing process that can withstand the most demanding requirements and rigorous operating conditions.

The extreme conditions in chemical processing facilities place exceptional demands on equipment to stand up to heat, pressure, stress, and corrosion over a working life that can span decades.

Chemical solids processing unit operations are everywhere in chemical processing plants, yet most chemical engineers are not equipped to deal with particle technology process problems.

Chemical process definition = Method or changing one or more chemicals or chemical compounds. This process can occur by itself or be caused by an outside force and involves a chemical reaction.

The chemical engineering process focuses on designing processes that deliver optimum performance in technology, economy, environment and meeting society’s needs.

The chemical engineering process can be divided into the following disciplines:

  • Process design
  • Process control
  • Process operations
  • Supporting tools
  • Process economics

Chemical plants contain a variety of hazards. The usual mechanical risks can cause worker injuries, and there are chemical hazards. These chemical hazards include toxic, reactivity, and fire- and explosion hazards.

Chemical Process Safety

More complex processes require more complex chemical process safety, and chemical process engineers will need a more detailed and fundamental understanding of process safety. Chemical process safety has developed into a scientific discipline that includes many highly technical theories and practices.

The chemical process operator is generally responsible for chemical processing, mixing, and packaging operations within the chemical processing plant.

They monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify the conformity of process conditions.

Chemical process operators move control settings to make the necessary adjustments on process equipment affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.

They are responsible for transferring the chemicals through the various process and storage areas using conveyors, tanks, and other transfer systems.

The operator must know and observe all safety procedures, organizational rules, and environmental policies.

Additionally, the chemical process operator researches and troubleshoots problems during product transfer.

In general, chemical process engineers are responsible for developing new industrial processes and designing new chemical process plants and equipment or modifying existing ones.

Chemical process engineers begin by experimenting in the laboratory, followed by implementing the technology in full-scale production.

Chemical process engineers must have a complete and quantitative understanding of the engineering and scientific principles underlying these technological processes.

Chemical process engineers are in great demand because of the many industries that depend on the synthesis and processing of chemicals.

Chemicals are forms of matter with constant composition and properties.

Almost everything that physically exists is made up of chemicals or a mixture of multiple chemicals. For this reason, chemicals are vital in the process industries, along with almost every other industry in the world

While many of the products from the industry, such as soaps, detergents, and perfumes, are purchased directly by the consumer (consumer chemicals), others are used as intermediates to make other products.

Chemical processing describes how one chemical composition is transformed into another.

The chemical processing companies process various chemicals, chemical substances, and products. These include petrochemical and inorganic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial gases, plastics, rubbers, detergents, paints, coatings, pigments, and many others.

The chemical processing industry is essential to the modern global economy and plays a vital role in almost every other industry.

The chemical processing industry is one of the most heavily regulated and intensive industries, making staying up-to-date on all developments crucial for professionals.

Receiving relevant chemical processing news and innovations can be extremely useful to industry professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing chemical facilities in the world.

By having access to the latest chemical processing news, decision-makers can take the steps needed to be prepared or become compliant.

Be supplied with the technical knowledge to run a successful chemical plant with the latest chemical processing news.

A chemical processing company is considered innovative when it infuses significant capital in researching and developing a particular process.

Chemical and allied products require advanced research and development, mainly when used for scientific research. It must be underlined that this research is only the beginning of chemical processing innovations and not its end.

Chemical processing innovations

In chemicals and organic chemicals, the development of new products depends on the findings of scientific experiments performed at the laboratory level.

A laboratory breakthrough is, typically, very far from the availability of a commercializable product.

Chemical processing plants use a particular technology in the manufacturing process that can withstand the most challenging requirements and severe operating conditions.

The extreme conditions in chemical processing facilities place exceptional demands on equipment to stand up to heat, pressure, stress, and corrosion over a working life that can span decades.

chemical processing equipment

Chemical Process Equipment is utilized by engineers who specify, design, maintain or run chemical and process plants.

Chemical process technology covers all primary areas in chemical process engineering: design, operation, analysis, optimization, troubleshooting, control, safety, and supervision of chemical processing operations.

Many processes in the chemical are usually operated continuously.

Maintenance and other service activities are often only possible once a year during a planned plant shutdown.

Nowadays, computer simulations or other computer calculations help select the best suitable chemical process technology.

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Articles about Chemical Processing

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  • Chemical Processing – Market Focus: April 27, 2023 download
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Experts for Chemical Processing

Arie Srugo was born in 1960 to the late Yaakov Srugo, who established his first factory for the production of industrial machinery in 1954 in Argentina.Ltd. “. In the mid-1970s, the factory was moved to the southern town of Netivot. Arie Srugo was employed in the factory as a salesman from the age of 16 and “pumped” into it the knowledge regarding machines for industry from an early age. In 1981, after his release from regular service in the army, Arie Srugo joined the company and was appointed its VP of Marketing. As part of his role as VP of Marketing and as CEO of the company, Arie Srugo has accumulated vast knowledge regarding industrial equipment in general and mixing equipment in particular. The company under his management began to export its machines all over the world and gained a great reputation among the companies in Israel. As part of his extensive activity in the field, Arie Srugo engaged in consulting, characterization, process planning, and adaptation of various industrial equipment to the company’s many customers. In addition, the company engaged in the planning and management of entire projects that the PerMix company undertook. Here in fact began to accumulate vast knowledge and experience in the field of planning and management of projects in the field of process for industry. PerMix, headed by Arie Srugo, has also managed projects abroad in various and varied fields. Throughout PerMix’s years of operation, the company has grown from primarily manufacturing under OEM contracts, building some of the largest brands in the industry, to complete, turn-key processing lines under the PerMix name.
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Chuck Johnson is the director of sales at National Bulk Equipment, located in Holland, Michigan. His professional experience includes over 25 years in the design, engineering, & sales of bulk material handling equipment & systems. Johnson holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University.
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Nathan Grube is Regional Vice President of Sales for BinMaster covering the central United States including a ten-state area stretching from North Dakota to Texas. He joined BinMaster in 2001, already equipped with five years of experience in agricultural equipment. Grube has worked with end users, distributors, and OEMs across the US. His vast expertise covers many industries including agriculture, aggregates, cement, plastics, and mining, among others.
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Design Engineer, Project Manager, Territory and Sales Manager with 40+ years of experience in capture at source designs, sales and installation projects for high and low vacuum and dust collection and filtration systems and explosion and fire mitigation in dust collection systems.
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Chris has been working at Spiroflow for over 10 years and is currently in the role of technical sales manager. He handles all the technical drawings and specifications during the sale and aides our drawing office while the equipment is designed, he also assists the manufacturing department with the build. His vast knowledge of powder handling and mechanical design is why he is involved in every aspect of designing our powder handling solutions.
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As the Sales Manager at Foeth, Michel Terlouw possesses an enthusiasm for international trade and excels in identifying the perfect match for every customer. In a company like Foeth, individuals with a solid technical background are truly indispensable. Clients from across the globe visit to explore our extensive inventory of pre-owned machines, and it’s essential to collaborate closely with each customer to determine which machine best suits their intended application. Michel is impassioned by the collaborative process of discovering the ideal machine alongside the customer because it aligns with our mission. The pursuit of finding the perfect solution is not only gratifying but also contributes to advancing sustainability within the industry.
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Travis has over 20 years of experience in the dry bulk solids industry and is the President at Vortex, an engineering and manufacturing company that specialises in process valves and loading solutions specifically for solids handling. Travis has worked on solution-driven installations across six continents and has a strong knowledge of market-specific regulations and requirements within the industry.
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Gareth Meese works as Regional Sales Director – EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Northern Africa) for Eriez-Europe, a global leader in several key technology areas, including magnetic separation, metal detection, and material handling equipment. With nearly 20 years of experience in continuously-evolving positions, Gareth is well versed in bulk material handling applications. When Gareth joined Eriez as an Export Sales Engineer, he led several Eriez teams tasked with expanding business throughout Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and the Czech Republic. Later, as Export Sales Manager, he concentrated on growing Eriez-Europe in Russia, Europe and Northern Africa. His recent promotion expands his geographic responsibilities further with the addition of the Middle East and India. Gareth has been instrumental in pursuing Eriez’ vision and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Cardiff University. Gareth is more than prepared to discuss and recommend a tailored solution for any unique bulk material handling application.
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Matthew Bailey – Technical Lead

Matthew is a mechanical engineer holding an honours degree from the Auckland University of Technology and has been responsible for BFM® Global’s product development, testing and compliance programme for almost 5 years. Matt’s experience is centered on the powder handling industry with a specific focus on flexible connectors, and all the compliance requirements around them. From food to pharmaceutical and all industries in between, Matt works with our Distributor partners, end users and OEMs from Europe, Asia and the Americas to solve application challenges. He regularly attends industry tradeshows around the world and understands the complex requirements of each different market.
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Robert brings over 25 years of experience for bulk material handling and material processing equipment to Material Transfer. At MTS, he is responsible to fostering new business opportunities while nurturing account relationships. His depth of experience and industry knowledge allows our Team to meet the growing needs of our customers as we continue to provide the highest quality systems to the marketplace.
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