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

Experts for Chemical Processing

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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Sylvain Bellamy is currently the Commercial Director for Powder Process and Technology at Tetra Pak, based in France. With over 25 years of specialized experience in powder processing, handling, and packing, Sylvain has held various roles across the Americas and Europe, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the global market. Sylvain’s robust background in the food processing industry has sharpened his powder expertise during his years at Tetra Pak, where he contributed to developing innovative powder processing solutions. He leverages his extensive experience to drive strategic growth and operational excellence, always ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge technology and solutions that bring innovations to the market. Contact: Sylvain.Bellamy@tetrapak.com
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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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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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Carrie Hartford is the Director of Business Development and Senior Project Engineer in Jenike & Johanson’s office in California. For nearly 2 decades, she has been solving challenging bulk material flow related problems around the world. Typical projects include the analysis and design of bins, hoppers, feeders, and transfer chutes. Previously, she opened and established an engineering office and laboratory facilities in Perth, Western Australia. Internationally she publishes and presents technical papers, participates in conferences, and presents numerous short courses in the field of bulk solids flow. Carrie has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Azusa Pacific University in California. She is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.
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Emre Ergun is the Head of Sales of IEP Technologies Europe. He brings over 24 years of experience in the industrial explosion protection and prevention field, specializing in explosion suppression & isolation systems, venting (including flameless venting), and spark detection & extinguishment solutions. He is also experienced on dust explosibility testing methods, applications and relevant standards. He holds BS Chemical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, MS Engineering Management from Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering, Boston MA and MBA from Babson College, F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Wellesley MA USA. Mr. Ergun is a certified safety auditor (CSA) by the National Association of Safety Professionals, NASP.
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Malcolm has an extensive background as a Mechanical Engineer in Material Handling and Sieving Technology and has been working on Vibratory Sifter Technology for well over 40 years, with the last 21 years at Kason Europe. Malcolm currently holds the role of Technical Sales Engineer. He handles all the technical aspects of providing the Regional Sales Managers with the quotations they require to sell the AMP/AHS range of equipment globally. He also assists the RSM’S with customer queries and final deal negotiations as well as liaising with the Engineering team to ensure a smooth transition between sales and GA approval. His vast knowledge means that he also offers and provides training where required on the AMP product range of equipment across the European Sales group.
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More than 35 years’ experience in development and realisation projects as a project manager for feed, aqua feed and petfood. Working at Dinnissen for 25 years as account manager in feed, aqua feed and petfood division. Specialist in developing major projects with added value focussing on pneumatic conveying, mixing, drying, grinding and coating with liquid and powder systems.
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Chris Nawalaniec is President at Stedman Machine Company, the Aurora, Ind.-based manufacturer of size reduction equipment and systems, founded in 1834. Nawalaniec graduated from the University of Cincinnati (BSME, MBA) and has more than 30 years professional experience in size reduction and particle size separation.
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Since 2016, David Hyer has served as the President and General Manager of Thayer Scale and is responsible for daily operations. In 2013, he rejoined the company after serving as the division manager of the circuit-board test and inspection business at Teradyne. His professional experience includes senior management positions in sales and business development at Teradyne and two venture capital-backed startups. His first position was with Thayer Scale in 1985 as a college student writing machine-level code for the PI-164 instrument. David has expertise in the design and manufacture of market-leading conveyor belt scales and gravimetric feeders. With an unyielding focus on product line specialization and quality, the company’s portfolio of products and customized solutions are tailored to the unique requirements of its three key segments; Food, Energy & Building Products, and Chemical & Industrial. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. He is married with three children and enjoys tennis, golf, and spending time on his boat.
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