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

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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Tim Llewellyn is the Global Projects & Applications Engineering Manager at Flexicon Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of bulk handling equipment and custom-engineered systems. He has over 20 years of experience managing and delivering complex global projects within the bulk material handling industry, including expertise across multiple sectors, including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and plastics. Tim has a proven track record of building and managing teams focused on helping clients solve their powder handling challenges. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University.
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With over 20 years of experience in separation and filtration technology, Steven Davis is a Senior Sales Engineer at Russell Finex, a global leader in sieving and filtration solutions. He specializes in helping manufacturers across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and coatings optimize production efficiency and product quality. Steven’s expertise in vibratory sieving and filtration enables him to deliver tailored solutions that improve throughput, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with industry standards. His commitment to innovation and efficiency helps businesses achieve higher operational performance and sustainability goals.
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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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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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John has been working as a Mechanical Engineer in Mixing & Sieving Technology for over 47 years, the last 6 at Kason and is currently in 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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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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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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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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George Bougioukas, Plant Manager of Acmon systems has over a 20 years of experience in plant process design for both mechanical and automation engineering in a wide range of industrial sectors. He has gained a unique knowhow of cross-cutting technologies and applications bringing the organization to reach a new industrial value chain era. George’s expertise includes applications ranging from reception and storage of raw materials, pneumatic and mechanical conveying, sieving, weighing and dosing, mixing, up to bagging and final product dispatch. Behind George there is a dedicated team of engineers who like him are constantly striving to improve design and performance of all plants Acmon systems has been delivering all around the globe for the last 30years on a turnkey basis.
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