Fine processing technology

K. Kalantar, Digest-C5 Fine Process Technology Japan 1997 7th Seminar, (1997), pp. 11-18... 

More recent examples include Ampac Fine Chemicals (AFC) in California, who implemented a multipurpose continuous small-scale plant for the production of several hundred tons of API per year [31], and Sigma-Aldrich s Fine Chemicals, which has been adding continuous-process technology within its Buch facility [32]. 

Improvement in the processing and vulcanized qualities of a range of systems have been reported over the past decades. Modification of natural rubber, due to work in the British Rubber Producers Research Association, yields some of the most striking applications of microgel. A detailed study at the MV Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technology, in Moscow, on the effect of microgels on mechanical properties of cis-polyisoprene and butadiene-styrene rubbers extensively illustrates the properties of blends from latex combination of microgel and conventional or linear systems.(31)... 

In terms of size, resources, and complexity of the chemical process technologies mastered, the fine-chemical companies can be broadly divided into three categories ... 

A recent example of a product that is demanding in terms of process chemistry is a new herbicide from BASF. The seven-step synthesis requires bromination, chlorination, carbonylation, oxydation (with H2O2), hydrogenation, and a reaction with ethylene. As no fine-chemical manufacturer was in a position to offer the whole range of process technologies, the manufacture will be split between two fine-chemical companies. 

Process technologies used primarily for the production of large-volume commodities, such as phosgenation or ammonoxidation, are further exploited for fine-chemical production. 

Huggins, F. E Shah, N., Huffman, G. P. Robertson, J. D. 2000. XAFS spectroscopic characterization of elements in combustion ash and fine particulate matter. Fuel Processing Technology, 65-66, 203-218. 

E. Doetsch and H. Doliwa, "Economical and Process Technology Aspects of Cast Iron Mdting," Electrowarmelnt. 37(B3), B157 (1979), contains an economic comparison fuel-fined and electric iron foundry melting furnaces. 

Some of the plants readily release numerous fine, strong, and long fibers that could be spun into fine yams comparable to those observed in the prehistoric fabrics (21, 22). While coarser splits of wood could have been used in making baskets or cordage, the first focus of the CPFC was the fibers used in textiles that would show advanced fiber processing technology. 

V feber, A., Tschernjaew, J., Beutin, M., and Kimmel, R., Fine particle production by precipitation with compressed or supercritical uids, Ftnoc. of 1st European Symposium Process Technology in Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, H. Leuenberger, (Ed.), PARTEC 98, 10-12 March, Numberg, Germany, pp. 121-130(1998). 

Furthermore, in the synthesis of fine chemicals typical process technology considerations, for example space-time-yield, are less important than for bulk chemicals. Because of the relatively small production outputs batch reactors are the most common apparatus in which to perform the synthesis. New chances in the field of fine chemistry may be offered by micro-reaction technology. Microstruc-tured systems can be used to improve heat transfer which may be critical for highly exothermic reactions and, furthermore, they may be also useful in reactions where fast mixing of components is recommended. 

This strategy is mostly technology-driven and the emphasis is on the development of the catalyst and new catalytic process technology usually the domain of fine chemicals companies who want to apply their own technology and who can choose the molecules for which to develop a new process. Important issues are most often the search for the catalyst, development of the process and the technical catalyst synthesis. 

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