The production of selected heavy inorganic chemicals

As shown in Table 1.1, the number of chemicals manufactured as bulk commodities is large. Consequently, in this account we have focused on just a few representative examples that embody the major considerations which underpin the operation of a viable manufacturing unit. These are sulfuric acid phosphoric acid ammonia, nitric acid and nitrates the chlor-alkali industry and the inorganic fluorine industry. 

Continuous-mode operation has important implications for the location of a production plant. In order to minimize the transportation of large quantities of chemicals, the plant is ideally located near to both sources of raw materials and also the users of the product(s). It is often difficult to achieve both these requirements, so the emphasis tends to be on the former. Another important consideration for these 

The Winnington alkali chemical production plant, near Runcorn, Cheshire, operated by the Brunner-Mond 

A postcard from Widnes, depicting early chemical production in the area. The wording on the reverse is Widnes with the lid ojf makes the sun hide its face. 

Subsequently, inorganic chemical production expanded and diversified into other areas. Anhydrite (calcium sulfate) was mined for use in sulfuric acid production, nitric acid and fertilizer production was introduced, and later organic chemicals and polymer production began, expanding to nearby Wilton. Ammonia and mineral acids are still manufactured to this day on the Billingham site. 

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