Overview of the SpecialtyBatch Chemical Sector

1
Overview of the Specialty-Batch Chemical Sector

• Sector definition and profile

2
Specialty Batch Definitions

• Specialty Chemical
• a chemical product that contains distinctly
  placed atoms to give it a special function. More
  often than not, the chemical has one specific
  use.
• Batch Processing
• A manufacturing method in which two or more
  chemicals are reacted in a system to yield a
  specific chemical compound. This is a single
  reaction that has a distinct beginning and end.

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Specialty Chemicals

• Material Additives
• Enhances performance of materials
• to make nylon strong enough for seatbelts
• to make plastic soft and pliable
• Ingredients
• Components in a formulation or mixture
• active ingredient in a medicine
• to allow soap to dissolve grease in water

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Specialty Chemicals

• Intermediates
• Compounds used to make other chemicals
• Often used in multi-step synthesis
• The result of each step is considered an
  intermediate, until the last step
• The last step yields the desired compound
• Generally, the public does not come into contact
  with intermediates

5
Product Applications

• Medicine
• Food Products
• Plastics
• Cosmetics, soaps, personal hygiene products
• Clothing and textiles
• Detergents and cleaners
• Adhesives and pressure-sensitive tapes
• Performance chemicals

• Inks, dyes, and pigments
• Electronics
• Flavors and fragrances
• Paints, varnishes, sealers, and other coatings
• Gasoline, tires and lubricants
• Crop protection
• Automobiles
• Computers

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Specialty-Batch Businesses

• Contract Manufacturing
• Batch producer makes a compound, under contract,
  for another chemical company
• Often done in small quantities
• RD
• Specialize in specific type of chemistry and
  perform RD for other companies
• Pilot and Development
• Test production methods and techniques on a small
  scale prior to commercialization
• Niche chemical market companies for small
  quantity chemicals

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Batch Processing

• Process is a chemical reaction that takes place
  in a reactor
• Reactors range in size from kilogram-scale
  containers to units up to several hundred
  kilograms in size
• Typically less than 16 feet high
• Batch processing allows different products to be
  made in the same reactor or system
• A batch producer can make over 100 different
  chemicals in a given year

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Why Use a Batch Process?

• Not enough product demand to make continuously
• More practical and feasible for multi-step
  synthesis
• Allows chemists to maximize the yield of a
  desired compound, which reduces waste
• Can reduce overall process complexity

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SOCMA Members

• Over 300 companies (1700 facilities)
• Primarily specialty chemical producers and
  importers
• Make the most diverse number of chemicals,
  usually by batch processing
• Mostly (75) small businesses
• One of the most innovative business sectors,
  affecting the entire economy

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SOCMA Member Companies