Batch or Continuous

Batch or Continuous

1. Large amounts of chemical

   • Ammonia - fertilizers
   • Advantages

2. Small amounts of chemical

   • A set amount each time
   • Medicines
     • Drug costs
       • Research and testing (3 - 4 years +)
         • Need to make sure it actually works
           • Clinical trials
             • Similar compounds can be produce to try to reduce side effects
         • Toxicology tests, animal testing, human trials
       • Energy costs
       • Development time
       • Labour costs
       • Raw materials
       • Marketing, legal costs
   • Advantages
     • Supply + Demand
     • Medicines have a best before date
   • Disadvantages
     • Has to be supervised so labour costs are high
     • Vessels are not used as efficiently as a continuous process

3. Large amounts of chemical

   • Keeps going, do not switch off!
   • Advantages
     • Works at full capacity for high demand
     • Makes a large amount of product
     • Kept running at optimum conditions
     • Less energy to maintain than to stop and start the process
   • Ammonia - Fertilizers
     • Sulphuric Acid - Different compounds
   • Disadvantages
     • Costs an enormous amount to build
     • If production is slowed, efficiency decreases
       • Product becomes more expensive